The Tampa Bay Rays made a strategic roster move Friday morning, recalling right-handed reliever Cole Sulser from Triple-A Durham, per Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network. The transaction comes as the team (5-7) prepares to open their interleague series against the Atlanta Braves at George M. Steinbrenner Field.
Sulser’s addition provides fresh arms to a Rays bullpen that will be tested against a potent Braves lineup. The veteran right-hander posted impressive numbers in 2024, maintaining a 2.76 ERA and 1.10 WHIP over 16.1 innings across 10 MLB games split between the Mets and Rays. His reliable control and veteran presence make him a valuable addition to the bullpen mix.
Since making his MLB debut in 2019, Sulser has demonstrated versatility and reliability out of the bullpen. His career numbers include a 3.87 ERA across 155.2 innings, with a particularly strong showing against right-handed batters, holding them to a .221 batting average. This split could prove crucial against a Braves lineup featuring several powerful right-handed bats.
The timing of the move is particularly noteworthy as the Rays sit just two games back in a tightly contested AL East race, despite their early-season challenges. Tampa Bay’s bullpen has faced a heavy workload in the early going, making Sulser’s ability to work multiple innings particularly valuable.
The Rays will put their reinforced bullpen to the test tonight behind starter Taj Bradley (1-0), who takes the mound against Atlanta’s Bryce Elder (0-0, 6.75 ERA) in the series opener.
