Sat, Jun 17, 2017 at 11:27am

RAYS GET RIGHTY POP IN VETERAN PLOUFFE

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired infielder Trevor Plouffe and cash from the Oakland Athletics for a player to be named later or cash considerations.

What does it give the Tampa Bay Rays
This is a solid depth move by the Rays, who desperately need more right-handed batting options in their lineup (especially at the corner infield spots). Plouffe bats right-handed and despite his struggles this season he is still hitting .294 versus lefties in 2017. He also plays both third base and first base, and Tampa Bay's respective starters there (Evan Longoria and Logan Morrison) are both having a tough time against lefties this season. Expect Plouffe to get some starts at first and third moving forward, and for him to possibly see some time at DH and in the outfield, too. With Plouffe's affordable contract coming off the books after this season, this is a nice all-round deal for Tampa Bay.

What does it give the Oakland Athletics
The Athletics recently called up one of their top prospects (Matt Chapman) to step in at third base, and they have another solid third base option at Triple-A ball in Renato Nunez. That depth and Plouffe's struggles made this move an easy one for Oakland to make, especially since they save some money as well by moving Plouffe's contract.

Fantasy impact
The power-hitting Chapman is a player to keep an eye on in most fantasy formats, although some early struggles by him should be expected (since he is strikeout-prone). Plouffe gets neither an upgrade nor a downgrade with this move, since he lost most of his fantasy value by struggling in Oakland and he does not project to be an everyday option with Tampa Bay. Do expect a little less fantasy-wise from Morrison, however (since he might both lose some starts to Plouffe) and consider slight upgrades for Chapman and Nunez (whom both will now likely see increased opportunities).