Ryan Thompson Injury News & Updates

Thompson pitched 1.1 perfect innings en route to a win in Tuesday's 4-2 victory over the Phillies in Game 7 of the NLCS.

Thompson was summoned into the game in the fifth inning with Kyle Schwarber in scoring position at second base, but he managed to escape the jam and pitch a clean sixth. Thompson's high ground ball rate, which accounted for 61.2 percent of balls in play against him in 30.2 regular season innings, allows him to pitch to contact and helps to generate perfect outings like Tuesday's performance. So far this postseason, Thompson has a 2.53 ERA and 1.22 WHIP across 10.2 innings with eight strikeouts.

Thompson allowed one hit while striking out two over a scoreless inning in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the White Sox.

Thompson pitched the eighth inning, preserving the lead for Paul Sewald for the save. Kevin Ginkel is normally the choice to pitch the eighth inning of close games, but manager Torey Lovullo went another way after Ginkel's most recent outing Monday when he was tagged with the loss. The manager rewarded Thompson, who has been effective since being added to the Diamondbacks' bullpen in late August. The reliever has a 0.75 ERA and 0.50 WHIP over 12 innings.

Thompson struck out one batter in a perfect inning and earned a save against the Reds on Sunday.

Thompson was promoted from Triple-A Reno on Sunday and was thrown right into a save situation. He posted a 6.11 ERA in 17.2 innings with the Rays this season before being designated for assignment. Scott McGough threw 1.2 innings while Paul Sewald did not appear in Sunday's game.

The Diamondbacks selected Thompson's contract from Triple-A Reno on Sunday.

Arizona designated right-hander Nabil Crismatt for assignment to clear room in the bullpen for Thompson, who could make his Diamondbacks debut in Sunday's series finale with the Reds. Before inking a minor-league deal with Arizona earlier this month following his release from Tampa Bay, Thompson had produced a 6.11 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 12:7 K:BB in 17.2 innings at the big-league level with the Rays this season.

Thompson (undisclosed) signed a minor-league contract with the Diamondbacks on Sunday, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com

Thompson saw some high-leverage work with the Rays between 2021 and 2022 but struggled earlier this year, posting a 6.11 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 17.2 innings over 18 relief appearances. He was on the injured list with an undisclosed issue before being released by Tampa Bay, and it's not yet clear whether he's back to full health.

Thompson was released by the Rays on Wednesday.

Thompson was removed from the 40-man roster and has now been cut loose entirely after clearing waivers. The veteran reliever had a nice run with the Rays from 2020-22 but in 2023 has produced a 6.11 ERA and 12:7 K:BB over 17.2 innings at the major-league level. Thompson had been on the injured list at Triple-A Durham and it's not clear at this point if he's healthy.

The Rays designated Thompson (undisclosed) for assignment Wednesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Before he was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Aug. 2, Thompson had accrued a 6.11 ERA while striking out 12 batters over 17.2 innings in the big leagues this season. His results at Durham (3.26 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 24 strikeouts in 19.1 innings) have been better, but he hasn't pitched for the affiliate since his demotion after being placed on the 7-day injured list Aug. 6. He'll likely stick around at Durham if he goes unclaimed upon being exposed to waivers.

Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

This move clears out a 26-man roster spot for Aaron Civale, who was acquired from the Guardians on Monday and is expected to make his Rays debut in a start this Saturday against the Tigers. Thompson did not make an appearance during his two-day stint in the Tampa Bay bullpen.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Thompson has split time pretty evenly between Triple-A and the majors this season. He has a 3.26 ERA and 61.4 percent groundball rate in 19.1 innings at Triple-A and a 6.11 ERA in 17.2 innings in the big leagues. He should work in low-leverage situations.

Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Friday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

One day after being called up, Thompson will return to Durham. He appeared Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Phillies, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out a batter over one inning. In a corresponding move, Elvin Rodriguez had his contract selected from Triple-A and he'll replace Thompson in the major-league bullpen.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays needed six pitchers to get through Wednesday's loss to the Phillies, so they're bringing in Thompson as a fresh bullpen arm. He's posted a 5.94 ERA in 17 appearances with Tampa Bay in 2023.

