Rays bring back RHP Jake Odorizzi on minor league deal

Field Level Media|published: Fri 15th March, 14:00 2024

Aug 22, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi (12) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. credits: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays will take a low-risk attempt and bring back right-hander Jake Odorizzi, signing the 11-year veteran to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training on Friday.

Odorizzi, who pitched for the Rays from 2013-17, did not appear in a major league last season after undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in April 2023 as a member of the Texas Rangers organization. He turns 34 later this month.

According to the New York Post, Odorizzi will earn $1.5 million in salary while pitching in the major leagues, with another $2.5 million available in innings incentives.

In his most recent major league season, he was 6-6 with a 4.40 ERA for the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros in 2022 over 22 starts.

In his career with the Kansas City Royals (2012), Rays, Minnesota Twins (2018-20), Astros (2021-22) and Braves, Odorizzi is 74-69 with a 3.99 ERA in 241 appearances (237 starts). He was an American League All-Star in 2019.

The Braves traded Odorizzi to the Rangers after the 2022 season, but he never pitched for the club.

—Field Level Media