As is the case with any good farm system, the Rays had difficult decision to make this evening in deciding which prospects would be protected on the 40-man roster.
Entering today, the Rays had eight roster spots remaining, with several prospects not already on the 40-man roster that were considered guarantees: Top-100 ranked RHP Brent Honeywell and 1B Jake Bauers, and Double-A outfield standout Justin Williams.
From there, a smattering of arms that dominated the minor leagues in RHP Diego Castillo, RHP Yonny Chirinos, RHP Burch Smith (recovering from Tommy John surgery), and LHP Ryan Yarbrough were considered likely additions or trade fodder, as was two-time defensive prospect of the year C Nick Ciuffo.