The Tampa Bay Rays officially ended the tenure of first baseman Yoshi Tsutsugo Tuesday, designating him for assignment.
The 29-year-old signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Rays prior to the 2020 season, but could not make the adjustment to the pitching in the United States. After hitting .197 with eight home runs and 24 RBI in 51 games during the shortened 2020 campaign, Tsutsugo’s struggles continued in 2021. He slashed just .167/.244/.218 without a home run and five RBI, though one helped beat Gerrit Cole and the New York Yankees early in the season.
The team now have seven days to either trade Tsutsugo or place him in irrevocable outright waivers.
To take Tsutsugo’s spot on the active roster, third baseman Kevin Padlo was recalled from Triple-A Durham. Reliever Ryan Sherriff was also activated from the team’s restricted list and was optioned to Durham, where he had been for a rehab assignment.