Thompson was optioned Thursday to Triple-A Durham, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Pete Fairbanks (hip) is back from the injured list, so Thompson gets the boot. He's struggled to a 5.94 ERA and 11:7 K:BB in 16.2 innings of work this year out of the Rays' bullpen.

Tampa Bay recalled Thompson from Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Thompson gives the Rays a fresh arm in the bullpen, and he forged a 2.25 ERA over three appearances with Durham after being demoted to Triple-A on May 22. The right-hander has struggled in the majors with a 6.60 ERA over his 16 appearances in 2023, and he isn't likely to see a plethora of high-leverage chances while he's with the club. Jose Lopez is optioned back to Durham in the corresponding move.

Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Sunday, Steve Carney of StPeteNine.com reports.

Thompson will head to Durham after he's surrendered at least one run in four out of his last five appearances. Over that stretch, the right-hander has given up nine runs over five frames, raising his season-long ERA from 1.80 to 6.60. He'll look to recenter himself with Triple-A before being returned to the major-league roster later this season. In a corresponding move, right-hander Cooper Criswell will join the Rays in Tampa Bay.

Thompson was activated from the 15-day injured list by the Rays on Friday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Thompson wound up needing just a minimum stay on the injured list with a strained right lat. Zack Burdi was optioned to clear space on the roster and in the bullpen.

Thompson was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a right lat strain, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

There is no public timetable yet, but this is an injury that can sometimes cost pitchers multiple months. Trevor Kelley will join the Rays' bullpen in a corresponding move.

Thompson (triceps) walked a batter in a scoreless inning of relief Sunday in the Rays' 5-2 loss to the Orioles in Grapefruit League play.

The appearance marked the spring debut for Thompson, who closed the 2022 season on the 60-day injured list with right triceps inflammation. The injury may have prompted the Rays to ease Thompson back into action this spring, but the right-handed reliever looks as though he'll be fully ramped up by the time Opening Day arrives. He was a key piece in the middle-to-late innings for the Rays in 2022, logging a 3.80 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 39:11 K:BB in 42.2 frames while notching three wins, three saves and 10 holds.

Thompson (triceps) lost his arbitration case against the Rays on Saturday, John Denton of MLB.com reports.

Thompson will make $1 million next season. He recorded a 3.80 ERA in 42.2 innings last season and picked up three saves, but he missed the final month of the season with right triceps inflammation and a stress reaction in his right elbow. Assuming he proves his health this spring, he should find a role somewhere in the middle of the Rays' bullpen.

Thompson (right triceps inflammation) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

He was shut down for the season earlier this week, with a stress reaction in his right elbow being reported, so it sounds like the stress reaction is what was causing the triceps inflammation. Thompson will compete for a spot in the bullpen next spring if he is healthy.

Thompson has been diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right elbow and will be shut down for the rest of the season, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Thompson has been on the injured list since the end of August due to right triceps inflammation, and he recently experienced discomfort in his elbow while throwing. In spite of his shutdown, he's expected to be ready for spring training in 2023. Over 47 relief appearances in 2022, Thompson converted three of eight save chances while picking up 10 holds with a 3.80 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in 42.2 innings.

The Rays placed Thompson on the 15-day injured list Tuesday with right triceps inflammation, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

A best-case scenario has Thompson returning around the middle of September, although it's unclear how significant his injury is. The sidearm-throwing righty hasn't pitched since Thursday, when he allowed two runs on four hits versus the Angels. Thompson sports a modest 3.80 ERA and 39:11 K:BB this season.

Thompson (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list Monday.

Thompson has been relatively effective over his last five appearances, as he's picked up two holds while allowing two unearned runs and striking out seven in 5.1 innings. He'll rejoin the Rays' bullpen in Boston after he was unavailable for the team's five-game set in Toronto.

Thompson will be placed on the restricted list and won't travel with Tampa Bay for the upcoming five-game series in Toronto, which begins Thursday, due to Canada's vaccination requirement, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson allowed a walk and had two strikeouts over two scoreless innings during Wednesday's 5-3 loss to the Brewers, but he won't be available to face the Blue Jays on the road since he's apparently unvaccinated. The 30-year-old will be able to rejoin the team ahead of Monday's game at Boston.

