The Rays have designated outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker, per a club announcement. That move was needed to open a roster spot for lefty Adam Kolarek, whose contract was selected.
Hazelbaker, 30, had been acquired earlier in the season from the Diamondbacks, but had yet to see any action at the MLB level. In 230 plate appearances at Triple-A on the season, he carries a .190/.278/.366 batting line. Though he has produced at a 116 OPS+ rate in 285 total major-league plate appearances, Hazelbaker is still waiting for his next crack at the game’s highest level.
As for Kolarek, he will get another chance after struggling in a brief debut in 2017. The 29-year-old has certainly earned his return. In 42 1/3 Triple-A frames over 29 appearances, he owns a 1.70 ERA with 10.6 K/9 and 2.1 BB/9 along with a hefty 62.7% groundball rate.
Why do rays keep designating good players
While I typically agree with you, Hazelbaker has been abysmal in Triple-A this season. At 30 years old, he was never a part of their plan.
Hazelbaker used to be a good platoon guy and pinch hitter but he’s way too streaky
Great idea to get a guy who has consistently produced above average results but he didn’t pan out and wasn’t a long term piece. Sign him to a minor league deal next year and hope it was a down year