The Rays made a flurry of roster moves on Thursday, right before the 2022 season officially began. A few of those moves were expected, such as selecting Chris Mazza to the opening day roster and placing Pete Fairbanks on the 60-day IL. The Rays also placed Brendan McKay on the 60-day IL which brought the 40-man roster down to 39, leaving one spot open for an acquisition.
The Rays wasted no time filling that spot, claiming right-handed reliever Ralph Garza Jr. off waivers from the Red Sox on the same day. The 28-year old Garza Jr. had been a part of the Houston Astros organization for six years before finally making his big league debut in 2021.