Ryan Pepiot was dominant on the mound, throwing seven shutout innings as the Tampa Bay Rays crushed the Toronto Blue Jays 13-0. Led by Brandon Lowe, who went 3-for-4 with a two-run homer, the Rays completed a three-game sweep, showcasing their offensive prowess with a total of 15 hits. This marks the fifth consecutive victory for Tampa Bay, with contributions from all nine starters who recorded at least one hit.

In a remarkable fifth inning, the Rays sent 11 batters to the plate, scoring seven runs and sealing the game early. Josh Lowe and Junior Caminero contributed crucial hits, while Ben Rortvedt drove in three RBIs. The Blue Jays' Chris Bassitt struggled, allowing five runs in just over four innings. The game highlighted the Rays' depth and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, positioning them favorably in the American League East.

Mickey Moniak and the Los Angeles Angels are currently engaged in a salary arbitration hearing, with Moniak seeking a raise to $2 million, while the team proposes $1.5 million. The arbitration panel, comprising Melinda Gordon, Samantha Tower, and John Woods, is expected to deliver a decision soon. Moniak had a challenging 2022 season, finishing with a .219 batting average, 14 home runs, and a career-high 49 RBIs, after earning $770,000 previously.

Furthermore, Luis Rengifo, an Angels infielder, has requested $5.95 million from the team, which offered him $5.8 million. The salary arbitration process is ongoing, with nine players still awaiting hearings through mid-February. Notably, Johan Oviedo recently lost his arbitration case against the Pittsburgh Pirates, settling for $850,000 instead of his requested $1.15 million. Another pending case involves Pittsburgh pitcher Dennis Santana, who asked for $2.1 million, but the franchise offered him $1.4 million.

The Arizona Diamondbacks have acquired catcher René Pinto off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, bolstering their roster as they head into the 2024 season. Pinto's journey to Arizona has been eventful; he joined the Orioles in November after being picked up from the Tampa Bay Rays but was designated for assignment in January to clear space for pitcher Charlie Morton.

Pinto's career began in the Rays' organization after signing as an international free agent in 2013. He made his MLB debut in 2022, contributing a -0.2 WAR in 25 games. His performance improved in 2023, where he recorded a .252 batting average, six home runs, and a 0.4 WAR in 38 games.

Despite a promising trajectory, Pinto found himself in a crowded catching situation with the Diamondbacks, where he will compete for playing time against incumbent starter Gabriel Moreno and backups José Herrera and Adrian Del Castillo. Each of these players brings different strengths to the team, adding to the competition for opportunities behind the plate as Spring Training approaches.

Drew Rasmussen has finalized a two-year contract with the Tampa Bay Rays worth $8.5 million, successfully avoiding salary arbitration. The contract includes an option that could increase the total value to $28 million across three years. The agreement was announced by Rasmussen’s agency, Beverly Hills Sports Council, just days ahead of the scheduled arbitration discussions.

The 29-year-old right-hander underwent a third elbow surgery in July 2023 but made a swift return to the mound on August 7. During his brief stint following recovery, he recorded a 2.82 ERA with a 0-2 record in four starts and 12 relief appearances, showcasing his ability with a 97.4 mph four-seam fastball.

Throughout his five-year career, Rasmussen boasts a 20-12 record with a 2.95 ERA over 50 starts and 44 relief appearances, primarily with the Milwaukee Brewers and the Rays. He will remain under contract with the Rays until at least the end of the 2026 season, provided the option is not exercised. Meanwhile, several other Rays players are still in arbitration, including Shane Baz and Zack Littell.

Drew Rasmussen has secured his future with the Tampa Bay Rays, reaching a two-year, $8.5 million deal that could escalate to $28 million over three seasons. The contract features a $500,000 signing bonus and salaries set at $2 million for the first year and $5.5 million in 2026.

The deal includes an $8 million option for 2027, which comes with a $500,000 buyout. This option carries potential escalators based on Rasmussen's health and performance, adding a layer of incentive for both the player and the team.