Rays acquire reliever Robert Stephenson from Pirates in trade.

The Tampa Bay Rays have traded for veteran right-hander Robert Stephenson from the Pittsburgh Pirates to stabilize their bullpen. In exchange, the Rays gave up middle infielder Alika Williams, a first-round pick in the 2020 draft. Stephenson is expected to join the Rays during the weekend series against the Red Sox. The Rays also designated reliever Ben Heller for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Stephenson and are expected to activate veteran right-hander Shawn Armstrong from the 60-day injured list.