Thompson did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Thursday against the Rangers.

Thompson was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the ninth inning and retired the side on just eight pitches to record his third save of the season. He hasn't earned a high-leverage role with his performances of late, as he's allowed 13 earned runs across his last 8.2 innings. Despite those struggles, the Rays continue to rotate pitchers through the closer role so Thompson could pick up spare saves while Andrew Kittredge (back) remains sidelined.

Thompson allowed an unearned run on one hit and one walk while striking out two across two innings to blow a save Friday against Baltimore.

Thompson entered the game in the 11th inning with a one-run lead. He retired the first two batters he faced but ultimately surrendered an RBI single to Austin Hays. Thompson came back out for the 12th inning and set down the side in order. He could see an uptick in save chances if Andrew Kittredge (back) remains sidelined, though Brooks Raley would likely be first in line. Thompson has a mediocre 4.40 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with a 12:5 K:BB across 14.1 innings, though he has tallied two saves and three holds on the campaign.

Thompson picked up the save, striking out the only batter he faced in a 2-1 win Thursday over Seattle.

Thompson entered the game with two on and two out and struck out Tom Murphy looking. It was the second save for the righty in as many chances. Andrew Kittredge has received the most save opportunities and Thompson is second, although Thursday's save opportunity only came about when a misplayed ball extended the inning. The 29-year-old has not allowed a run this season and has proven trustworthy in high-leverage situations.

Thompson did not allow a baserunner and struck out one across a scoreless ninth inning to record the save Sunday against Boston.

Thompson entered the game with a three-run lead and needed 16 pitches to retire the side in order to record his first save of the season. Andrew Kittredge had served as the team's primary closer to this point in the campaign, though he pitched two innings Saturday and was likely unavailable as a result. While Thompson has delivered 6.1 scoreless innings early on this season, he isn't likely to regularly factor into the saves picture for Tampa Bay.

Thompson was recalled from Triple-A Durham on Monday.

Thompson owns a 3.28 career ERA in 60.1 major-league innings. He'll replace Ryan Yarbrough on the roster after Yarbrough hit the injured list with left groin tightness.

Thompson was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson underwent thoracic outlet surgery in September and started spring slowly, but he's been able to make three Grapefruit League appearances. While he'll miss out on the Opening Day roster, he should get plenty of chances this season as the Rays rotate through their relievers with options.

Thompson (shoulder) is listed among Tampa Bay's available relievers for Thursday's Grapefruit League game against Atlanta, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson, whose 2021 campaign came to an early end when he underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last September, has been brought along slowly in camp, but he looks as though he'll have a chance at earning a spot in the Rays' Opening Day bullpen. He made his spring debut last Friday, working an inning and giving up one run on one hit and one walk in a game against the Orioles. Thompson apparently checked out fine during that outing, so he looks like he'll be ready to make his second Grapefruit League appearance Thursday. The right-hander still has three minor-league options remaining, so the Rays could choose to send him to one of their affiliates early in the season if they want to give him more time to shake off the rust following surgery.

Thompson (shoulder) is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice Tuesday.

Thompson has yet to make his Grapefruit League debut while he works his way back from the thoracic outlet syndrome surgery he required last September, but he seems to be making positive progress in his recovery. Now that he's advanced to facing hitters, Thompson could be integrated into the Rays' spring pitching schedule within the next few days. Since he's a reliever who won't need to build up his pitch count substantially over what's left of spring training, Thompson could still have a chance to break camp as a member of the Opening Day bullpen, though a brief stint on the injured list to begin the season remains a possibility.

Thompson (shoulder) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson missed the second half of the 2021 campaign due to a shoulder injury that required thoracic outlet surgery at the end of September. Manager Kevin Cash called the right-hander's bullpen "very encouraging," but the team hasn't yet revealed whether Thompson will be ready for Opening Day in 2022.

Thompson underwent thoracic outlet surgery Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson hadn't appeared at the big-league level since late June due to a shoulder issue which eventually required surgery. He's expected to be ready for spring training.

