Michael

Grove

Grove worked three scoreless innings with four strikeouts to earn a victory over the Diamondbacks on Saturday, but since he wasn’t going to be available for a few days the Rays opted to swap him out for a fresh arm. It shouldn’t take him long to earn another opportunity with the big league club.

Grove followed Cole Sulser against the Diamondbacks after Sulser allowed one run over the first two innings. Grove surrendered just one hit, striking out four over three scoreless innings. It was the first major league appearance for Grove since 2024 after the 29-year-old right-hander underwent right shoulder labrum surgery. He’ll likely continue to work bulk relief for the Rays, which could put him in line for more wins.

Grove hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2024 with the Dodgers. The 29-year-old had a 2.84 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 16/4 K/BB ratio in 12 2/3 minor league innings for the Rays this season. He will operate out of middle relief.

It’s merely a procedural move as Grove has wrapped up a minor league rehab assignment and will remain stationed on the doorstep of the minors. The 29-year-old signed a one-year deal with the Rays back in mid-April after missing last year recovering from shoulder surgery. He’s healthy again and projects as a multi-inning relief option for the Rays at some point later this summer.

Grove returned to game action for the first time since undergoing shoulder surgery last March. The 29-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Rays last month and figures to be an option for them at some point in the second half. He’ll need an extended rehab assignment to build up his strength and stamina since he hasn’t pitched in nearly two years.

Grove winds up with Tampa Bay after being cut loose from the Dodgers’ roster last November. The 29-year-old righty missed all of last year recovering from shoulder surgery after making 64 appearances (20 starts) for Los Angeles from 2022-2024. He’ll bolster the Rays’ rotation mix once he’s ready to return to the majors, but that probably won’t be for awhile until he’s gotten his feet back under him at the Triple-A level.

The 28-year-old right-hander was removed from the Dodgers’ 40-man roster earlier in the week. That’s the unfortunate cost of business of having such a deep and talented roster, as the Dodgers simply can’t keep everyone. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Grove land a major league deal elsewhere this winter. At the very least he’ll have a plethora of minor league options to choose from.

Grove presumably went unclaimed on waivers after missing all of last season recovering from shoulder surgery. The 28-year-old righty made 64 appearances (20 starts) for the Dodgers from 2022-2024.

It’s merely a procedural move after Grove underwent season-ending shoulder surgery earlier this month. The 28-year-old righty should be a full-go by 2026.

Grove was seen with his arm in a sling in the Dodgers clubhouse this morning. He joins a long list of Dodgers pitchers projected to start the season on the injured list. Grove was a member of the Dodgers’ bullpen last year, but was taken off the playoff roster due to injury. He appeared in 39 regular season games, starting twice, finishing with a mediocre 5.19 ERA and 1.21 WHIP. He’ll look to compete for a pen role with the Dodgers in 2025.