Rays Make Veteran Outfield Addition Ahead of Red Sox Series
The Tampa Bay Rays are calling up a much-needed right-handed hitting reinforcement for their lineup.
The Rays are reportedly calling up veteran outfielder Austin Slater ahead of their series against the Boston Red Sox, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Hearing OF Austin Slater is headed to #Rays. RH hitter, who signed minor league deal 5/27 and hit .348 in 6 games with AAA @DurhamBulls, could help lineup that will face a string of LHPs this week. Has played parts of 10 seasons in majors.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 8, 2026
The Rays signed Slater to a minor league contract on May 27 after the New York Mets designated him for assignment.
In his limited opportunities with Triple-A Durham, Slater has performed extremely well. In 28 plate appearances, he is hitting .348/.464/.696 with one home run, five doubles, and a 195 wRC+.
The timing of Slater's promotion comes as the Rays prepare to face several left-handed starters over the next week. That stretch begins tonight against Connelly Early and continues tomorrow against Payton Tolle.
The corresponding move for Slater's promotion is unknown at this time. However, prized outfielder Chandler Simpson has missed the last two games with a thumb injury. Tampa Bay will also need to make a 40-man roster move to clear space for Slater.
This will be Slater's third organization this season after spending time with the Miami Marlins and Mets.
In his limited opportunities with those clubs, Slater struggled. In 43 at-bats, he hit .209/.286/.233 with a .519 OPS and just one extra-base hit.
However, Slater has never really been an everyday player. Instead, he has built a reputation for hitting left-handed pitching. For his career, Slater is batting .263 against southpaws with a .772 OPS and a 115 wRC+.
Slater has bounced around since spending seven seasons with the San Francisco Giants. In fact, when he makes his Rays debut, it will be the eighth organization he has played for over the last three seasons.
For a Tampa Bay team that doesn't have many offensive stars outside of Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, and Jonathan Aranda, Slater fits the Rays' mold. He's another player who has bounced around before finding an opportunity in St. Petersburg.
The Rays hope Slater can provide some much-needed stability to an offense that has cooled off in recent weeks. Entering Monday, Tampa Bay is tied with the New York Yankees atop the American League East.
After riding a hot stretch to begin the season, the Rays are just 5-10 over their last 15 games. They'll look to get back on track tonight against the Red Sox, with Slater expected to join the club.
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This story was originally published June 8, 2026 at 11:12 AM.