3 Rays pitchers that could be added to the Opening Day roster after Alex Faedo injury

Injuries are an undeniable part of this sport and the Rays have unfortunately suffered their first victim of the spring. Alex Faedo has already had an injury-ridden career and he will now begin 2025 on the IL with a right shoulder injury. Shoulder pain for MLB pitchers should never be taken lightly, so the Rays have decided to allow him to recover as we near Opening Day.

Therefore, a roster spot has suddenly opened up for a lucky Rays reliever looking for an opportunity in the big leagues. Here's three hurlers we believer could snag this role in the coming days.

1. Mike Vasil

The Rays acquired former Mets No. 11 prospect in the Rule 5 draft this offseason. If a player is picked in the Rule 5 draft, then they must either make the roster of the club that selected them or get sent back to the previous team's minor league system.

Therefore, it has been a high-pressure spring training for the 25-year old right-hander. Regardless, he's performed pretty well after a rough start. Tampa Bay has given him plenty of opportunities as he's tossed 10.2 innings to this point. His ERA is a below-average 5.91, but his strikeout and walk numbers have been very respectable. Vasil is punching out 8.4 opponents per nine innings and walking 4.2 hitters per nine innings.

In an almost make-or-break start last Monday, the 6'5 starter threw three scoreless frames and struck out four Mets hitters. His performance was highlighted by punchouts of NL MVP runner-up Francisco Lindor and former Rays center fielder Jose Siri. It will be a tough decision down the stretch, but the Rays could decide to keep this former top prospect on their roster now.

2. Joe Boyle

Quite possibly the most talented pitcher in the Rays organization (and that's saying a lot), Joe Boyle has lit up the radar gun all spring, while also maintaining his command. Control issues were his kryptonite when he joined the Rays in the Jeffrey Springs deal. Therefore, if it's ultimately been fixed, the Rays will have to add the flamethrower to their roster eventually. So, why not now?

3. Jacob Waguespack

Jacob Waguespack is an interesting option for the Rays as they figure out their roster. The 6'6 pitcher previously threw 95 innings for the rival Blue Jays from 2019-2020, so his experience is a step up from the two other relievers.

Waguespack also appeared in 10 innings for the Rays last season before a crippling injury. The Louisiana native is looking to make a comeback to the big leagues. He helped himself recently when he collected four strikeouts in two perfect innings against the New York Mets. Unfortunately, the lanky righty was recently optioned to Durham, but we think the front office should reconsider their decision after this roster spot opened up.