Chase

Whitley

Whitley was removed from the Braves’ 40-man roster back in August and will now seek employment elsewhere. He’s struggled a bit after returning from Tommy John surgery last year.

Whitley worked around a hit and a walk for another sharp rehab appearance. He struck out three batters in a scoreless frame last week in his rehab debut. The right-hander should become an option for the Rays’ bullpen (or perhaps starting rotation) by the middle of August. He underwent Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery last May.

Whitley is recovered from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery, but the Rays will keep him in the minors until rosters expand on September 1. He has an impressive 1.20 ERA with 18 strikeouts in 15 innings (five starts) between High-A Charlotte and Double-A Montgomery. Tampa Bay will presumably use him in a starting role next month.

It was the first time he’s faced hitters since last year’s Tommy John surgery. Whitley could be an option for the Rays at some point in the second half, but they’re surely not counting on much from him until next season.

Whitley faced his first set of live hitters 10 days ago and continues to make incremental progress in his recovery from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery. He could become an option for the Rays -- either as a starter or reliever -- at some point in August.

It was his first time using those pitches since his Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery last May. Whitley could become an option for the Rays in July.

It’s obviously big news for Whitley as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He figures to be a starting or relief option for the Rays next month.

Whitley underwent Tommy John surgery last May as a member of the Yankees, but he was claimed off waivers by the Rays over the winter and is now ready to make his return to the big leagues. The 27-year-old posted a sharp 2.21 ERA and 32/9 K/BB ratio in 36 2/3 innings between High-A and Double-A during his rehab assignment.

Just a little bit of shuffling here. Drew Smyly had been slated to start Sunday’s regular-season finale, but the task will fall to Whitley instead. This will be his first start of the 2016 campaign. Better late than never. In 10 1/3 innings with the major league club this season, he has allowed five runs (two earned) on seven hits.

Whitley had a 2.51 ERA and a 15/3 K/BB ratio in 14 1/3 innings down the stretch for the Rays. He’s another intriguing arm for the team headed into 2017. Despite trading Mike Moore in July, it’s quite possible the Rays will be able to shed another arm this winter and still enter next year with a very solid rotation.