Rortvedt (shoulder) will start at catcher and bat fifth in Thursday's Grapefruit League game against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

After getting an injection to relieve pain in his sore right shoulder, Rortvedt had been limited to designated-hitter duties in his last two spring games, but he'll step in behind the plate Thursday for the first time since Feb. 23. Provided that the shoulder issue provides no complications with his throwing over the rest of the spring, Rortvedt will be part of a timeshare at catcher with Danny Jansen to open the season.

Rortvedt (shoulder) went 0-for-2 with a strikeout in Saturday's 10-1 loss to the Mets in Grapefruit League play.

EDGE Analysis

Rortvedt played for the first time since receiving an injection in his sore right shoulder early last week, though he was limited to a non-defensive role. Per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Rortvedt will be available off the bench again Monday versus Atlanta, but if called upon to play, the 27-year-old will most likely replace starting designated hitter Eloy Jimenez. According to MLB.com, the Rays are targeting Thursday's game versus the Phillies for Rortvedt's return to catching duty, assuming his throwing is no longer compromised by the shoulder issue.

Rortvedt will not be allowed to throw for 3-to-4 days after receiving an injection Wednesday in his sore right shoulder, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Rays are hopeful Rortvedt will be ready to return to Grapefruit League play shortly after the brief shutdown period. He's slated to open the season as the team's No.2 catcher behind Danny Jansen.

Rortvedt will be held out of action for a few days with right shoulder soreness, Ryan Bass of FanDuel Sports Network Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Rays do not seem worried that it could be a long-term issue for the catcher. Rortvedt is projected to open the season as the backup behind Danny Jansen.

The Rays and Rortvedt avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $1.125 million contract Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter. Rortvedt led Rays catchers with 328 plate appearances in 2024 but is slated to take a back seat to Danny Jansen in 2025.

Rortvedt is out of the lineup for Friday's game against Boston.

EDGE Analysis

After making four straight starts behind the dish, Rortvedt will yield to Logan Driscoll Friday for the second time in three games. Rortvedt hasn't logged multiple hits in a game since Aug. 8.

Rortvedt is out of the lineup for Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Rortvedt will get a breather after he went 2-for-7 with an RBI while starting behind the plate in each of the Rays' last three games. Logan Driscoll will fill in for Rortvedt at catcher.

Rortvedt is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Rortvedt is sporting an unsightly .136/.214/.173 batting line with a 32.6 percent strikeout rate since the beginning of August. He will yield to Logan Driscoll on Friday in the series opener.

Rortvedt is not in the lineup for Tuesday's contest versus the Red Sox.

EDGE Analysis

It's a routine day off for Rortvedt. Logan Driscoll will handle the catching duties for the Rays in Tuesday's series opener.

Rortvedt is not in Saturday's lineup against the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

Rortvedt has been getting the majority of the reps behind the plate for the Rays, but he'll be out of the lineup for the second straight game. Logan Driscoll -- who smacked the first homer of his career Friday -- will take Rortvedt's spot in the lineup.