The Tampa Bay Rays made a series of moves to alter their 40 man roster on Tuesday prior to the 8pm deadline in order to protect some of their prospects, including designating first baseman C.J. Cron for assignment.
The Rays were working all the way up to the 8pm deadline on November 21st to have their 40 man roster together so they are prepared for the impending Rule 5 Draft next month.
For anyone who doesn’t know, the Rule 5 Draft allows teams to draft players that have had five or more years of professional playing time, but have not been placed on any team’s 40 man roster by the 8pm deadline.