Alexander Cook: Everything you need to know

Triple-A Durham activated Cook (intercostal) from the 7-day injured list May 23. Cook, after missing a little over two weeks of action due to an intercostal strain, has turned in back-to-back scoreless outings since returning to the mound. The 25-year-old right-hander has made 13 appearances (three starts) at the Triple-A level in 2026, posting a 5.02 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 16:7 K:BB covering 14.1 innings.

Cook was placed on the 7-day injured list Monday due to a right intercostal strain, per MLB.com. Through 12.1 innings for Triple-A Durham before getting injured, the 25-year-old right-hander posted a 5.84 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 15:6 K:BB. Cook's timetable for a return to the mound is unclear, but he could end up missing multiple weeks before being cleared.

The Rays optioned Cook to minor-league camp Sunday. The 24-year-old was added to Tampa Bay's 40-man roster in November but was always a longshot to crack the Opening Day roster. Cook missed some time in 2025 due to injuries but pitched well for Double-A Montgomery when available, finishing with a 2.30 ERA, 0.86 WHIP and 18:3 K:BB over 15.2 innings.