The Rays announced that right-hander Brian Van Belle went unclaimed on waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Durham. Tampa Bay had designated him for assignment last week when cutting their roster down to 40.
Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports that Van Belle underwent elbow surgery that will cost him the entire 2026 season. The 29-year-old had finished the year on the injured list with what was initially diagnosed as elbow inflammation. That was apparently serious enough to necessitate surgery that’ll prevent Van Belle from building off this year’s brief MLB debut. The Miami product made four appearances after being acquired from the Reds as part of the three-team Zack Littell deadline deal. He gave up five runs over 8 1/3 innings while picking up his first win.
Van Belle will remain in the farm system without occupying a 40-man roster spot next season. He could get a look in Spring Training in 2027. He’s coming off a cumulative 3.17 ERA in 105 Triple-A innings between the Red Sox, Reds and Rays systems. Van Belle’s fastball sits around 90 MPH, but he has a plus changeup and excellent control.
Aren’t they not allowed to outright him if he’s injured?
Doesn’t apply in the off season since there are no injured lists. Teams cannot, nor should not, be forced to clog their 40 man roster with guys that cannot help them. During the season they would be required to IL him though.