Athletics Pick Up Right-Hander Chris Roycroft Off Waivers
The Athletics claimed pitcher Chris Roycroft after the Rays designated him for assignment to activate Manuel Rodriguez from the injured list. Roycroft, who began 2026 with the Cardinals, posted a 6.52 ERA in 11 appearances for Tampa Bay. He has a 5.02 ERA in Triple-A this season and brings a strong ground-ball rate to his new club.
Roycroft's 2026 season has been defined by instability, as he has now moved through three organizations. His struggles at the major league level have been pronounced, with a combined ERA above 8.00 across his stints with St. Louis and Tampa Bay, though his 50 percent ground-ball rate with the Rays suggests underlying skills the Athletics may attempt to unlock. His Triple-A numbers, while modest, indicate he has been more effective against lesser competition.
The Athletics' corresponding roster move carries significant weight, as placing shortstop Jacob Wilson on the 60-day injured list effectively ends his season due to shoulder problems. For a rebuilding club, acquiring a veteran reliever with major league experience at minimal cost represents a low-risk opportunity to evaluate whether Roycroft can develop into a bullpen piece for future contention windows.
This transaction may have modest ripple effects beyond the Athletics' roster. For Roycroft, it offers another chance to establish himself as a reliable major league arm, potentially extending his career. For Tampa Bay, the decision reflects the difficult choices contending clubs face when healthier pitchers return. Fans of rebuilding teams like the Athletics could see this as a small step toward identifying useful bullpen pieces, though the impact on the broader baseball landscape remains limited to roster depth considerations.