Thompson (shoulder) will undergo surgery in the near future to address thoracic outlet syndrome, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson was originally shut down in late August while experiencing lingering soreness in his right shoulder, and he was eventually diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. The 29-year-old is without a specific return timeline but is expected to be ready for spring training.

Thompson (shoulder) will visit with doctors in the coming days to help determine the extent of his injury, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson was shut down in late August since he continued to experience soreness in his shoulder, and he hasn't yet resumed throwing. The right-hander's upcoming examination is expected to determine whether his injury is related to thoracic outlet syndrome, and a better timetable for his return will likely be revealed after he visits with doctors.

Thompson (shoulder) was recently shut down from throwing due to ongoing soreness in his shoulder, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The right-hander's return from the injured list was pushed back a few days when he was struck by a comebacker in the leg last week, and his return will now be delayed significantly longer. It's unclear how long Thompson will be shut down, but there's a chance it could prevent him from rejoining the Rays before the end of the regular season.

The Rays aren't expected to bring Thompson (shoulder) back from the 60-day injured list for at least a few more days after he was struck on the leg by a comebacker in his latest rehab appearance at Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

On the shelf since late June with right shoulder inflammation, Thompson was cleared to begin a rehab assignment in mid-August and has made five appearances between the rookie-level Florida Complex League and Triple-A. Thompson doesn't appear to have suffered a major snag in his recovery program after being struck by the comebacker, but the Rays may want to see him complete one more rehab outing before activating him.

Thompson (shoulder) fired a scoreless eighth inning in Triple-A Durham's loss to Jacksonville on Sunday, allowing a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout.

Thompson had reported feeling some shoulder tightness after his rehab appearance Wednesday, but he returned to the mound Friday with a scoreless inning before repeating the feat Sunday. The right-hander has now logged four rehab outings overall with the Bulls, and assuming he remains free of setbacks, could be ready for activation from the 60-day IL when first eligible Friday.

Thompson (shoulder) felt "Ok, not great" following his rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.

The description of Thompson's condition a day after his sharp seven-pitch outing came from manager Kevin Cash himself. The right-handed reliever can't be activated for another week anyhow, so Thompson should have additional opportunities to build up his stamina and could always stay on the injured list for a bit longer if necessary as well.

Thompson (shoulder) fired a scoreless eighth inning in Triple-A Durham's win over Jacksonville on Wednesday, allowing a hit while recording two strikeouts.

Despite allowing a hit, Thompson couldn't have been more efficient in terms of location, as he fired all seven of his pitches for strikes. The 29-year-old's appearance Wednesday was actually the second of his rehab assignment, as he also logged a scoreless inning for the FCL Rays on Monday. Thompson's recent transfer to the 60-day injured list means he can't be activated before Aug. 27, meaning he should have a chance to make at least a couple of more appearances with the Bulls.

Manager Kevin Cash announced that Thompson (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Wednesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson has been working his way back from shoulder inflammation that has sidelined him since late June. The right-hander most recently tossed a live batting practice session Friday, and he has now gotten the green light to begin a rehab stint. Given the length of Thompson's absence, he's likely to get a hand full of outings under his belt with Durham before being activated, which means he probably won't return to the Rays' bullpen until the last few days of August at the earliest.

Manager Kevin Cash said Thompson (shoulder) could begin a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League early next week, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Before the Rays map out a rehab schedule for Thompson, he'll first need to make it through a live batting practice session Friday without issue. Thompson currently resides on the 60-day injured list and isn't eligible to rejoin the Tampa Bay bullpen until late August.

Thompson (shoulder) completed a 25-pitch bullpen session Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson has now completed two side sessions in the last three days without incident, a sign that he could be ready to take the next step forward in his rehab. After being moved to the 60-day injured list earlier this month, Thompson won't be eligible to rejoin the Tampa Bay bullpen until the final week of August at the earliest.

Thompson (shoulder) threw a successful bullpen session Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson's rehab hasn't been progressing as quickly as the team had initially hoped, but his successful return to the mound Saturday is a significant step in his recovery. Since the right-hander isn't eligible to return until early September, the team will see how his shoulder responds in the coming days before determining when his next throwing session will occur.

