Rays acquire reliever Drake, DFA righty Schultz

January 4th, 2019

ST. PETERSBURG -- is on the move yet again.
For the second time this offseason, the Rays have acquired Drake, this time in a trade from the Blue Jays for cash considerations, the team announced Friday. To make room for Drake on the 40-man roster, Tampa Bay designated right-hander for assignment.
When a player's contract is designated for assignment -- often abbreviated "DFA" -- that player is immediately removed from his club's 40-man roster, and 25-man roster if he was on that as well. Within seven days of the transaction (it was previously 10 days), the player must either be traded, released or placed on irrevocable outright waivers.
Drake pitched last season for the Brewers, Indians, Angels, Blue Jays and Twins, compiling a 5.29 ERA. He found most of his success in Minnesota, finishing with a 2.21 ERA over 20 1/3 innings. Drake also had success last season against right-handed hitters, who hit just .223 off him compared to a .333 clip against left-handers.

The Rays initially claimed Drake off waivers from Minnesota on Nov. 1, but they designated him for assignment on Nov. 20 to make room on their 40-man roster to protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft. On Nov. 26, the Blue Jays claimed Drake from Tampa Bay before ultimately designating him for assignment on Dec. 30 once the club acquired starter from San Diego.
Schultz, 27, had multiple stints with the Rays last season, but he struggled over the last month of the season, finishing with a 5.64 ERA in 30 1/3 innings.