Rays reliever Edwin Uceta had arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder last month and is expected to miss at least the first couple of months of 2027. After emerging as a trusted setup man, Uceta missed all of 2026 with shoulder trouble; Tampa Bay now faces a roster decision on the affordable, controllable right-hander.

By the Numbers
  • Uceta posted a 2.98 ERA across 117⅔ innings from 2024-25.
  • He struck out 33.3% of batters and walked 7.3%.
  • His projected 2027 salary is $1.525 million, and he remains under team control through 2029.
Yes, But

Uceta’s injury history and uncertain recovery make keeping him on the roster a consideration, particularly if a lockout delays access to the 60-day injured list. Still, his modest salary and strong results give the Rays reason to keep him in the picture.

What’s Next

Tampa Bay could non-tender Uceta to open a roster spot, then try to re-sign him. His recovery timeline and the offseason’s labor situation could shape the decision.

Bottom Line

Uceta’s shoulder surgery puts his early 2027 availability in doubt, but his recent performance makes him worth considering if the Rays can manage the roster cost.