PORT CHARLOTTE — In a move even he said he saw coming, Erasmo Ramirez is headed to the bullpen.
With eight off days during the first seven weeks of the season, the Rays will not need a full five-man rotation until mid-May. With Ramirez out of options, he became the obvious choice to pitch in relief.
But Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that Ramirez will not bide his time in the bullpen until he’s needed in the rotation. The abdominal surgery that will sideline closer Brad Boxberger until at least the middle of May created more of a relief role for Ramirez.