Drake (elbow/neck/back) elected free agency after refusing an outright assignment to the minors Friday, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.

EDGE Analysis

Drake carried an elbow injury into last season and never wound up throwing a pitch in a game at any level, as he later developed neck and back issues in midseason. He was shut down from throwing late in the year, which may make him an unappealing option in free agency heading into his age-35 season.

Drake (elbow/neck/back) has been completely shut down from throwing for the time being due to a neck/back issue, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Drake had been able to throw live batting practice sessions July 2 and July 7 at the Rays' spring training complex without setbacks to his elbow, but he began to be bothered by neck and back and back soreness shortly thereafter. The issues apparently haven't subsided sufficiently for Drake to be able to continue rehabbing without restriction, meaning it appears he'll head into the offseason with a murky outlook on his potential availability for spring training.

Drake (elbow) won't pitch again in 2021, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Drake originally suffered a flexor strain in the ALDS last year and landed on the injured list shortly after signing with the Rays in February, and he'll end up spending the entire 2021 campaign on the shelf. It's unclear if the injury will affect his outlook heading into spring training.

Drake (elbow/neck/back) was recently cleared to resume a throwing program, but he remains without a clear target date for a return from the 60-day injured list, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Drake has been sidelined all season while recovering from a right flexor strain suffered during the 2020 playoffs, and his return timeline was pushed back in mid-July when he was shut down after experiencing recurring neck and back soreness. He appears to have moved past the latter two injuries, but he'll still require additional time to get his arm in game condition. Since Drake has yet to even begin a minor-league rehab assignment, he appears unlikely to make his 2021 debut for the Rays until September.

Drake (elbow) is dealing with neck and back soreness, which has delayed the start of his rehab assignment temporarily, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was in line to begin a long-awaited rehab assignment with the Rays' Florida Complex League affiliate Tuesday, but the temporary setback has derailed those plans. Assuming the soreness isn't indicative of something more serious, Drake should be ready to make his first rehab appearance in the next few days.

Drake (elbow) is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance Tuesday with the Rays' Florida Complex League affiliate, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

EDGE Analysis

Drake is finally ready to begin the final phase of his extended recovery program from a right flexor strain, an injury he first suffered during the playoffs last fall. Tampa Bay is likely to ease the 34-year-old reliever back slowly from the injury, so he'll likely be in store for an extended rehab assignment that may not conclude until late July or early August. Over his 11 appearances for Tampa Bay in 2020, Drake posted a 5.73 ERA and 1.18 WHIP across 11 innings while collecting two saves and one hold.

Drake (elbow) has continued to throw to hitters in recent days and could soon start a rehab assignment, the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has progressively been working his way back from a right flexor strain suffered last postseason, and he appears to finally be on the verge of jumping back into official game action. Drake's rehab assignment is likely to be of fairly significant duration when considering the length of his absence.

Drake (elbow) threw a one-inning simulated game Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was the righty's first time facing hitters since suffering a right flexor strain during the 2020 ALDS, and manager Kevin Cash said he plans to have Drake throw two more innings within the next few days. The Rays haven't provided any further updates on Drake's return date, so mid-July remains a realistic expectation.

Drake (elbow) hasn't experienced any setbacks, but he still has "got some time to wait" before starting a rehab assignment, the team's official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The characterization of Drake's timeline comes directly from manager Kevin Cash, so it would seem the veteran reliever is still a few weeks away from being deemed ready for activation. Drake has been throwing bullpen sessions intermittently since mid-May, and he could progress to facing live hitters before the end of June.

Drake (elbow) is throwing his first bullpen session Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Drake suffered a flexor strain during the 2020 playoffs and has been sidelined since. He will be eligible to return from the injured list June 1, though manager Kevin Cash said that Drake is "a ways away" from returning to game action.