In search on some lineup help, the Rays have called up third base/first base prospect and former first-round draft pick Richie Shaffer from Triple-A for his MLB debut.
Shaffer struggled in 2013 and 2014, but he’s always had plenty of power and has hit .263 with 23 homers and a .900 OPS in 94 games between Double-A and Triple-A this season.
He’s not a top prospect, but Shaffer’s walk-drawing, power-hitting ability gives him a chance to be a useful right-handed bat for the Rays. Tampa Bay has scored 3.6 runs per game this season to rank dead last among AL teams.