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Rays News: Top prospects included in roster cuts, Nationals return Rule 5 reliever

ByMason Stacy|
Mar 12, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Evan Reifert (86) throws a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images
Mar 12, 2023; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Evan Reifert (86) throws a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images | Reinhold Matay-Imagn Images

MLB coaching staffs dread this stage of spring training when they have to send several players to minor league camp after watching them work hard with their teammates all spring training. However, most of these cuts shouldn't have come as a shocker to Rays fans because the depth chart has been established since the beginning of camp for the most part. Some of these players will likely still make an impact on the team as the season rolls on due to circumstances such as injuries and poor performances.

Rays send top prospects down to minor league camp as we approach Opening Day

The Rays cut eight players from their roster today as we get closer and closer to Opening Day. Among those athletes were top prospects Carson Williams and Chandler Simpson as Tampa Bay looks to prep these future stars for their minor league club. Both players will probably start with Triple-A Durham which will allow them to be one step away from the big leagues.

The other six players that were optioned to the minors were Logan Driscoll, Jake Mangum, Kameron Misner, Cole Sulser, Jacob Waguespack, and 26-year old catcher Kenny Piper. The only one that was a tad surprising was former Blue Jays reliever Waguespack because of his experience and incredible showing last outing. On Monday against the New York Mets, the 31-year old hurler threw two perfect innings and struck out four opponents.

Outfielders Jake Mangum and Kameron Misner have shown great production this spring, as both hitters hovered around a .400 batting average. Mangum began to heat up at the tail-end of spring training, highlighted by a two-homer game against the Nationals on Sunday. With the lack of strong depth in the outfield this year, don't be surprised to see both of these guys contribute in the big leagues in 2025.

Nationals send Rule 5 pick Evan Reifert back to the Rays

The Washington Nationals selected Rays minor league reliever Evan Reifert in the Rule 5 draft this offseason. The 6'4 reliever was coming off of a masterful Double-A season with the Biscuits. He finished with a 2-0 record and a 1.96 ERA in 41 innings out of the bullpen.

However, the Iowa native had an atrocious spring with his new club, as he pitched to the tune of a 15.63 ERA in 6.1 innings. Reifert gave up 11 earned runs and walked 12 opposing hitters with the NL East organization, so they made the easy decision of returning his services to the Rays. Tampa Bay accepted this exchange, so the prospect will probably start the season with Triple-A Durham.

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