Rays make Opening Day roster official

Bourjos' contract selected; Franklin, Maile designated for assignment

April 1st, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Rays announced their Opening Day roster Saturday morning prior to the team's voluntary workout at Tropicana Field.
Here's who the Rays will have on their 25-man active roster when they play the Yankees on Sunday afternoon:
Starting pitchers: Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, Alex Cobb, and
Relievers: Alex Colome, , , Tommy Hunter, , Danny Farquhar and Jumbo Diaz
Infielders: , , Brad Miller, Rickie Weeks Jr., Daniel Robertson and
Outfielders: , Steven Souza Jr., Corey Dickerson, , and
Catchers: and .

"We're happy for Daniel Robertson," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "We're happy for all of them. But Robby, Pruitt, those guys getting to experience something for the first time is pretty special. And it's special for us to be a part of."

Nick Franklin became a casualty of the moves as the utility man was designated for assignment. Cash allowed that the decision was made primarily due to defensive considerations. While Franklin can play shortstop, Robertson has played primarily shortstop throughout his professional career. With starting shortstop beginning the season on the disabled list, Tim Beckham will handle the starting duties. Robertson gives the Rays some insurance at the position.
"Nick hit the ball really well this spring," Cash said. "We needed to make sure that we were covered at shortstop, and we felt like [Robertson] did that. The decisions we made were to help us win. Win now. Win out of the gate."

Bourjos' contract was selected, so the Rays had to create room on their 40-man roster for him. They opted to designate recently optioned catcher for assignment on Sunday.
The Rays acquired Bourjos this week in a trade with the White Sox.
"[Bourjos] is a guy that we were kind of looking for during Spring Training," Cash said. "And even at the end part of the offseason. That right-handed bat. He's come in and he's done a nice job. He's a great guy. We're getting to know him. And he's played well since he's been here. He's an elite defensive outfielder. He'll add to our opposing-left-handed lineup."

Diaz was the last selection for the Rays' bullpen.
"We think that he can provide depth in our bullpen, and we think that he's got a chance to get some big outs for us with a couple of adjustments," Cash said.