Rays set roster with 9-man 'pen to start season

ST. PETERSBURG -- After a series of roster moves, the Rays announced their final 25-man roster on Wednesday.
Nathan Eovaldi was placed on the 10-day disabled list and headed for arthroscopic surgery due to "loose bodies" in his right elbow. José De León was placed on the 10-day DL after having Tommy John surgery. Right-hander Daniel Hudson was released and right-hander Austin Pruitt was recalled from Triple-A Durham.
Prior to Spring Training, the prediction for who would be on the Rays 25-man roster looked considerably different than it does today thanks to trades that sent Jake Odorizzi, Steven Souza Jr. and Corey Dickerson packing.
Of note, the Rays are an organization that likes to look outside the box to identify new ways to gain any advantage, and they've already announced one such move this spring. They plan to use a four-man rotation that will be supplemented by a bullpen day when a fifth starter is needed.
Thus, the Rays planned to start the season with an eight-man bullpen. The composition of the 'pen reflects the new plan, as it includes relievers Ryan Yarbrough, Andrew Kittredge and Yonny Chirinos, all of whom are flexible enough to handle different roles, including multiple-inning outings.
Given Eovaldi's status, that plan will need to be tweaked. The team has not yet decided who will fill his spot, leaving it with three starters and nine relievers on the roster to start the season. Prospects Brent Honeywell Jr. and De Leon had Tommy John surgery this spring, which further hurt the Rays' depth.
Outfielder Rob Refsnyder, whom Tampa Bay acquired Tuesday from the Indians for cash considerations, claimed the final roster spot for position players. Here's the roster:
Starting pitchers (3): Chris Archer, Blake Snell, Jake Faria
Relief pitchers (9): José Alvarado, Austin Pruitt, Matt Andriese, Yonny Chirinos, Alex Colome, Andrew Kittredge, Chaz Roe, Sergio Romo, Ryan Yarbrough
Catchers (2): Wilson Ramos, Jesús Sucre
Infielders (6): C.J. Cron, Matt Duffy, Adeiny Hechavarría, Brad Miller, Daniel Robertson, Joey Wendle
Outfielders (5):Carlos Gómez, Kevin Kiermaier, Mallex Smith, Denard Span, Rob Refsnyder.