The Tampa Bay Rays are calling up a much-needed right-handed hitting reinforcement for his or her lineup.
The Rays are reportedly calling up veteran outfielder Austin Slater forward of their collection towards the Boston Red Sox, in response to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
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The Rays signed Slater to a minor league contract on May 27 after the New York Mets designated him for project.
In his restricted alternatives with Triple-A Durham, Slater has carried out extraordinarily nicely. In 28 plate appearances, he’s hitting .348/.464/.696 with one residence run, 5 doubles, and a 195 wRC+.
The timing of Slater’s promotion comes because the Rays put together to face a number of left-handed starters over the subsequent week. That stretch begins tonight towards Connelly Early and continues tomorrow towards Payton Tolle.
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The corresponding transfer for Slater’s promotion is unknown presently. However, prized outfielder Chandler Simpson has missed the final two video games with a thumb harm. Tampa Bay will even must make a 40-man roster transfer to clear area for Slater.
This might be Slater’s third group this season after spending time with the Miami Marlins and Mets.
In his restricted alternatives with these golf equipment, Slater struggled. In 43 at-bats, he hit .209/.286/.233 with a .519 OPS and only one extra-base hit.
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However, Slater has by no means actually been an on a regular basis participant. Instead, he has constructed a popularity for hitting left-handed pitching. For his profession, Slater is batting .263 towards southpaws with a .772 OPS and a 115 wRC+.
Slater has bounced round since spending seven seasons with the San Francisco Giants. In truth, when he makes his Rays debut, it will likely be the eighth group he has performed for during the last three seasons.
For a Tampa Bay group that does not have many offensive stars exterior of Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Jonathan Aranda, Slater suits the Rays’ mould. He’s one other participant who has bounced round earlier than discovering a chance in St. Petersburg.
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The Rays hope Slater can present some much-needed stability to an offense that has cooled off in latest weeks. Entering Monday, Tampa Bay is tied with the New York Yankees atop the American League East.
After driving a scorching stretch to start the season, the Rays are simply 5-10 over their final 15 video games. They’ll look to get again on monitor tonight towards the Red Sox, with Slater anticipated to affix the membership.
This story was initially revealed by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2026, the place it first appeared within the MLB part. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.