MILWAUKEE -- The Rays made just one minor change to their roster for the franchise’s third appearance in the World Series, bringing back left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger to replace hard-throwing prospect Brody Hopkins.
The Rays announced their roster on Friday morning, hours before Game 1 at American Family Field, and offered no further surprises.
Cleavinger, who finished the regular season on the injured list due to arm fatigue, was on Tampa Bay’s American League Division Series roster but didn’t pitch against the Yankees. The Rays removed him from their AL Championship Series roster in favor of Hopkins, who didn’t pitch against the Guardians. Ultimately, Tampa Bay elected to bring back the experienced lefty over the young right-hander.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said he would prefer to give Cleavinger “a little bit of a soft landing” early in the series, given how long it’s been since he pitched in a real game, but the Rays expect he’ll play a meaningful role as the series continues.
“He threw the ball well going into the ALCS, and we made a decision, like, we didn't want to rush it,” Cash said. “Then I think you look at him being able to … basically keep his arm in shape, throw to some hitters throughout the CS and definitely on the days off in between, given Milwaukee's left-handedness or potential to be left-handed, I think that can really help us.”
That was the only change the Rays made to their 26-man roster after beating the Guardians in six games. The team will carry 14 position players and 12 pitchers, with three sure-thing starters (Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen and Freddy Peralta) and everyone else will be available out of the bullpen in Game 1.
Here is the complete roster:
Pitchers (12): Drew Rasmussen, Freddy Peralta, Nick Martinez, Griffin Jax, Ian Seymour, Bryan Baker, Tyler Wells, Kevin Kelly, Cam Booser, Cole Sulser, Steven Matz, Garrett Cleavinger
Catchers (2): Liam Hicks, Nick Fortes
Infielders: (6): Jonathan Aranda, Richie Palacios, Taylor Walls, Junior Caminero, Ben Williamson, Jorge Mateo
Outfielders (5): Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca, Ryan Vilade
Designated hitter (1): Yandy Díaz