BALTIMORE -- The Rays reinstated right-hander Manuel Rodríguez from the 60-day injured list before Sunday’s series finale against the Orioles at Camden Yards, ending the reliever’s long road back from elbow surgery and adding another proven arm to their bullpen.
Rodríguez hasn’t pitched in the Majors since June 9, 2025. He was placed on the injured list soon after due to a right forearm strain, attempted to come back with a pair of Triple-A rehab appearances last July then underwent season-ending right elbow surgery on Aug. 8, 2025, a little more than a year ago.
It was an unfortunate turn for the righty, who had become one of the more reliable relievers in Tampa Bay’s bullpen at the time of the injury. In 71 appearances for the Rays in 2024 and ‘25, Rodríguez put together a 2.12 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 68 innings.
Rodríguez worked his way through the rehab process and spent about a month on a Minor League rehab assignment, advancing from the Rookie-level Florida Complex League to Single-A Charleston before making eight appearances for Triple-A Durham.
In 10 total Minor League outings, Rodríguez recorded a 9.00 ERA, giving up nine runs (eight earned) on 10 hits and four walks while striking out 14 in eight innings. He checked every box necessary, working more than one inning on Aug. 5 then pitching back-to-back days on Aug. 14-15.
To make room for Rodríguez’s return, the Rays designated right-hander Chris Roycroft for assignment.