Zack

Erwin

The first cuts from Rays’ spring training trim their big-league camp roster to 42 players. McKay, who is recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome surgery, is the most notable of the inclusions. Hess and Slegers are the most likely relievers to make an impact this season in Tampa Bay.

Erwin registered a serviceable 4.57 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 67/23 K/BB ratio across 63 innings (49 appearances, 16 starts) between Double-A Midland and Triple-A Las Vegas in the Athletics’ minor-league system last year. The 27-year-old southpaw is an interesting relief depth addition for the Rays, who have had plenty of success uncovering hidden gems in recent years.

Erwin barely had time to get to know the White Sox minor league system, as he was selected in the fourth round of the 2015 amateur draft and is already on the move. Pitching between the rookie-level Pioneer League and Low-A South Atlantic League in 2015, Erwin produced a shiny 1.34 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 30/7 K/BB ratio over 40 1/3 innings.