Rays Add Depth as Cleavinger Sidelined With Forearm Tightness

The Tampa Bay Rays have placed left-hander Garrett Cleavinger on the 15-day injured list due to left forearm tightness, a preventative move that sidelines him from the relief corps as the season enters its final stretch. Forearm issues are taken seriously in baseball, and the team has chosen to rest Cleavinger rather than risk further complications. To replace him on the active roster, the Rays selected right-hander Ty Johnson's contract from Triple-A Durham.

Johnson steps up. Johnson, now on the major league roster, will assume a relief role and provide the Rays with an additional arm in the bullpen. The specifics of his pitching profile and role within Tampa Bay's relief structure remain to be determined, but his promotion fills the immediate need created by Cleavinger's absence.

Bullpen management. Relief pitchers are crucial to any team's success, and injuries at that position can strain a pitching staff. The Rays rely on their bullpen strength and will need Johnson to contribute meaningfully. Whether he enters high-leverage situations or fills a lower-pressure role depends on his experience and performance.

Oliver Dunn designated. To create roster space for Johnson, the Rays designated infielder Oliver Dunn for assignment. Like similar moves across baseball, Dunn's designation clears a 40-man spot without immediately removing him from the organization's control—he can still be claimed on waivers or outrighted if unclaimed.

Betting angle. Bullpen changes can affect game totals and closing odds, especially when new arms enter the picture. Johnson's ERA and appearance patterns will take time to establish, but his availability shifts how the Rays deploy their relievers in tight games. Early performance from Johnson could influence moneyline odds and over-unders as bettors assess whether Tampa Bay's pen remains effective without Cleavinger.

Source: original report ↗