Veteran Reliever Working Out Just in Case The Tampa Bay Rays Need Him in the Playoffs

After the regular season ended on Sunday, veteran reliever Erasmo Ramirez was designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays.

He's cleared waivers and is now waiting in case the Rays need him for their playoff run.

Per an article from MLBTradeRumors:

TODAY: Erasmo Ramirez has cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment, the Rays announced. He will report to the team’s alternate training site in Sarasota, where he will be available in case he’s needed as an injury replacement for the postseason.

The 33-year-old native of Nicaragua went 3-3 this season with a 6.41 ERA. He made 15 appearances for the Rays after also making 23 appearances for the Washington Nationals.

Ramirez has now pitched in 12 major league seasons, appearing in games for Tampa Bay, Washington, the Mets, Red Sox, Tigers and Seattle Mariners. Having served as both a starter and a reliever, he's 40-45 lifetime with a 4.37 ERA. His best season came back in 2015 when he won 11 games with the Rays. That's the only season in which he's had double-digit wins, due in part to him serving as a reliever much of the rest of his career.

While the Rays' pitching staff is as healthy as it can be heading into the playoffs, it's smart of Ramirez to stay ready. Tampa Bay has dealt with pitching injuries all year long, losing Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs for the year.

The Rays will open up the playoffs on Tuesday against the Texas Rangers. Game 1 is set for 3:08 p.m. ET.