The Tampa Bay Rays have a 4-5-2 record so far this spring. They head into today’s Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox. Last year, the Rays finished with an 80-82 record. They finished fourth in the AL East division, 14 games back of the New York Yankees. They continue Grapefruit League action today and have announced four roster moves ahead of the game today.
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SS – Ricardo Gonzalez
The Rays have assigned Gonzalez to the roster ahead of today’s game against the Red Sox. Last year Gonzalez played in 95 games in Single-A with the Charleston Riverdogs. He had a .203 batting average with a slash line of .296/.247/.543 on the year. He had 11 doubles, 24 runs scored, and stole 18 bases as well in Single-A.
CF – Homer Bush JR
Bush JR was assigned by the Rays to the roster today ahead of the game. Last year Bush was traded from the San Diego Padres to the Rays in the deal for RHP Jason Adam. He played his entire 2024 in the Single-A+ league. His time was split between the Fort Wayne Tincaps (SDP) and the Bowling Green Hot Rods (TB). In 114 games last year, he had a .272 batting average with a slash line of .363/.363/.726. He had 14 doubles, six home runs, 30 RBIs, and stole 57 bases last year.
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1B – Will Simpson
The Rays have assigned Simpson to the Roster ahead of today’s game with the Red Sox. Simpson spent last year in the Athletics organization. He was sent over this past December in a trade for Jeffrey Springs and Jacob Lopez. Last year he played in 127 games between Single-A+ and Double-A. The majority of the games came with Lansing Lugnuts in Single-A+. Overall last year he had a .282 batting average with a slash line of .378/.482/.860. He included 31 doubles, 18 home runs, 90 RBIs, and five steals over those 127 games.
C – J.D. Gonzalez
The Rays have assigned Gonzalez to the roster ahead of today’s match-up. He spent last year mostly within the Padres organization but was part of the Jason Adam trade in July. He played all 72 of his games in Single-A last year with the Lake Elsinore Storm (SDP). He also played with the Charleston Riverdogs (TB). In those games, he had a .161 batting average with a slash line of .268/.198/.466.
Overview:
The Tampa Bay Rays will continue working their way through spring training. They look to improve on last year’s disappointing season. With today’s moves to fill out the roster, many pieces from recent trades will be ready for action. These trades occurred in December and July of last year. The Rays always have a way of getting the most out of their young players. Bush JR has a lot of speed and is one to keep an eye on in the future. The productivity of Will Simpson from the 1B position should also pique the Rays fans’ interest as well.