Thompson (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson was transferred to the 60-day injured list earlier in the week, but he'll continue mound work following Tuesday's transaction. The right-hander isn't eligible to return until early September, but he's still making progress following his brief shutdown in July.

The Rays transferred Thompson (shoulder) on Tuesday from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day IL, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson was shut down in late June with right shoulder inflammation, and while the Rays were initially optimistic that he would return from the IL within a month, he wasn't progressing in his recovery as quickly as anticipated. The Rays haven't indicated where Thompson currently stands in his rehab program, but the move to the 60-day IL means he likely won't be ready to rejoin the big club until September.

Thompson (shoulder) is expected to throw a bullpen session Friday or Saturday, of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson was shut down from throwing shortly before the All-Star break after experiencing some discomfort during a session, but he's apparently now set to pick things back up. The 29-year-old isn't expected to be activated at any point during the initial series of the second half against Atlanta.

Thompson (shoulder) isn't expected to make his return from the 10-day injured list until the final week of July, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson was placed on the IL on June 30 and was recently shut down from throwing, though he looks poised to resume activity shortly. However, the Rays will still want to see Thompson complete a rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham before he rejoins the active roster, so he'll likely remain sidelined for the club's first three or four series coming out of the All-Star break. The 29-year-old righty owns a 2.38 ERA and 1.03 WHIP to go with a 37:9 K:BB, 11 holds and three wins across 36 relief appearances this season.

Thompson (shoulder) has been shut down from throwing temporarily, the team's official site reports.

The right-hander was able to throw Sunday and Monday with relatively minimal soreness, but he then felt an increase in discomfort during a Thursday session. As such, Thompson was given Friday and Saturday off, and he'll attempt to resume throwing Sunday. If all goes without setbacks, the reliever should be ready to return sometime shortly after the All-Star break.

Thompson was placed on the 10-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation Wednesday, retroactive to June 28, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Thompson gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning Sunday but still earned the hold against the Angels. It's not yet clear whether his injury will force him to miss more than the minimum of 10 days, but he'll be eligible to return just before the All-Star break. Left-hander Ryan Sherriff was recalled from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move.

Thompson garnered his ninth hold in a win over the Nationals on Tuesday, firing a scoreless two-thirds of an inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Thompson inherited a certifiable mess from bullpen mate J.P. Feyereisen, who walked three of the four batters he faced to open the eighth inning to jam the bases. However, Thompson was masterful when called upon, recording strikeouts of Ryan Zimmerman and Josh Bell to snuff out the threat. The 28-year-old continues to be one of manager Kevin Cash's most reliable later-inning options, and he's now generated nine scoreless efforts in his last 10 appearances.

Thompson recorded his seventh hold in a win over the Yankees on Monday, firing a scoreless eighth inning during which he recorded two strikeouts.

Thompson was optimally efficient, firing 10 of 12 pitches for strikes during a dominant frame. The right-hander has churned out six scoreless appearances in his last seven trips to the mound, a 6.2 inning-stretch during which he's posted a win in addition Monday's hold and lowered his ERA from 2.55 to 2.22.

Thompson (3-2) earned the win Wednesday against the Orioles after pitching a scoreless inning in relief, allowing one hit and striking out three.

Thompson might have allowed a one-out triple to Austin Hays, but he struck out the other three batters he faced -- Cedric Mullins, Trey Mancini and Pedro Severino -- en route to his third win of the campaign. The 28-year-old right-hander has allowed just two runs (one earned) across 7.2 innings in nine appearances this month.

Thompson (2-2) allowed one run on two hits while striking out two in an inning of work as he took the loss against the Yankees on Wednesday.

Thompson took over for Ryan Yarbrough in the sixth and easily struck out both batters he faced to get out of the inning. He returned for the seventh, allowing a leadoff single to Aaron Judge and a double to Gio Urshela before eventually getting a ground out to third. He was replaced by Jeffery Springs who got the next two guys out but one of the outs was a sacrifice fly that scored Judge to give the Yankees a 1-0 advantage. The 29-year-old still owns a solid 2.55 ERA as that was the first run he's given up since April 21. He should still figure to be one of manager Kevin Cash's go-to guys in high-leverage situations despite the minor hiccup in Wednesday's loss.

