The Tampa Bay Rays beefed up their bullpen on Monday by acquiring right-handed reliever Tyler Wells from the Baltimore Orioles, multiple reports said.
The Rays sent minor league right-hander Michael Forret back to the Orioles to make the deal happen, the New York Post reported.
The 6-foot-8, 270-pound Wells, 31, was the Orioles’ most productive reliever as he posted a 2-2 record with a 2.67 ERA and four saves in 43 games. He recorded 53 strikeouts versus 12 unintentional walks over 54 innings.
The Orioles, who entered Monday just 2 1/2 games out of the American League’s final wild-card spot, have moved catcher Adley Rutschman, outfielder Taylor Ward, starting pitcher Dean Kremer and Wells at the deadline.
Meanwhile, the AL-leading Rays have acquired catcher Liam Hicks, starting pitcher Freddy Peralta and Wells.
Forret, 22, began his career in the Orioles organization after being selected in the 14th round of the 2023 draft. Baltimore sent him to Tampa Bay in December as part of the trade that brought Shane Baz to the Orioles.
In 19 starts this season split between Triple-A Durham and Double-A Montgomery, Forret produced a 7-2 record with a 3.29 ERA. He compiled 102 strikeouts versus 40 walks over 93 innings.
