Injuries & Moves: Rays acquire LHP Eisert from Blue Jays
Keep track of all the Rays' roster moves and injury updates here. This page will be updated throughout the offseason.
LATEST NEWS
Jan. 23: Acquired LHP Brandon Eisert from the Blue Jays for cash considerations
With an open spot on their 40-man roster, the Rays added a little more bullpen depth in the form of Eisert, a 27-year-old lefty who made his Major League debut for the Blue Jays last season. An 18th-round pick out of Oregon State University in the 2019 Draft, Eisert quickly worked his way through Toronto¡¯s system in 2021 and spent the last three seasons with Triple-A Buffalo.
From 2022-24, Eisert put together a 3.83 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 219 strikeouts and 61 walks in 183 1/3 innings over 146 appearances. He made three appearances in the big leagues last year, giving up three runs on five hits and four walks while striking out two in 6 2/3 innings. Eisert¡¯s fastball averaged 91.2 mph during his limited time in the Majors, and he also featured a mid-80s slider and changeup.
Eisert has Minor League options remaining, and the Rays have stressed the importance of having optionable bullpen depth as they prepare for a full season outdoors at Steinbrenner Field. Garrett Cleavinger and prospect Mason Montgomery are their top lefty relief options, and Eisert gives them another southpaw to consider.
INJURY UPDATES
LHP Shane McClanahan (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
McClanahan effectively completed his rehabilitation program on Sept. 25 by throwing 15-16 pitches in a live batting practice at Tropicana Field. Manager Kevin Cash said McClanahan faced Triple-A Durham outfielder Jake Mangum and did well, throwing 94-95 mph. Reaching that milestone will allow McClanahan to have a normal, healthy offseason. The left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 21, 2023, his second such procedure. The two-time All-Star, placed on the 60-day IL on Feb. 14, missed the entire 2024 season. He was removed from the IL on Nov. 4 and is expected to be ready for Spring Training in '25. (Last updated: Nov. 4)
RHP Pete Fairbanks (right lat strain)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
Fairbanks exited the Rays' Aug. 18 game with an injury that an MRI exam later revealed as a lat strain. Fairbanks progressed to playing catch and felt good in his recovery, but he wasn't making progress quick enough to return to the mound in 2024. He is expected to be fully healthy and ready for Spring Training '25. (Last updated: Sept. 17)