Rays manager Kevin Cash recently hinted that Matt Moore was set to make his return from Tommy John surgery this week, but now it’s all but official. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Moore will be activated to start Thursday afternoon against the Indians at Tropicana Field.
Moore, who had Tommy John surgery last April, posted a 2.95 ERA and 24/8 K/BB ratio in 21 1/3 innings over five minor league rehab starts between High-A Charlotte and Triple-A Durham. The final step was a 35-pitch bullpen session today, after which the southpaw said that he’s “definitely ready to go.”
Moore, 26, owns a 3.53 ERA with 8.8 K/9 and 4.3 BB/9 over 61 starts and two relief appearances in the majors. We could see some ups and downs after surgery, especially given his past control issues, but this is a welcome addition for a rotation that has had to get by without Alex Cobb and Drew Smyly.