Michael

Grove

It’s easy to imagine the 29-year-old Grove going on waivers and getting claimed a few more times prior to the lockout in December. He should some promise as a reliever for the Dodgers before shoulder surgery, but the Rays didn’t see enough from him in seven innings since his return to believe keeping him was a priority. He’ll now likely finish out the year in the minors, as he won’t be postseason eligible for Atlanta.

Grove’s relatively brief time with the Rays appears to be over after he allowed five runs over seven innings of work. The 29-year-old lost his spot on Tampa Bay’s 40-man roster with top prospect Brody Hopkins being promoted to the majors.

With Jesse Scholtens up to give innings while Griffin Jax (elbow) is on the injured list, Grove will likely return in the near future.

With Griffin Jax (elbow) landing on the injured list on Sunday, Grove will provide a fresh arm to the Rays’ bullpen that’s capable of working multiple innings. He can continue to be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Grove returns to the minors with trade deadline acquisition Tyler Wells taking his spot in Tampa Bay’s bullpen.

Grove returns to Tampa Bay’s relief mix prior to Monday’s series opener against the Rockies at Coors Field. The 29-year-old former Dodgers arm tossed three scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks during his Rays debut last week. He’ll operate in long relief out of the bullpen.

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.