The Rays acquired LHP Anthony Banda just before Spring Training games began, along with 2B Nick Solak, in the surprising trade of RF Steven Souza Jr. His acquisition would prove to be prescient. With the Rays top pitching prospects Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon needing Tommy John surgery this Spring, Banda becomes the next man up for the Rays.
Banda spent most of 2017 in AAA and went 8-7 with a 5.39 ERA in the hitter friendly PCL. The Diamondbacks also called on Banda 8 times with the big squad, and he started in 4 of those games.