After winning 98 games, the AL East title, a first-round bye, and homefield advantage through the AL playoffs, the Rays are ready to begin their postseason journey.  In advance of Game 1 of the ALDS against the Yankees, the Rays released their 26-man roster, led by Game 1 starter Drew Rasmussen.

Catchers: Nick Fortes, Liam Hicks
Infielders: Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz, Jorge Mateo, Richie Palacios, Taylor Walls, Ben Williamson
Outfielders: Jonny DeLuca, Victor Mesa Jr., Cedric Mullins, Chandler Simpson, Ryan Vilade
Left-handed pitchers: Cam Booser, Garrett Cleavinger, Steven Matz, Ian Seymour
Right-handed pitchers: Bryan Baker, Griffin Jax, Kevin Kelly, Nick Martinez, Freddy Peralta, Drew Rasmussen, Cole Sulser, Tyler Wells

Cleavinger and Wells were each activated from the 15-day injured list on Monday, and their inclusion on the ALDS roster confirms that both pitchers have recovered from somewhat ominous cases of forearm tightness.  As it turned out, Cleavinger missed only a month of action and Wells a little over three weeks, so these could be considered best-case scenarios given how forearm-related issues can often be precursors for more serious injuries.

Simpson also appears to have avoided any kind of major foot problem, as the outfielder hasn’t played since fouling a ball off his right foot in Tampa’s 2-0 win over Philadelphia on September 25.  The Rays held Simpson out of their last two games just as a precaution, and the speed demon will now return to his usual spot in left field.  The poster child for the Rays’ small-ball formula, Simpson hit .306/.333/.356 over 612 plate appearance this season, hitting zero homers while leading the majors with 46 stolen bases.