Littell will serve as an opener Thursday against the Diamondbacks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell will take the mound first for Tampa Bay, with Yonny Chirinos slated to cover bulk relief innings. It will be the first opener assignment this season for Littell, who holds a 6.57 ERA and 11:5 K:BB over 12.1 innings covering 10 appearances between the Red Sox and Rays.

The Rays reinstated Littell (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tampa Bay optioned lefty Jalen Beeks to Triple-A Durham to clear a spot in the bullpen and on the 26-man active roster for Littell, who missed about three weeks due to the inflamed right shoulder. Littell will likely work in lower-leverage spots for Tampa Bay after he surrendered six earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over 6.1 innings during his first six relief appearances in the majors this season.

Littell (shoulder) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday and has made three appearances thus far, covering two innings and allowing four earned runs on four hits and four walks while striking out one batter.

EDGE Analysis

Littell is working his way back from a bout with right shoulder inflammation, an issue that resulted in his placement on the 15-day injured list May 24. Before picking up the injury, Littell was a fringe member of the Rays' 40-man roster, so he likely won't be assured a spot in the big-league bullpen once he's formally activated. Littell hasn't helped his cause by having pitched ineffectively thus far during his rehab assignment.

The Rays placed Littell on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder fatigue, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell last pitched Monday and gave up two runs while recording just one out in a 6-4 win over the Blue Jays. It's not clear how long he might be sidelined.

Littell was claimed off waivers by the Rays on Friday, Julian McWilliams of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell was designated for assignment by the Red Sox earlier this week and will wind up remaining in the American League East. The reliever is out of options, so he'll join the major-league roster. It's not clear yet what the Rays' corresponding move will be.

The Red Sox designated Littell for assignment Wednesday, Ian Browne of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell has lost his roster spot to James Paxton (hamstring), who was activated from the 15-day injured list in advance of his season debut Friday versus the Cardinals. The 27-year-old allowed three earned runs in three innings (two relief appearances) during his brief stay with Boston.

Littell's contract was selected from Triple-A Worcester on Saturday, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old righty had a 3.82 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 106 innings for the Giants from 2021 through 2022, but he'd been working as a Triple-A reliever for the Rangers prior to getting shipped to Boston for cash. Littell should work in low-leverage spots.

Littell was acquired by the Red Sox from the Rangers on Friday in exchange for cash considerations, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell has posted a 2.25 ERA and 16:2 K:BB over 12 innings this season at the Triple-A level. He'll report to Triple-A Worcester for now but could get a look with the big club before long.

Littell signed a minor-league contract with the Rangers on Thursday, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Littell will be in big-league camp as a non-roster invitee. The 27-year-old was highly effective out of the Giants' bullpen in 2021 before stumbling to a 5.08 ERA in 2022. He would seem to have a decent chance to win a middle-relief role in Texas.

Littell was outrighted to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Littell was sent down in mid-September and will lose his spot on the team's 40-man roster now that the offseason has begun. It's possible that he serves as a non-roster invitee this spring.