The Tampa Bay Rays have set their Opening Day roster two days ahead of the first game, optioning offseason acquisition RHP Emilio Pagan in favor of LHP Adam Kolarek.
Kolarek was a dark horse once the roster decisions were narrowed to five names for three spots: LHP Jalen Beeks, RHP Wilmer Font, RHP Emilio Pagan, RHP Hunter Wood, and LHP Adam Kolarek.
Beeks was the earliest winner among the competing arms, having added velocity and deception this offseason, while Font (who was out of options) showed enough to secure his place this week.
With the Rays set to face the right handed heavy Houston Astros in the opening series, the conventional wisdom was that Wood or Pagan would be the favorites for the final spot.