Rays add reliever Englert in trade with Tigers

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The Rays swung a trade on Wednesday to add more versatile bullpen depth, acquiring right-hander Mason Englert from the Tigers for Minor League left-hander Drew Sommers.

To make room on their 40-man roster, the Rays placed rehabbing lefty Nate Lavender on the 60-day injured list. Lavender, a Rule 5 Draft pick, is expected to be out until midseason while completing his recovery from an internal brace procedure on his left elbow.

TRADE DETAILS
Rays get: RHP Mason Englert
Tigers get: Minor League LHP Drew Sommers

The Tigers designated Englert for assignment last Friday, when they officially signed starter Jack Flaherty. The 25-year-old has two Minor League options remaining, so he can be shuttled between Triple-A Durham and the Majors as needed.

Picked by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2018 Draft, Englert went to the Tigers in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft. He stuck with Detroit through the 2023 season, posting a 5.46 ERA in 56 innings over 31 outings. He moved between the Majors and the Minors last year, recording a 5.40 ERA in 21 2/3 innings for the Tigers and a 3.24 ERA (with 60 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings) over 28 outings for Triple-A Toledo.

Englert is still young, having just turned 25 in November, and his Minor League numbers indicate some untapped upside. The Rays have also made an effort to acquire pitchers like him -- optionable relievers who can pitch multiple innings -- as they prepare their staff for a full season of outdoor baseball, including home games at Steinbrenner Field that could be delayed or postponed by weather.

Sommers, the Rays¡¯ 11th-round Draft pick in 2022, had a strong 2023 season for Single-A Charleston. He spent last year with High-A Bowling Green, where he recorded a 4.00 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP with 65 strikeouts and 20 walks in 54 innings over 41 appearances.

Around the horn

• All the Rays¡¯ pitchers and catchers reported as scheduled on Wednesday. Reliever Hunter Bigge, who was scheduled to throw a bullpen session, was sent home due to an illness.
• Among those who threw bullpen sessions during Wednesday¡¯s workout, along with ace Shane McClanahan: Shane Baz, Kevin Kelly, Edwin Uceta, Jacob Waguespack, Eric Orze and offseason trade acquisition Joe Boyle.
• There are a bunch of early arriving position players in camp ahead of next week¡¯s full-squad workouts. The group of big league hitters already in camp includes Jonathan Aranda, Jos¨¦ Caballero, Junior Caminero, Curtis Mead, Taylor Walls, Josh Lowe and Richie Palacios.