Adam

Reifer

It’s no surprise he’s one of the first cuts, as Reifer was limited to five games last year with Memphis due to a serious knee injury and had no chance of heading north with the club. He could conceivably be an option at some point this season, though.

Reifer, 26, has yet to make his major league debut. He posted a 4.90 ERA in 51 relief appearances at the Triple-A level last season.

Reifer was outrighted off the 40-man roster this offseason after posting a 4.90 ERA in 51 relief appearances with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate. He’ll look to latch on with another team as minor league depth.

Reifer was released by the Cardinals last week. He posted a 4.90 ERA in 51 relief appearances with the Cardinals’ Triple-A affiliate in 2012 but put up good numbers earlier in his career.

The 29-year-old pitched well in Mexico last season, compiling a stellar 1.33 ERA across 41 outings for the Yucatan Lions. An 11th-round pick of St. Louis in 2007, Reifer is unlikely to crack the Rays’ big-league roster.

The drug he tested positive for was Ostarine. The Rays invited Reifer to spring training but he was released after just four outings. The 29-year-old has never pitched in the big leagues and this ban won’t help his chances of ever reaching that goal.

Reifer climbed his way to the Triple-A level this year after posting a 3.00 ERA and 1.26 WHIP in 54 innings of relief at Double-A Springfield. He is now protected from the Rule 5 Draft and should open the 2011 season with Memphis. A September call to the big leagues may even be in the cards.