Brian Van Belle: Everything you need to know

Van Belle (elbow) signed a two-year, minor-league contract with the Rays on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. The Rays let go of Van Belle earlier in the offseason following surgery to repair his UCL, but he will now rejoin the organization while he rehabs his injury. The 29-year-old righty isn't expected to pitch at all in 2026, but he may be an option for the Rays' 2027 pitching staff after turning in a 3.26 ERA and 1.11 WHIP over 105 Triple-A innings in 2025.

The Rays outrighted Van Belle (elbow) to Triple-A Durham on Thursday. Van Belle was diagnosed with a UCL sprain in September, and Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports that the righty had surgery and will miss all of the 2026 season. It's unclear what specific procedure he had, but if it was Tommy John, it would be the second of his career. Van Belle will remain in the organization while he rehabs.

The Rays activated Van Belle (elbow) from the 60-day injured list and designated him for assignment Thursday. Van Belle suffered a UCL sprain in September, and it's unclear if the injury will be addressed via rest and rehab or surgery. Regardless, the 29-year-old will be placed on waivers. He appeared in four games with Tampa Bay in 2025, marking his first MLB action.