Rays add reliever Garrett Cleavinger to World Series roster, replacing Brody Hopkins
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The gist
The Rays put left-handed reliever Garrett Cleavinger on their World Series roster in place of Brody Hopkins.
He adds a lefty option after seven weeks out with forearm tightness.
Background
Garrett Cleavinger is a left-handed relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays, wearing No. 60. He last pitched on Sept. 4, 2026, then went on the Injured List with left forearm tightness and missed the final three weeks of the regular season, finishing with a 4.79 ERA over 41.1 innings. The Rays activated him for the ALDS (American League Division Series) but never used him against the Yankees, then swapped him for hard-throwing right-handed prospect Brody Hopkins on the ALCS (American League Championship Series) roster. Now, with the Rays in their franchise's third World Series, facing the Milwaukee Brewers, they have reversed that move.
How it unfolded
- Sep 17, 2020Cleavinger, then a 26-year-old left-handed reliever in the Phillies organization, made his MLB debut against the New York Mets, allowing a two-run home run to Robinson Canó in a 10-6 loss.
- Dec 2020Cleavinger was sent to the Dodgers in a three-team trade in which the Phillies acquired José Alvarado from the Rays.
- Sep 4, 2026Cleavinger made his last regular-season appearance, then was placed on the Injured List with left forearm tightness and did not pitch again in the regular season.
- 2026 regular seasonHe finished with a 4.79 ERA, 4.12 FIP, 29.8 K% and 12.2 BB% over 41.1 innings, striking out 54 batters.
- ALDSCleavinger was on the Rays' ALDS roster but did not pitch against the Yankees.
- ALCSThe Rays removed Cleavinger from their AL Championship Series roster in favor of Brody Hopkins, who did not pitch against the Guardians.
- Oct 23, 2026Hours before Game 1 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, the Rays announced their World Series roster, bringing Cleavinger back in place of Hopkins — the only change to the 26-man roster after beating the Guardians in six games.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Rays manager Kevin Cash opted for another left-handed option in the bullpen; the team carries 14 position players and 12 pitchers.
- Analysts
- Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin reported the swap as the roster's only change, with Cleavinger on and Hopkins off.
- Caution
- Cleavinger has not pitched in a game in seven weeks, since his Sept. 4 outing before the forearm injury.