The Rays may have a new bullpen option who just became available. The Pirates designated Steven Jackson for assignment yesterday, according to MLB.com’s Jenifer Langosch.
He is a very intriguing bullpen guy. He is only 27. Last year, in his rookie season, he posted a great 3.14 ERA in 43 innings. Hitters hit .236 off of him.
Jackson would be a cheap option for the last spot in the Rays bullpen who had some success last year. The biggest question would be whether the Rays would be willing to tie up a 40-man roster spot with him.
There are still some good options available through free agency, like Kiko Calero, Santiago Casilla and Will Ohman. But, those types of relievers will cost a little money.
The Rays could still go the route of filling the spot from within with guys like Winston Abreu or Dale Thayer.
