The Rays made a series of moves on Sunday, including trading reliever Hunter Strickland to the Angels and infielder Yoshi Tsutsugo to the Dodgers. Tampa Bay received a player to be named later or cash considerations in each deal.

Strickland pitched well during his time with the Rays, posting a 1.69 ERA and striking out 16 batters over 16 innings in 13 appearances. The veteran right-hander, once a mainstay of the Giants’ bullpen, worked primarily in low-leverage situations for the Rays, but he seemed to re-establish himself after a couple rough seasons with the Mariners, Nationals and Mets.

“I think we're getting healthier. Hunter Strickland's done a tremendous job for us,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We wish him well … with an opportunity to go over to Anaheim and contribute to what they're doing.”

As for Tsutsugo, the infielder had been designated for assignment after another slow start. Signed to a two-year, $12 million deal in December 2019, Tsutsugo hit just .167 in 26 games this season after hitting .197 in 51 games as a rookie in 2020. The 29-year-old had zero home runs and 27 strikeouts in 87 plate appearances in '21.

“Certainly not the outcome that we had in mind, that Yoshi had in mind, but felt that this was the decision that at this point was best for our team as we look forward here,” Rays general manager Erik Neander said when Tsutsugo was DFA'd on Tuesday. “He was professional. He was gracious. We appreciate him for all the effort that he's put in to this point.”

The moves come on the same day that the Rays activated Ji-Man Choi from the injured list. He had been out since the start of the season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on March 31.

Tampa Bay also had the depth to move Strickland with both Michael Wacha (right hamstring tightness) and Chris Archer (right lateral forearm tightness) nearing returns from their respective injuries. Chaz Roe (right shoulder strain) and Oliver Drake (right flexor tendon strain) are still "a ways away," according to Cash, but they are also making progress.