Rays Expected To Activate Chris Archer On Sunday

The Rays are prepared to activate right-hander Chris Archer from the 60-day injured list on Sunday,

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js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");. Presumably, Archer will take the ball to start that afternoon’s game against the White Sox. The Rays will need to make a corresponding 40-man roster move this weekend.

Archer missed the entire 2020 season with the Pirates after undergoing surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome last June. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay brought back the 32-year-old on a one-year deal over the winter. The hope was that he’d be able to find something resembling the form that made him a two-time All-Star during his first run as a Ray, but injuries have continued to get in the way.

While Archer began the year healthy, he landed on the IL after just two appearances due to forearm tightness. The initial hope was that he’d be back in relatively short order, but he ultimately required a more than four-month recovery timeline. Archer began a minor league rehab assignment last month, but that was halted temporarily as he battled left hip soreness. He restarted that assignment a couple weeks ago and reached 71 pitches during his most recent outing with Triple-A Durham.

The Rays have continued to thrive in spite of Archer’s absence. Tampa Bay sits at 75-48, giving them a four game advantage over the Yankees in the American League East.