Rays call up RHP prospect Hopkins, who throws 102
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ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays are adding some big-time velocity to their bullpen, as they called up pitching prospect Brody Hopkins from Triple-A Durham on Saturday.
The club optioned right-hander Alex Cook to Durham to make room for Hopkins on the active roster and designated righty Michael Grove for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Hopkins joined the Rays, who clinched a spot in the postseason on Friday night, ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Astros at Tropicana Field. He will wear No. 88.
Hopkins is the Rays’ No. 7 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, and the club’s top-ranked pitching prospect. Initially acquired from Seattle as part of Tampa Bay’s return for Randy Arozarena in July 2024, Hopkins has long possessed some of the nastiest stuff in the Minors, though he’s had some issues staying in the strike zone.
The ultra-athletic right-hander spent most of the season as a starter and put together a 5.40 ERA with 106 strikeouts and 87 walks in 85 innings over 22 outings from March 28-Aug. 6. He then made the move to a one-inning relief role, similar to fellow prospect Ty Johnson as he auditioned for a spot in the big league bullpen, and the results have been encouraging.
In nine innings over nine appearances since Aug. 15, Hopkins has allowed three runs on seven hits and five walks while striking out 16 of the 39 batters he’s faced. On Wednesday night, the 24-year-old touched 102.1 mph with his fastball during an appearance that showcased his high-octane stuff.