The Tampa Bay Rays made several moves with their roster the last few days ahead of the deadline to protect prospects from the Rule 5 Draft by adding them to the 40-man roster.

Catcher Dominic Keegan, infielder Jadher Areinamo and right-handed pitcher Alex Cook were all protected. Somewhat surprisingly, infeilder Cooper Kinney, who was selected ahead of the team’s current top prospect Carson Williams in 2021, was not protected from the Rule 5 Draft.

To make room for them, the Rays had to remove some players from the 40-man roster to clear space. Veteran outfielders Christopher Morel and Jake Fraley were both designated for assignment last week as a result.

Both players were non-tendered as well, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t be back with Tampa Bay. 

Rays interested in bringing back Jake Fraley