Edwin

Uceta

Cash clarified that it’s a new shoulder issue from the impingement that caused Uceta to hit the injured list at the conclusion of spring training. The 28-year-old high-leverage arm is facing an extended absence since he’ll need to re-start his throwing program from scratch next month. His absence gives Bryan Baker additional runway to cement himself as Tampa Bay’s ninth-inning option.

Uceta felt soreness in the back of his shoulder following Wednesday’s appearance. The Rays are concerned enough that he will head back to Tampa Bay for a full evaluation. It sounds like Bryan Baker will continue to see the bulk of the save chances for the foreseeable future.

Bryan Baker has seemingly emerged as Tampa Bay’s preferred ninth-inning option but it would make sense for Uceta to work his way into the mix once he’s back. The 28-year-old high-leverage reliever has been on the shelf since the end of spring training working his way back from a shoulder impingement that delayed his ramp-up process during camp. He’ll require a handful of rehab outings before he’s ready to make his season debut.

Uceta has been sidelined all spring, but he has already been throwing bullpen sessions and could get into games in Triple-A soon. When he returns, it might not be long before he works his way into the closer committee with Griffin Jax and Garrett Clearvinger.

Uceta won’t be ready for Tampa Bay’s season opener later this month but he’s trending towards being ready to return at some point in early-to-mid April following a brief rehab assignment. The 28-year-old high-leverage specialist has been brought along slowly this spring after receiving a cortisone shot to alleviate shoulder inflammation earlier in camp. His absence opens the door for Griffin Jax to handle the ninth-inning role at the start of the regular season.

Uceta will require a season-opening trip to the injured list after missing time early in spring training with shoulder inflammation. The 28-year-old high-leverage option’s absence seems to clear a path for Griffin Jax to open the year as Tampa Bay’s primary closer. However, that has yet to be confirmed by manager Kevin Cash.

Uceta will be cutting close, barring any additional setbacks, from a ramp-up standpoint to be ready for next month’s Opening Day contest. However, this latest update qualifies as an extremely encouraging one for the high-leverage specialist. He received a cortisone injection to address the swelling in his ailing right shoulder but doesn’t appear to be dealing with any structural damage that likely would’ve required surgery. The 28-year-old will be in the mix for save opportunities alongside Griffin Jax and Garrett Cleavinger in Tampa Bay this season.

It could just be a meeting to go over the results of the MRI, but it’s always possible that there’s something a bit more serious at play here. At this stage, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Uceta open the year on the injured list. Stay tuned.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said Uceta was testing his “cranky” shoulder on Thursday, and it “didn’t feel great” the longer he played catch. Uceta is set to play a key role as a high-leverage reliever for the Rays, so his absence would be a big one.

The issue is believed to be minor and isn’t expected to impact Uceta’s availability for the start of the regular season. The 28-year-old hurler is one of many options that’s expected to fight for save chances at the back end of the Rays’ bullpen in 2026.