ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Jeffrey Springs stood in front of the Rays’ dugout before Saturday’s game against the Reds and talked about the need to take things one day at a time as he returns from Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for nearly 16 months.
The 31-year-old lefty will start Tuesday evening against the Marlins at Tropicana Field, where he last pitched for the Rays on April 13. He exited in the fourth inning against the Red Sox.
“I am excited,” he said. “It’s been a long road. Obviously, it all hasn’t really sunk in yet. Over the next couple of days, I’m sure it’ll start to really hit home. I am just grateful to be back.”
Read: Trading Randy Arozarena To Seattle Could Be First Of Few Moves For Tampa Bay Rays
Springs transitioned from the bullpen to the rotation in 2022 and went 6-3 with a 2.40 ERA following the all-star break that year. He was rewarded with a four-year, $31-million deal and went into last season with the comfort of knowing he would be a fixture in the rotation. His season ended after three starts in which he allowed one earned run in 16 innings.
“I feel good with where I’m at physically and how my body’s responding and everything,” he said. “So, I’m just looking forward to getting out there competing.”
Rosario Traded: Amed Rosario was the seventh player traded by the Rays since the start of July when he was sent to the Dodgers on Monday night in return for minor-league pitcher Michael Flynn. It is the second straight year Rosario was dealt to Los Angeles at the trade deadline as he was acquired from Cleveland a year ago, The Rays signed him to a one-year, $1.5-million deal in spring training. He hit .307 in 76 games.
Rosario joins Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Jason Adam and Isaac Paredes to have been dealt with the possibility of more moves before Tuesday’s 6 p.m. trade deadline.
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