Chris Roycroft’s run with the Rays was short, and it’s already over.
Tampa Bay designated the right-hander for assignment on Aug. 23 to create room on the 40-man roster for Manuel Rodriguez, who was being activated from the 60-day injured list. Two days later, Roycroft has landed with the Athletics after being claimed off waivers, according to Ryan Bass on X.
That makes the Athletics the third organization Roycroft will be with in 2026. He opened the season with the St.
Louis Cardinals before Tampa Bay picked him up in a trade about two months ago, sending a player to be named later or cash considerations back to St. Louis for the right-hander.
Roycroft spent the last few weeks bouncing between Triple-A Durham and the majors, and the Rays called him up three times before cutting him loose to make space for Rodriguez. Tampa Bay clearly needed the roster spot, but Roycroft also hadn’t done enough to force the club to keep him around.
His numbers with the Rays tell that story. In 11 appearances covering 19.1 innings, he posted a 6.52 ERA. His stint with the Cardinals was even rougher: seven appearances, 5.1 innings, and a 15.19 ERA.
At Triple-A this season, splitting time between Memphis and Durham, Roycroft was more usable, turning in a 5.02 ERA over 28.2 innings. That’s the version the Athletics will try to tap into now, especially with his 50% ground ball rate with Tampa Bay.
The rest of the profile comes with some warning signs. Roycroft’s strikeout rate sat at 16.3%, and he gave up plenty of contact, much of it hard.
He allowed six home runs with the Rays and two more during his time in St. Louis.
To clear a spot on their own 40-man roster, the Athletics moved shortstop Jacob Wilson to the 60-day injured list, which effectively ends his 2026 season. Wilson is dealing with shoulder issues and was not expected to return this year anyway.
For Tampa Bay, the move is another sign that the pitching staff is getting healthier, and that the roster squeeze is only going to get tighter from here.
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