The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed reliever Garrett Acton to a two-year contract; however, it is anticipated that Acton will miss the whole 2024 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed relief pitcher Garrett Acton to a two-year contract.
He may be a Tampa Bay option in 2025, but he is anticipated to spend almost the whole 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery.
According to Tampa Bay Times writer Marc Topkin:
According to @JonHeyman, the #Rays have signed RHP Garrett Acton to a minor-league contract.
Acton is recovering from Tommy John surgery, so this is a two-year contract; he won’t be invited to major league camp in ’24.
Here, it makes sense for both parties to sign a two-year contract. Acton sees it as a way to gain a job in 2025, a place to complete his rehabilitation, and guaranteed money. If Acton stays healthy enough to contribute, the Rays will have a chance to keep him on the team through 2025.
The 25-year-old right-hander pitched to a 12.71 ERA in 5.2 innings during his six major league appearances in 2023 for the dreadful Oakland Athletics.
His record in the minor leagues is 11-11 with a 4.66 ERA. His primary role has been that of a reliever.
Although the 2025 Rays’ appearance is unknown, they have a history of taking chances on intriguing weapons, so this makes logical. Regarding the 2024 season, Tampa Bay’s pitching staff is even more concerning as major arm ailments are likely to sideline Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs, and Shane McClanahan for the most of the campaign.
