TAMPA — Trying to improve at catcher behind starter Danny Jansen, the Rays acquired backstop Matt Thaiss from the White Sox on Tuesday in alternate for outfield prospect Dru Baker.
Thaiss was not instantly added to Tampa Bay’s energetic roster however ought to be a part of the membership earlier than Wednesday afternoon’s collection finale towards the Twins at George M. Steinbrenner Area.
TRADE DETAILSRays get: C Matt ThaissWhite Sox get: Minor League OF Dru Baker
To make room on their 40-man roster, the Rays transferred rehabbing heart fielder Jonny DeLuca to the 60-day injured listing. DeLuca, who’s on a Minor League rehab project whereas recovering from a proper shoulder pressure, is eligible for reinstatement as quickly as June 6.
Thaiss, 30, hit .212/.382/.294 with a 99 OPS+, one house run, 4 doubles, eight RBIs and extra walks (23) than strikeouts (21) in 35 video games with the White Sox this season. In elements of seven Main League seasons with the Angels and White Sox, the New Jersey native — a first-round select of Virginia within the 2016 Draft — has hit .209/.321/.337 over 280 video games.
As a left-handed-hitting catcher, Thaiss (pronounced “thice”) would appear to be a alternative for Ben Rortvedt, who has been Jansen’s backup this season. After capitalizing on a sizzling begin to grow to be Tampa Bay’s main catcher final 12 months, Rortvedt entered Tuesday batting simply .100/.194/.117 in 67 plate appearances over 25 video games.
That is Baker’s fifth season within the Rays’ system. The 25-year-old was picked within the fourth spherical of the 2021 Draft out of Texas Tech and labored his method as much as Triple-A Durham, the place he was hitting .245/.344/.302 in 17 video games this season. He has been on the seven-day IL since April 22 resulting from a left groin pressure.
