Rays add reliever Manuel Rodriguez to 40-man Roster

Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY SportsThe Tampa Bay Rays have been clearing the decks ahead of the November 14th deadline to add players from within the organization to the 40-man roster in order to protect them from the Rule 5 draft in December, and recently cut or traded eight players.

Previously: Rays drop eight players from 40-man roster through trades, waives

It can be a lot to keep track of, so here’s a summary of all the comings and goings thus far.

First, upon the conclusion of the World Series, a trio of relievers became free agents: Southpaw Jake Diekman and right-handed hurlers Chris Devenski and Robert ‘Bob’ Stephenson.

Then, on November 6, the Rays activated embattled shortstop Wander…