Rays Sign RHP Logan Kensing

The Tampa Bay Rays have signed journeyman RHP Logan Kensing to a minor league deal. He is likely to report to Triple-A Durham at some point in April.

The Rays are somewhat banged up, as starter Jeff Niemann has a bruised shoulder and relievers Mike Ekstrom and Grant Balfour haven’t looked like their normal selves yet.

That said, Kensing and his career 5.44 FIP likely won’t do much to help the situation, as he’s found little success with Florida and Washington in his major league career. Even at his best, he’s only deserved ERAs around 4.50.

Kensing operates mainly with a low-to-mid-90’s fastball that lacks movement (which helps explain his career 1.57 HR/9) and a below-average low-80’s slider. He added a high-80’s cutter last year that is a usable pitch.

I doubt Kensing sees the majors for an extended period of time. Barring a real makeover by the Rays’ staff, the 27-year-old is unlikely to make an impact.