The Tampa Bay Rays added rookie right-hander Brody Hopkins to their American League Championship Series roster Monday and left off left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger.
It was the only change from the 26-player group that swept the New York Yankees in the Division Series. Tampa Bay retained 12 pitchers and 14 position players for its series against Cleveland.
Hopkins made his major league debut September 13. In six regular-season appearances, he struck out seven and walked six over 5⅓ innings, finishing with a 5.06 ERA.
Those numbers show both his ability to miss bats and the command challenge he brings to the bullpen. His selection gives manager Kevin Cash another right-handed relief option.
Cleavinger appeared in 51 regular-season games and posted a 4.79 ERA. He did not pitch during the three-game ALDS sweep, Field Level Media reported through Reuters.
The Rays’ roster decision preserves most of the group that advanced through the first round. Hopkins takes the available place as Tampa Bay moves into a longer series against the Guardians.
Read Cleveland’s corresponding roster change and TSP’s MLB coverage.
