Corey

Ray

Ray, the Brewers’ first-round selection back in 2016, has been removed from Milwaukee’s 40-man roster. The 27-year-old outfielder appeared in one game last year and has spent the entire 2022 campaign at Triple-A Nashville.

Ray is the most prominent inclusion among the Brewers’ first round of spring training cuts. The 27-year-old outfielder, who was selected fifth overall in the 2016 MLB Draft, got into just one game last season at the major-league level. Perdomo, Bettinger and File are expected to serve as organizational pitching depth this season.

Ray has zero hits and one strikeout in three plate appearances this season with the Brew Crew.

Ray was just optioned out on Monday, but he’ll return to the active roster Tuesday with Daniel Robertson landing on the 7-day concussion IL. Ray, 26, is 0-for-2 with a walk in his time at the major league level.

Ray was only up for a couple days. He’s being sent down in favor of Pablo Reyes, as the Brewers were in need of someone capable of playing the infield.

The fallout from the Christian Yelich injury continues in Milwaukee. Ray, a former first-round selection, has been summoned to provide the Brewers with some additional outfield depth. The 26-year-old was selected fifth overall in the 2016 MLB Draft, but has struggled in the minors over the last few years. He hit .188/.261/.329 with seven homers and three steals in 230 plate appearances at Triple-A San Antonio back in 2019. The Chicago native will join the Brewers for the remainder of their weekend series at Wrigley Field and will be making his major-league debut if he gets into a game.

There are no surprise cuts in this group. Ray is a former No. 5 overall pick who has not panned out to this point.

Ray was limited to 69 games in 2019 due to physical issues and batted just .218/.291/.363 in 292 plate appearances when healthy, but the Brewers wanted to protect the former No. 5 overall pick from getting scooped up in next month’s Rule 5 Draft. Ray turned 25 years old in September and his prospect stock has fallen, but he could very well turn into a late bloomer for Milwaukee.

Ray has his third homer of the season, and it’s the first double for the 24-year-old. He missed a few weeks with an injury early in the season, and his season line is a less-than-spectacular .211/.291/.352. We’ve seen Ray get off to poor starts before, but he’s been able to recover -- for the most part -- while showing the ability to hit for power and steal bases. He’s also a solid defender who could help in any of the three outfield spots. Ray will need an injury or trade to get up, but if/when it happens, he has fantasy appeal as a potential 20-homer, 30-steal player.

No reason is given as to why. Ray was off to a rough start for Triple-A San Antonio, hitting .170 with 24 strikeouts in 47 at-bats. He’s still one of the best prospects in the Milwaukee system, with a chance to hit for power and steal bases while playing competent defense.