Rays’ pitching shuffle continues, with reliever added from Pirates
BOSTON — In their ongoing efforts to stabilize their bullpen, the Rays on Friday traded for Pittsburgh veteran right-hander Robert Stephenson.
The 30-year-old has spent parts of eight seasons in the majors, pitching for the Reds, Rockies and Pirates. He is 0-3 with a 5.14 ERA in 18 games this season, striking out 17 in 14 innings. Over 229 career games (including 22 starts), he has a 14-19 record and 4.91 ERA, averaging just over a strikeout an inning.
Stephenson, who is out of minor-league options, is expected to join the Rays during the weekend series against the Red Sox.
To get him, the Rays gave up middle infielder Alika Williams, a first-round pick (No. 37 overall) in the 2020 draft. Williams is hitting .237 with five homers, 23 RBIs and a .731 OPS at Double-A Montgomery this season. He was not ranked among the team’s top prospects.
To make room on the 40-man roster for Stephenson, reliever Ben Heller, who was called up in May but didn’t pitch and was sent back down, was designated for assignment.
The Rays also are expected to activate veteran right-hander Shawn Armstrong from the 60-day injured list sometime this weekend, when they are slated to play four games in about 45 hours (weather permitting), including a doubleheader on Saturday. Armstrong also will need a 40-man roster spot.
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