Joel

Peralta

With a few bullpen spots now opened up, Peralta is back after just nine days in the minors. He has a 4.63 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP in 44 2/3 innings or relief this season.

Farnsworth hasn’t pitched since Saturday due to lingering tenderness in his his elbow. The Rays are hopeful that he will be ready to return later in the week, but Joel Peralta is a must-add in the meantime.

There is still a chance that he returns this week. Farnsworth blew a save chance Saturday evening when he allowed back-to-back homers to Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Jacoby Ellsbury and he hasn’t pitched since. Joel Peralta got the save Monday against the Orioles and he’ll get additional chances if Farnsworth remains sidelined.

Kyle Farnsworth looked good in his return to action Saturday, but evidently Rays manager Joe Maddon isn’t ready to put him back in the closer role year, or perhaps not ready to pitch him in back-to-back games. Peralta has converted all five save chances since The Farns went down, and he’s allowed just one run over his last 16 outings.

It’s a little longer than we were anticipating, but it could be worse. Rays manager Joe Maddon said he’ll use a committee at closer until Farnsworth returns, unless someone steps up. Joel Peralta would be the best guess to claim the job outright, but Fernando Rodney and J.P. Howell are among the other possibilities.

Farnsworth isn’t sure how long he’ll be sidelined, but it doesn’t appear to be a major concern right now. Either way, he will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list. Rays manager Joe Maddon is likely to go with a closer-by-committee with the closer role, but Joel Peralta is the one to target in mixed leagues. Fernando Rodney and J.P. Howell are among the other possibilities.

It’s not yet clear if this will impact his availability for the start of the season, but he dealt with something similar down the stretch last year. Joel Peralta, Jake McGee, J.P. Howell and Fernando Rodney could all be options for the ninth inning if he isn’t ready.

Farnsworth is currently dealing with right elbow soreness, something which was an issue for him down the stretch last year. We likely won’t hear anything definitive on his status until Wednesday or Thursday, but it appears unlikely he’ll be ready for Opening Day. Joel Peralta, who saved six games last year, should be considered the favorite for the closer role in his absence.

Farnsworth is currently dealing with elbow soreness and is scheduled to see a doctor on Tuesday. The full extent of the injury isn’t yet known, but it’s looking unlikely that he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Joel Peralta should be considered the favorite for saves, but J.P. Howell, Fernando Rodney and Jake McGee could also figure in.

Peralta has thrown away his chance to occupy the closer’s role in Kyle Farnsworth’s absence. It looks like Fernando Rodney will keep getting the saves for the Rays.