Tampa Bay Rays Bring Back Relief Pitcher

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed reliever Chris Mazza to a minor league deal. Of course, this is acceptable during the lockout, as only major league contracts can't be signed at this juncture. 

Mazza was traded to the Rays from the Boston Red Sox last offseason. In 14 games with the Rays in 2021, he had a 0-0 record, 4.61 ERA, and 21 strikeouts. He also pitched for Triple-A Durham during the regular season, too. He shined in the minors, as he had a 4-1 record, 3.16 ERA, and 47 strikeouts.

Over the course of his three-year MLB career, Mazza has pitched for the New York Mets, Red Sox, and Rays. In 32 total appearances, he sports a 2-3 record, 4.89 ERA, and 61 strikeouts. Also, with this experience, he now is out of minor-league options. As a result of this, he will have to make the Rays 40-man roster or he will find himself on waivers. Thus, this is a big year for the 32-year-old. He has a lot to prove.

Overall, there's no true harm in the Rays giving Mazza another chance. It will be intriguing to see if he ends up making the roster. Furthermore, if he does, he will be aiming to translate his success in the minors to the majors. 

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