Heading into the season, the Tampa Bay Rays were looking for a corner infield presence that could hit left handed pitching. Rickie Weeks had been brought in to handle left handed pitching, but he has struggled thus far. Prior to landing on the disabled list, Weeks had posted a .216/.321/.340 batting line with two homers and six doubles. Michael Martinez was brought in once Weeks hit the DL, but has been even worse, with a .077/.172/.077 batting line.
Obviously, the Rays needed to improve that position. They have done just that, acquiring Trevor Plouffe from the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations.