ST. PETERSBURG -- Xavier Cedeno could prove to be the X-factor for the Rays' bullpen going down the stretch.
With the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline looming, speculation about whom the Rays might try to acquire to bolster the roster usually lands on bullpen pieces.
In that vein, Cedeno -- a left-handed specialist, might be one of the bullpen pieces the Rays add -- even though he's already on their roster. But while he's close to returning, he still has a lot of hurdles to cross before his return.
The left-hander experienced left forearm tightness early in the season and went on the disabled list on April 21.