The Tampa Bay Rays have made a key move in their bullpen, optioning rookie Mason Montgomery and recalling reliever Mason Englert from Triple-A Durham. Englert returns to the majors after a mid-June demotion, where he excelled with a 2.86 ERA over 14 appearances. The Rays hope his recent form can stabilize a struggling bullpen that has posted an 8.07 ERA in their last ten games. Montgomery's season has been challenging, with a 5.74 ERA over 31 innings, prompting the Rays to give him a chance to reset.

The upcoming trade deadline looms, and with a tight race in the American League East, the Rays are clearly seeking any edge to maintain postseason contention. This bullpen shuffle illustrates the team's proactive approach in a season full of high stakes.