Tampa Bay Rays

Ryan Pepiot

SP

Pepiot is working his way back from right hip inflammation. The right-hander is eligible for activation from the 15-day injured list Monday at home against the Cubs, and it seems he has a shot to skip a rehab assignment and return on that date. More information on Pepiot's status could be available over the weekend.

Garrett Cleavinger

RP

Cleavinger's game work has been a bit light this spring while away from the Rays for the World Baseball Classic, but he should be ready for Opening Day all the same. The left-hander and Griffin Jax are poised to begin the season splitting closing duties, with Edwin Uceta set to join the mix once he recovers from a shoulder issue. Cleavinger was dominant while serving in a setup role last year, recording two saves and 22 holds with a 2.35 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 82:18 K:BB across 61.1 innings.

Gavin Lux

LF

Cash said that Lux will play a few games in a row to "see how it goes" before the team decides whether he's ready for activation from the 10-day injured list. Lux is eligible to return at any time, so he should be ready for his season debut at some point next week if all goes well. The 28-year-old is poised to operate as Tampa Bay's primary second baseman.

Edwin Uceta

RP

Another session is on tap for Uceta on Tuesday, and the hope is that a minor-league rehab assignment will be on the horizon shortly thereafter. The right-hander was in contention to begin the season as one of Tampa Bay's closer options, and it sounds like Uceta has a chance to return from right shoulder soreness and make his season debut by late April. It's worth noting that Griffin Jax has already blown two saves in as many appearances to start the year.

Steven Wilson

RP

Wilson's back issue cropped up following his second bullpen session of spring training and prompted the Rays to shut him down. The righty reliever is still waiting for the injection to take full effect, but assuming it alleviates the lingering pain in his back, he should initiate a throwing program in the coming days. Once healthy, Wilson is likely to fill a middle-innings role for Tampa Bay, who acquired him in November after he turned in a 3.42 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 51:22 K:BB over 55.1 innings out of the White Sox bullpen in 2025.