Thompson recorded his fifth hold in a win over the Angels on Wednesday, allowing one hit over 1.2 scoreless innings. He struck out two and also hit a batter.

Thompson worked in what amounted to a setup role behind Jeffrey Springs in the victory, garnering his second hold of the series in the process. The 28-year-old now has five straight scoreless appearances, a stretch during which he's secured his second win and three holds overall while lowering his ERA from 3.60 to 2.40.

Thompson secured his third hold in a win over the Athletics on Tuesday, allowing a hit and recording a strikeout over a scoreless inning.

Thompson got 11 of his 16 pitches into the strike zone during a mostly efficient seventh inning, with the 28-year-old recording his fifth scoreless effort in his last six trips to the mound. The right-hander has blown both of the save chances he's been afforded thus far, but he's otherwise rewarded fantasy managers with a pair of victories, a 2.92 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP in addition to his trio of holds.

Thompson (2-1) pitched 1.1 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out two to earn the win over the Blue Jays on Saturday.

Thompson relieved Ryan Yarbrough in the seventh inning while the game was still tied before the Rays took the lead, giving Thompson the win. The 28-year-old is a key setup reliever for the Rays this season. He has an ERA of 3.18 and two holds in 11.1 innings.

Thompson recorded his second hold in a win over the Royals on Monday, firing 1.2 perfect innings during which he recorded a strikeout.

The right-hander allowed three runs (two earned) in two of his first three appearances of the season, but he's subsequently settled down to yield just one more across the six innings covering his next five appearances. Monday's clean performance marked Thompson's third straight scoreless effort, all of at least one inning in duration.

Thompson (1-0) was credited with the win in the Opening Day victory over the Marlins on Thursday, allowing a hit and no walks over a scoreless seventh inning. He struck out one.

Thompson made relatively quick work of the Marlins after taking over for Tyler Glasnow, notching first-pitch strikes against three of the four batters he faced and getting three swings and misses as well. The 28-year-old's strong start was an extension of his body of work this spring, when he posted a 1.59 ERA, 0.18 WHIP and .056 BAA across the 5.2 frames covering his six appearances.

Thompson, who was credited with a hold in a Grapefruit League win over the Red Sox on Monday, has yet to allow a run across 2.2 innings over three Grapefruit League appearances.

The right-hander also has a couple of strikeouts and has yet to issue a walk, helping him to make an excellent impression overall after holding his own during a rookie 2020 campaign in which he produced a 4.44 ERA across 25 appearances (one start). Thompson's early spring form appears to put him on relatively firm footing for an Opening Day roster spot, although he'll naturally have to continue generating a similar caliber of performance during the balance of the exhibition slate to lock in his chances.

Thompson will start Thursday's Game 4 against the Yankees, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old will serve as the opener Thursday with Tampa Bay attempting to close out the series. Thompson has delivered 3.1 scoreless frames this postseason -- including two innings Monday versus the Yankees -- and had a 4.44 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 23:8 K:BB over 26.1 innings during the regular season.

Thompson retired the final two batters in Saturday's 3-1 win over Baltimore to secure the save Saturday.

Thompson was called upon to close out the contest with Tampa Bay holding a two-run lead in the ninth inning. The right-hander needed only five pitches to seal the victory and earn the first save of his big-league career. Thompson doesn't figure to be given many more save opportunities over the final week of the season, though Tampa Bay's unconventional ninth-inning approach leaves open the possibility that he could find himself in a similar situation at some point. Nonetheless, his 4.81 ERA and 1.48 WHIP suggest that there are better options to pursue if eyeing a target in the Tampa Bay bullpen.

Thompson (1-2) took the loss against the Yankees on Tuesday, allowing three earned runs on three hits over 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

Thompson threw only 16 of 27 pitches for strikes and he allowed a bases-clearing double to Gio Urshela in which both the third baseman and Todd Frazier were able to cross the plate on errors. The 28-year-old's stumble snapped a four-appearance scoreless streak for Thompson, who saw his ERA bump up from 3.18 to 4.42 on Tuesday.

Thompson (1-1) allowed two runs on two hits and no walks while striking out zero over one innings as he was charged with the loss Friday against the Blue Jays.

