Rays Sign andrew Wantz to Minor League Deal Amid Recovery from Elbow Surgery
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the Tampa Bay Rays have made a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth by signing right-handed reliever Andrew Wantz to a minor league contract, as reported by Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The deal, which spans two years, comes with a unique twist: Wantz will not be ready to pitch this spring due to his ongoing recovery from an elbow procedure.
Wantz, a 29-year-old righty, was previously a part of the Los Angeles Angels bullpen, where he showcased his potential over parts of four seasons. According to the MLB.com transaction log, the Rays secured Wantz after he elected minor league free agency at the start of the offseason.
A Look at Wantz’s Career
Wantz has been a reliable middle reliever during his time with the Angels, particularly between 2021 and 2023. Over those three seasons, he made at least 20 appearances and logged 25 or more innings each year. His combined 3.85 ERA and impressive strikeout rate—fanning more than 25% of batters faced across 117 innings—highlight his ability to miss bats effectively.
However, 2023 was a challenging year for Wantz. He made just one major league appearance, pitching 1 1/3 innings of one-run ball. The majority of his season was spent at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he transitioned to a starting role for six of his seven outings. This marked his most important stretch as a starter since his Double-A days in 2019. While he struck out an impressive 31.8% of opponents, his 14% walk rate proved unsustainable, contributing to a 6.17 ERA over 23 1/3 innings.
Injury and Recovery
Wantz’s season came to an abrupt end in June due to an elbow injury. He underwent surgery, though it was not a full Tommy john procedure.the Angels opted not to retain him on their 40-man roster, leading to his waiver and eventual free agency.
The Rays, known for their innovative approach to pitching staff management, see potential in Wantz as a versatile arm. Once healthy, he could compete for a spot in Kevin Cash’s bullpen or even stretch out as rotation depth.Tampa Bay has a history of converting relievers into starters, making this signing a low-risk, high-reward move.
Key Takeaways
Here’s a quick summary of the key details surrounding Andrew Wantz’s signing with the Rays:
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Contract Type | Two-year minor league deal |
| reason for two-Year Term | Recovery from elbow surgery; won’t pitch in 2025 spring training |
| 2023 Performance | 1 MLB appearance, 6.17 ERA in Triple-A,31.8% strikeout rate, 14% walk rate |
| Injury | Elbow surgery (not Tommy John) |
| Potential role | Middle relief or rotation depth |
What’s Next for Wantz?
The Rays’ decision to sign Wantz reflects their confidence in his ability to bounce back from injury. His track record as a strikeout pitcher and his experience in both relief and starting roles make him a valuable asset. as he continues his recovery,fans can expect to see him competing for a spot in the Rays’ pitching staff in the near future.
For more updates on the Rays’ offseason moves, follow the latest news on MLB.com and stay tuned to the Tampa Bay Times.
What do you think about this signing? Could andrew Wantz become a key piece of the Rays’ bullpen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Rays sign Andrew Wantz too Minor League Deal Amid Recovery from elbow Surgery: An Expert Analysis
The Tampa Bay Rays have made a strategic move to bolster their pitching depth by signing right-handed reliever Andrew Wantz to a minor league contract. This two-year deal comes with a unique twist: Wantz is currently recovering from elbow surgery and will not be ready to pitch during the 2025 spring training. To delve deeper into this signing, we sat down with Dr. Michael Carter, a sports medicine specialist and MLB analyst, to discuss Wantz’s career, his recovery, and what this move means for the Rays.
Andrew wantz’s Career and Performance
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, let’s start with andrew Wantz’s career. He’s been a reliable middle reliever for the Angels, but 2023 was a tough year for him. Can you break down his performance and what he brings to the table?
Dr. Michael Carter: Absolutely. Wantz has shown flashes of potential during his time with the Angels, especially between 2021 and 2023. Over those three seasons, he maintained a solid 3.85 ERA and struck out more than 25% of the batters he faced. That’s an impressive strikeout rate for a middle reliever. Though,2023 was a challenging year. He made only one major league appearance and spent most of his time at Triple-A Salt Lake, where he struggled with control, posting a 14% walk rate and a 6.17 ERA. Despite these struggles, his ability to miss bats is undeniable, and that’s likely what attracted the Rays.
The Injury and Recovery Process
Senior Editor: Wantz’s season ended abruptly in June due to an elbow injury. He underwent surgery,though it wasn’t a full tommy John procedure. What can you tell us about his recovery timeline and the implications for his future?
Dr. Michael Carter: Elbow injuries are always concerning for pitchers, but the fact that it wasn’t a full Tommy John procedure is a positive sign. Typically, recovery from this type of surgery takes about 9-12 months, depending on the severity. Given that Wantz’s surgery was in June 2023, he’s likely in the later stages of his rehab. The Rays’ decision to sign him to a two-year deal suggests thay’re taking a cautious approach, allowing him ample time to recover fully. He won’t be ready for spring training, but if all goes well, he could be a valuable asset later in the 2025 season or in 2026.
The Rays’ Strategy and Wantz’s Potential Role
Senior Editor: the Rays are known for their innovative approach to pitching staff management. How do you see Wantz fitting into their plans once he’s healthy?
Dr. Michael Carter: The Rays have a history of converting relievers into starters and maximizing their pitching depth. Wantz’s versatility is a key factor here. He has experience in both relief and starting roles, which makes him a valuable asset. Once healthy, he could compete for a spot in Kevin Cash’s bullpen or even serve as rotation depth. his ability to strike out batters at a high rate aligns well with the Rays’ pitching philosophy. This signing is a classic low-risk, high-reward move for Tampa Bay.
Key Takeaways and Future outlook
senior Editor: What are the key takeaways from this signing, and what should fans expect from Wantz in the future?
Dr. Michael Carter: The key takeaway is that the Rays see potential in Wantz despite his injury. His track record as a strikeout pitcher and his versatility make him a valuable addition to their system. Fans should expect him to spend most of 2025 rehabbing and building up his strength. If he can return to form, he could become a key piece of the Rays’ bullpen or even contribute as a starter. It’s a patient approach, but one that could pay off handsomely for Tampa Bay.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter,for your insights. it’s clear that the Rays are taking a calculated risk with Andrew Wantz, and his recovery will be something to watch closely in the coming months.
Dr.Michael Carter: My pleasure. It’s always exciting to see how teams like the Rays innovate and find value in players like Wantz. I’ll be keeping a close eye on his progress.
