Rays manager Kevin Cash said that the team will deploy a four-man rotation into May that includes Chris Archer, Blake Snell, Jake Faria and Eovaldi, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though Eovaldi didn't even make a single appearance for the Rays or any of their minor-league affiliates in 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Cash apparently has no qualms about handing the right-hander a rotation spot after watching Eovaldi throw in the early stages of spring training. Since Eovaldi underwent the elbow procedure in August of 2016, he's had more time to recover and regain velocity than most pitchers returning from the operation, making the Rays optimistic that he'll be able to provide quality innings right away in his return to the mound. If Eovaldi should falter in his initial outings or struggle to stay healthy, Matt Andriese and top prospect Brent Honeywell would likely rank as the top candidates to replace him in the rotation.

Eovaldi (elbow) said that he would be fully healthy when the Rays begin their first spring workout Feb. 14, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "I'm just ready,'' Eovaldi said. "I was healthy and ready to go at the end of the year last year so I went into the offseason confident, as if I was activated, with no restrictions. The offseason's been great, no issues, no little injuries, so I'm ready for spring.''

EDGE Analysis

Eovaldi didn't make any appearances for the Rays or any of their minor-league affiliates in 2017 while he recovered from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in August of the previous year. Now almost 18 months removed from the serious elbow operation, Eovaldi may face fewer restrictions than most pitchers in their first year back from Tommy John surgery, but he'll still likely find himself on the outside looking in for the a rotation spot. A deployment out of the bullpen may be more realistic for Eovaldi, whose premium velocity could quickly allow him to move up the pecking order in a Rays relief corps lacking in proven arms.

Eovaldi (elbow) will have his $2 million 2018 club option exercised, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eovaldi missed all of 2017 while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but the Rays felt he was worth bringing back in 2018 given the small amount of money he's owed. The 27-year-old -- who was reinstated from the 60-day DL on Thursday, per Topkin -- is expected to be fully healthy heading into spring training, where he'll compete for a rotation spot. When he last pitched in 2016, Eovaldi posted a 4.76 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 124.2 innings before undergoing Tommy John surgery in August.

Eovaldi (elbow) has completed his rehab and is projected to compete for a rotation spot in spring training, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

In the words of manager Kevin Cash, Eovaldi has "put a check next to every box" in his rehab process, which has essentially gone off without a hitch following his August 2016 Tommy John surgery. The 27-year-old right-hander had ideally wanted to take the mound before the end of the regular season, but the Rays want him to head into the offseason without taxing his arm further and then compete for a rotation spot next spring.

Eovaldi (elbow) fired a scoreless inning for Triple-A Durham in Game 2 of the International League championship series Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

As per Topkin, Eovaldi threw a total of 17 pitches over his one frame, allowing two hits in the process. A decision on whether Eovaldi will take a major-league mound this season is likely imminent, but even if that's postponed until 2018, the right-hander has undeniably made an impressive recovery from August 2016 Tommy John surgery.

Eovaldi (elbow) will make his second rehab appearance for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday in Game 2 of the International League championship series, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eovaldi fired a scoreless inning in which he recorded two strikeouts in his first rehab appearance last Saturday for High-A Charlotte. The 27-year-old right-hander started that contest, but Wednesday's appearance is scheduled to come in relief. The Rays will soon make a decision on whether or not Eovaldi will return to big-league game action this season, or whether they'll hold him out until spring training 2018.

Eovaldi (elbow) threw a simulated game Wednesday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eovaldi continues to work through his recovery from August 2016 Tommy John surgery at a fairly brisk clip. Wednesday's development continues to leave open the possibility that the 28-year-old could make a return before the end of the season.

Eovaldi (elbow) will progress from bullpen sessions to live batting practice next week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Eovaldi has previously stated that he wasn't ruling out a return just before the end of the regular season, and the latest news confirms that he's another step closer to that possibility. The right-hander is now a year removed from Tommy John surgery and has seemingly made consistent progress throughout his recovery. The more likely scenario is that Eovaldi will enter spring training next year as a full participant and ready to compete for a roster spot.

Eovaldi (elbow) is slated for another bullpen session Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old has been making steady progress as of late, and he's not quite giving up on the prospect of taking a mound before the end of the 2017 campaign. Following his bullpen session Thursday, Eovaldi remarked that it's "not out of the question" for him to potentially return as a reliever in September. The right-hander amassed 23 victories -- including a career-high 14 in 2015 -- with the Yankees over the last two seasons before sustaining his injury last Aug. 10.

Eovaldi (elbow) threw off a full mound Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tuesday's mound session marks the first time that Eovaldi has tossed off a full mound since undergoing Tommy John surgery in August 2016. He's making steady progress and will look to enter the 2018 season at full health.