Thompson could serve as an opener for the Rays during the team's weekend series in Buffalo, but he got off on the wrong foot in the series opener as the Blue Jays were proficient offensively. The right-hander's ERA rose to 2.45 with a 5:4 K:BB over 11 innings across eight appearances to begin the season.

Thompson was one of the candidates mentioned by manager Kevin Cash to serve as an opener during one of the two weekend games against the Blue Jays in Buffalo, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old's most recent trip to the mound came Tuesday against the Red Sox, an appearance during which he also secured his first big-league win. Thompson has already logged a trio of two-inning appearances in the early going of the season, so his arm should certainly be up to the task of logging the 1-to-2 innings manager Kevin Cash has typically asked his openers to cover in the past.

Thompson (1-0) was credited with the win in a victory over the Yankees on Sunday, firing a perfect ninth inning.

Thompson capped his whirlwind of a weekend off with his first big-league victory, flummoxing the Yankees for the second time in 24 hours. The 28-year-old had started the second game of Saturday's doubleheader and delivered a pair of scoreless frames in that contest, and after being optioned and then recalled from the alternate training site in Port Charlotte in a matter of hours, he came through in a much higher-leverage scenario Sunday by retiring the dangerous trio of D.J. LeMahieu, Aaron Judge and Aaron Hicks in order and on just eight pitches. Thompson may well shuttle back and forth between the majors and the Rays' alternate site on additional occasions this season, but for the time being, he may remain up while Oliver Drake (biceps) is sidelined.

The Rays recalled Thompson from their alternate training site Sunday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

He'll assume the active roster spot of reliever Oliver Drake, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with right biceps tendinitis. Thompson has previously made five appearances for Tampa Bay this season, covering eight innings and giving up three runs (one earned) on nine hits and three walks while striking out five.

Thompson was optioned to the Rays alternate site after starting Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He allowed one hit and zero walks over two scoreless innings while recording one strikeout. He didn't qualify for the decision.

The 28-year-old was recalled to serve as the 29th man for the twin bill, so he'll return to the alternate site despite the strong performance. Thompson has a 1.13 ERA and 1.50 WHIP through seven innings this season.

Thompson will start the second game of Saturday's doubleheader against the Yankees, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson was called up Saturday to serve as the 29th man for the Rays, and he'll begin the game on the mound as both teams plan to rely heavily on their bullpen during Game 2 of the twin bill. The right-hander has made four appearances in the majors this year, allowing one run on eight hits and three walks while striking out four over six innings.

Thompson will be called up by the Rays on Saturday to serve as the 29th man in the team's doubleheader against the Yankees, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

While Tyler Glasnow will start the first game of Saturday's doubleheader, manager Kevin Cash said that the team plans to have a bullpen game during Game 2. Although Thompson was just optioned to the Rays' alternate training site Wednesday, he'll rejoin the major-league club to help serve as an extra arm for the twin bill. Following Saturday's games, the right-hander should return to the alternate training site.

Thompson was optioned to the Rays' alternate training site after Wednesday's loss to the Red Sox, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

The 28-year-old earned a spot on the Opening Day roster, but he'll head to the alternate site with rosters shrinking from 30 players to 28 players. Thompson made four appearances and allowed one run on eight hits with four strikeouts and three walks over six innings.

Thompson will be on Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Thompson earned himself a spot in the big-league bullpen thanks to an impressive showing during both spring and summer camp. The right-hander spent most of 2019 at Double-A, posting a 3.10 ERA and 20:6 K:BB across 20.1 innings.

Thompson's sidearm delivery has proven problematic for hitters during both spring training and summer camp, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

The 28-year-old has only made one start above the Double-A level in his career, but Thompson as highly impressive during Grapefruit League play with eight scoreless innings, an 0.75 WHIP and a .138 BAA across seven appearances. Torbio reports the right-hander has carried the momentum into summer training, and Thompson pitched another scoreless frame in Thursday's intrasquad game. Thompson may have an outside shot at the Opening Day roster depending on how many arms manager Kevin Cash opts to keep, but the Rays skipper did make it a point to state Thompson is "going to help us at some point this season, for sure."