Rays Boost Bullpen with Call-Up of Brody Hopkins
The Rays announced the call-up of right-hander Brody Hopkins, with Alex Cook optioned to Triple-A and Michael Grove DFA to clear room on both the active and 40-man rosters. Hopkins, a 24-year-old former Mariners sixth-round pick, was part of the Randy Arozarena trade and has moved from starter to reliever in Triple-A Durham, posting better results as a reliever and flashing a high-velocity fastball with a plus breaking ball. Tampa Bay is weighing his bullpen potential and possibly future rotation use, and Hopkins—the younger brother of TJ Hopkins—becomes the second Hopkins brother to reach the majors.