The Tampa Bay Rays designated veteran outfielder Austin Slater for assignment on June 19, a move verified by MLB's official transaction log.
MLB's transactions page lists the move as "Tampa Bay Rays designated RF Austin Slater for assignment." MLB Trade Rumors reported that the roster spot went to Jonny DeLuca, who was reinstated from the 10-day injured list.
Slater DFA Opens Rays Outfield Spot
Slater's stay with Tampa Bay was brief. MLB Trade Rumors reported that he appeared in seven games for the Rays and went 6-for-22 with two doubles, three walks, three steals and six strikeouts across 25 plate appearances.
The quick roster turn says as much about Tampa Bay's outfield squeeze as it does about Slater's small sample. DeLuca's return from the injured list gave the Rays a healthier internal option, and Slater lost the 40-man spot.
MLB identifies Slater as a right fielder, and the 33-year-old has spent most of his career as a right-handed platoon bat. MLBTR noted he has a career .263/.353/.420 line against left-handed pitching.
Five-Day Window For Tampa Bay
The Rays now have five days to trade Slater, place him on outright waivers or release him. MLBTR reported that he can reject an outright assignment if he clears waivers.
Slater has already moved often. MLBTR listed Tampa Bay as his third team of 2026 and his eighth major league club dating back to 2024, after earlier stops with the Giants, Reds, Orioles, White Sox, Yankees, Marlins and Mets.
His broader offensive trend explains why the DFA is not just a paperwork move. MLBTR has Slater at .215/.301/.308 over 446 major league plate appearances dating back to 2024, including reduced production against left-handed pitching.