Edwin Uceta Withdraws from WBC Due to Shoulder Issue; Expected for Opening Day

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Edwin Uceta arrived at camp with a 'cranky shoulder' and will not participate in the World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. Manager Kevin Cash stated the decision is precautionary, and the team expects the right-handed reliever to be ready for Opening Day, though he will be slow-played during spring training. The 28-year-old could factor into the late-inning mix this season, having recorded one save and 21 holds with 103 strikeouts across 70 appearances and 76 frames in 2025.