3 Rays players who've already proven they don't belong on roster after May 1

Rays fans have seen some standout players that have taken the league by storm early into the season. Jonathan Aranda is statistically pacing two-time MVP Aaron Judge and Jake Mangum is currently leading the American League with seven swiped bags. However, there have also been some bleak spots in the roster that need to be handled if this club is going to play October baseball. Here's the three players that should be removed from the roster by next month.

1. Hunter Bigge

If you look at Bigge's numbers at face value, they don't appear to be too underwhelming. He currently has a 3.86 ERA with six strikeouts in seven innings. However, the hard-throwing right-hander has also allowed three home runs. They were all solo shots, but it's still concerning to see that much pop coming against a Rays reliever. Two of those homers were actually back-to-back blasts from Ozzie Albies and Sean Murphy to tie up last Saturday's game. The Rays would eventually drop that contest as Atlanta avoided being swept to worsen their rough start.

2. Ben Rortvedt

As opposed to Hunter Bigge, there hasn't really been a wrinkle of hope for the Rays backup catcher. In 14 at-bats to start the season, Ben Rortvedt remains hitless. He's only reached base twice via the walk, but the productivity level has been dismal. His defense doesn't account for enough to receive little to no offense. The only other catcher on the 40-man roster is 27-year old Logan Driscoll. He struggled at the plate in 35 at-bats last season, hitting .171 with one home run. Nonetheless, the Durham Bulls backstop would likely perform better than Rortvedt is right now.

3. Curtis Mead

After posting ridiculous spring stats, Curtis Mead has struggled to begin the regular season. This is exactly why everyone says that spring training doesn't count. His inability to get into a groove to start the season could still cause him to be sent down to Triple-A Durham. Many other clubs would continue to carry the Australian third baseman for his immense potential, but the Rays are running into the beneficial problem of having too many infielders on their roster. With Richie Palacios and Ha-Seong Kim eyeing early May returns, Erik Neander and company will have to choose an infielder or two to send back to the minors. Unfortunately, Mead's .190 AVG puts him at the top of that list.