Rays Promote Jon Heasley as Trevor Martin Optioned

The Tampa Bay Rays have promoted right-handed pitcher Jon Heasley to the major league roster, while optioning Trevor Martin to Triple-A. To create a 40-man roster spot, the Rays transferred infielder Gavin Lux to the 60-day injured list. The move comes as Heasley, 29, returns to the majors after a brief stint with the Kansas City Royals earlier this season.

Heasley has appeared in four MLB seasons from 2021 to 2024, splitting time between the Royals and Orioles. Over 139 innings in that span, he posted a 5.89 ERA with a 14.4% strikeout rate and an 8.9% walk rate. This season, he signed a minor league deal with the Rays in April after being released from the Royals' spring training. Since joining the Rays' Triple-A affiliate, Durham, Heasley has made seven appearances, logging 27 2/3 innings with a 3.90 ERA. He has limited opponents to a 5.2% walk rate and induced grounders on 46.6% of balls in play.

The Rays' move comes after a rocky start for Griffin Jax, who was hit by a comebacker and removed after just two innings. Martin, who was likely unavailable for a few days, was optioned out to make room for a fresh arm. With Steven Matz set to start tonight after returning from a minor league rehab stint, the Rays may turn to Heasley for extended work if Matz struggles with his pitch count.

Matz, who missed time with elbow inflammation, made his first start back last week, tossing four innings. If he struggles to maintain his effectiveness tonight and the Rays wish to preserve other arms in the bullpen, Heasley could be the go-to option for multi-inning relief work.

As for Lux, the transfer to the 60-day injured list was a formality. The 2021 NL Rookie of the Year has been sidelined since the start of the season due to a right shoulder impingement, followed by a left ankle injury and a left shoulder issue. He was pulled from his rehab assignment several weeks ago and is currently not expected to return soon. His 60-day designation is retroactive to Opening Day, so he will be eligible for reinstatement once medically cleared.

The Rays are off tomorrow, giving them time to evaluate Matz's performance and decide on Heasley's role moving forward. They will next take the field on Thursday when they continue their season in a game to be determined.