Poche was non-tendered by the Rays on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Poche has been a key high-leverage reliever for the Rays the last several seasons, picking up a combined 65 holds since 2022. He's also posted a WHIP no worse than 1.16 in that span, meaning he should be in relatively high demand on the open market.
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Poche was non-tendered by the Rays on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Poche has been a key high-leverage reliever for the Rays the last several seasons, picking up a combined 65 holds since 2022. He's also posted a WHIP no worse than 1.16 in that span, meaning he should be in relatively high demand on the open market.
The Rays acquired Orze from the Mets on Tuesday in exchange for Jose Siri, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. Orze, 27, yielded four runs over 1.2 frames during his first go-round in the majors in 2024 but posted a 2.92 ERA and 84:31 K:BB across 61.2 innings with Triple-A Syracuse. The Rays often work wonders with their relievers, so if they see something in Orze then he's probably worth keeping an eye on.
The Rays designated Lovelady for assignment Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Lovelady is a roster casualty as the Rays look to clear space on Rule 5 Draft protection day. The lefty reliever holds a career 4.98 ERA and 90:36 K:BB over 99.1 innings covering parts of five big-league seasons.
The Rays and Sulser avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports. Sulser had been eligible for arbitration for a second time. The 34-year-old reliever holds a career 3.74 ERA and 158:71 K:BB over 149 innings covering parts of six big-league seasons.
The Rays designated Shenton for assignment Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports. The club has decided it had a better use for a 40-man roster spot ahead of the Rule 5 Draft protection deadline. Shenton will turn 27 in January and has just 50 major-league plate appearances under his belt, but he's slashed .276/.391/.541 with 34 homers in 144 games at the Triple-A level, so there could be interest in the infielder via waivers.
Franco (personal) is facing charges of illegal use and possession of a firearm related to his arrest in an altercation in the Dominican Republic on Sunday, Juan Recio of ESPN.com reports. Franco is expected to be granted provisional release Tuesday, although terms of his bail have not yet been defined. The 23-year-old is on MLB administrative leave and is due to stand trial on Dec. 12 in the Dominican Republic involving charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. A concurrent investigation of Franco is being performed by MLB under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
Franco (personal) was arrested in the Dominican Republic on Monday following an altercation Sunday during which guns were drawn, Juan Recio of ESPN.com reports. Franco is being held for questioning and it's not yet clear whether he faces charges as a result of the incident. The 23-year-old is on MLB administrative leave and is due to stand trial on Dec. 12 in the Dominican Republic involving charges of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation against a minor and human trafficking. If convicted, Franco faces up to 20 years in prison. MLB is also performing a concurrent investigation of Franco under its domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy.
The Rays signed Waguespack to a one-year, $1.3 million contract extension with a $1.5 million club option for 2026 on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. Waguespack, 31, missed much of the 2024 season with a shoulder injury, but during his time at Triple-A Durham he had a 32:5 K:BB over 22 innings. The right-hander finished the season healthy and should compete for an Opening Day roster spot, perhaps in a swingman role.
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