The Rays recalled Aranda from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Aranda joins the 26-man active roster as a replacement for outfielder Manuel Margot (knee), who was placed on the 10-day injured list Tuesday along with fellow outfielder Kevin Kiermaier (hip). Since he had seen work at three infield spots (third base, second base and first base) this season, Aranda won't be a candidate to directly replace either Kiermaier or Margot in the Rays' regular lineup, but the versatile Vidal Brujan could begin seeing more work in the outfield to facilitate playing time for Aranda. The 24-year-old slashed .310/.386/.512 with 11 home runs and three stolen bases in 280 plate appearances for Durham prior to receiving his first big-league call-up.

Aranda is batting .326/.404/.521 with nine homers, three steals and a 26:49 BB:K through 57 games for Triple-A Durham.

EDGE Analysis

With Brandon Lowe hurt and Vidal Brujan struggling at the dish, it's a little surprising Aranda hasn't gotten the call to Tampa yet. All he's done in Triple-A is essentially replicate his fine work in Double-A from last season (.325/.410/.540). Of course, his defense is not great and probably never will be, which may be all the difference for the Rays, but at least Aranda offers some versatility by virtue of his experience -- he's played first, second and third this year, and left field previously. As an excellent hitter with no clear position, he's an obvious fit for the DH slot.

Aranda was optioned to minor-league camp Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Aranda was added to the 40-man roster in the offseason after racking up 322 plate appearances at Double-A Montgomery in 2021. He experienced plenty of success there, delivering a .325/.410/.540 line with 10 home runs and three stolen bases. Aranda could begin the season at Triple-A, though it's unclear where he'd fit on the big-league roster without injuries at any point in 2022.

Aranda was added to the Rays' 40-man roster Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

One of the top pop-up prospects in the minors last season, Aranda spent the bulk of the year at Double-A, where he hit .325/.410/.540 with 10 home runs and a 19.6 percent strikeout rate. He is a promising hitter, but it will be tough for him to find a place to play at the big-league level next season.