Jake Odorizzi last took the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays in September 2017.
The right-hander hasn't pitched on an MLB diamond in over 17 months.
Both of those lengthy droughts could come to an end this spring.
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed RHP Jake Odorizzi to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) March 15, 2024
After being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft, Odorizzi was traded to the Kansas City Royals in December 2010 as part of a blockbuster six-player deal. Odorizzi, two-time All-Star outfielder Lorenzo Cain, one-time All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar and one-time All-Star reliever Jeremy Jeffress were sent to Kansas City in exchange for infielder Yuniesky Betancourt and 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Greinke.
Odorizzi made just two starts with the Royals in 2012 before being traded to Tampa Bay in December that year, where he would remain through the 2017 season. He went 40-37 with a 3.82 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 639 strikeouts in 698 innings pitched over 127 games (124 starts) with the Rays.
The 33-year-old was traded for the third time in February 2018, joining the Minnesota Twins. Odorizzi had the best season of his career in 2019, finishing 15-7 with a 3.51 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 178 strikeouts over 159 innings pitched covering 30 starts and earning his lone All-Star appearance in the process.
The former No. 32 overall pick left the Twins after the pandemic-shortened 2020 season and spent 2021 with the Houston Astros. Odorizzi was traded yet again in August 2022, this time to the Atlanta Braves, and then was sent packing in November 2022 and joined the Texas Rangers.
He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last spring and missed the entire 2023 season.
Odorizzi could immediately help the Rays in their rotation, as they're dealing with a load of injuries in the starting five.
Odorizzi said he is healthy, has been throwing for teams during offseason, was seeking a major-league deal, but familiarity with #Rays, and opportunity caused by Bradley situation, led to agreement on minor league deal
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 15, 2024
Odorizzi pitched for the Rays from 2013-17 and lives year-round in Tampa. The Rays are down 4 SP (Bradley, McClanahan, Rasmussen, Springs). Odorizzi had shoulder surgery and missed last season. But has been throwing, so has a shot at being part of staff at outset of season. https://t.co/RybEraPiGr
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) March 15, 2024
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