The St. Louis Cardinals acquired relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge from the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in exchange for outfielder Richie Palacios, according to a source. Kittredge returned from Tommy John surgery in August of 2023 and was able to hold opponents to a .683 OPS in his 14 relief appearances for Tampa. The 33-year-old right-hander was an All-Star in 2021, when he had a 1.88 ERA (3.04 FIP) and 0.98 WHIP with a career-high eight saves and career-high 77 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings over 57 outings (four starts). Kittredge won't be a favorite saves in St. Louis -- that falls to Ryan Helsley -- but he'll remain in a high-leverage role and is a solid acquisition for a Cardinals bullpen that really let them down this past season. Kittredge should be relevant in deep holds leagues if he can stay healthy.

The Tampa Bay Rays reinstated relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (elbow) from the 60-day injured list on Thursday and designated right-hander Hector Perez for assignment in a corresponding move. Kittredge will be making his 2023 debut when he gets into a game after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June of 2022. He was an All-Star in 2021 when he had a 1.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, a career-high eight saves and 77 strikeouts in 71 2/3 relief innings, so he should eventually work his way back into high-leverage situations and could be an asset in deeper fantasy leagues that count holds. For now, though, expect Tampa to ease him in as more of a middle reliever after such a long layoff, which will limit his fantasy appeal. Pete Fairbanks remains the Rays' closer.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (elbow) continues to work his way back from last year's Tommy John surgery. The right-hander has already made 15 minor league rehab appearances this season. It sounds like the veteran reliever is making solid progress and is nearly ready to return. In fact, Kittredge will reportedly be ready to join the team for their next series versus the Los Angeles Angels. The expectation is that the Rays are going to ease Kittredge into his role. The hope is that he'll be a successful high-leverage option once he's fully healthy.

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Andrew Kittredge (elbow) has been on a rehab assignment since July 4, and he continues to pitch without any issues, according to MLB.com. The 33-year-old has been out of action since the middle of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, Kittredge could return to the Rays by mid-August if there are no setbacks. Since the 2020 season, the right-hander has been dominant, posting a 2.17 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, and 24.2% strikeout rate with 14 saves and eight holds. The club has a deep bullpen, but Kittredge may find himself in a handful of hold situations when he's back.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (elbow) is scheduled to face hitters during a live batting practice session on Friday. The right-hander has been sidelined all season while he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Kittredge underwent surgery last June, so in theory he should be fully recovered soon. The 33-year-old posted a 1.88 ERA (3.04 FIP), 0.98 WHIP across 57 appearances during the 2021 campaign. The hope is that Kittredge can rejoin the Rays bullpen around the All-Star Break.

The Tampa Bay Rays moved relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (elbow) to the 60-day injured list on Thursday and added right-hander Trevor Kelley to the 40-man roster in a corresponding move. Kelley was already with the team on a minor-league deal. Kittredge had Tommy John surgery last June and is expected to miss at least the first half of the 2023 season. The 32-year-old right-hander is a valuable high-leverage bullpen arm when healthy, as he had a sparkling 1.88 ERA (3.04 FIP), 0.98 WHIP, a career-high eight saves and 77 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings over 57 outings (four starts) for the Rays in his All-Star campaign in 2021. Pete Fairbanks and Jason Adam figure to share closing duties for Tampa to open the 2023 season.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that closer Andrew Kittredge (elbow) is likely headed for surgery to have a loose body removed from his elbow, and he'll be out at least a month. Kittredge went back on the injured list on Thursday, and although it could've been worse, he'll still be out for an extended period of time. The 32-year-old right-hander has been strong for fantasy managers this year when healthy, recording a 3.15 ERA, 14 strikeouts and five saves in 20 innings pitched, so he deserves to be stashed in an IL spot. In his absence, the Rays are likely to go with a closer committee, potentially headed by Colin Poche, who recorded Tampa's last save on June 3. However, names like Jason Adam, Brooks Raley, Matt Wisler, Jalen Beeks and Ryan Thompson could also see save opportunities here and there.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed closer Andrew Kittredge (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Thursday with right elbow discomfort and recalled right-hander Calvin Faucher from Triple-A Durham in a corresponding move. Kittredge's injured list placement is retroactive to June 8. The 32-year-old right-hander has five saves and a solid 3.15 ERA in 20 relief innings as the Rays closer this year, but he could miss extended time this time around. It remains to be seen how Tampa will handle ninth-inning closing duties in his absence, with Colin Poche, Jason Adam and Brooks Raley all possibilities to see save chances in the near future.

The Tampa Bay Rays activated closer Andrew Kittredge (back) from the injured list on Sunday and optioned right-hander Calvin Faucher to the minors in a corresponding move. Kittredge only threw one inning on a minor league rehab assignment and struck out one in a scoreless frame before returning to the Rays bullpen. His return is good timing with J.P. Feyereisen on the injured list. Kittredge returns to a 3.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, five saves, 13 strikeouts and one walk in 18 relief innings for Tampa this year, and he should immediately return to closing duties. Fantasy managers should get him right back into their starting lineups.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (back) has returned to the team's clubhouse prior to Saturday's contest against the Chicago White Sox, which likely means that he'll be activated from the injured list within the next day or two, according to beat writer Marc Topkin. Kittredge was placed on the IL back on May 22 with a back issue and is fresh off a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham. The 32-year-old righty has been excellent for Tampa Bay this season, posting a 3-1 record, 3.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP, and 13:1 K/BB ratio to go along with five saves over 18 innings. He should be added in all fantasy formats wherever he was dropped as he'll most likely resume his closer role once he's officially activated.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (back) made his first rehab appearance at Triple-A Durham on Friday. He pitched a scoreless inning, allowing one hit and no walks while striking out one. He required 18 pitches to get through the inning. Kittredge has been sidelined since May 16 due to a back injury. He is eligible to be activated from the 15-day injured list any day now. Based on his smooth performance on Friday, it seems like he could be back with the Rays before the weekend is over. Kittredge leads the Rays with five saves on the year and he has a 3.00 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (back) has been on the injured list since May 22 but is ready to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham on Friday. It is likely that Kittredge will only need one or two appearances before he is back with the big league club, which is excellent news for the Rays and their depleted bullpen. When Kittredge was healthy, it seemed as though he was the Rays preferred option as the closer, so he should remain stashed in fantasy leagues if you have the room.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (back) has been progressing well since landing on the 15-day injured list about a week ago. He had a pair of throwing sessions on Friday and Saturday, then he went on to throw a bullpen session on Sunday. He will be facing live hitters soon and then he'll require a rehab outing before making his return to the Rays. According to Rays beat writer Adam Berry, the Rays are optimistic that Kittredge will be able to return right around the time he's first eligible to come off the injured list, June 3.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed All-Star closer Andrew Kittredge (back) on the injured list on Sunday and promoted right-hander Dusten Knight from the minors in a corresponding move. Kittredge has been unavailable for a few days, and the Rays are hoping he'll have a minimum stay on the injured list. Without Kittredge available on Friday, Tampa's bullpen imploded against the Orioles. The 32-year-old right-hander was a first-time All-Star in 2021 and has a 3.00 ERA, 0.78 WHIP and five saves in 18 innings pitched for the team this year. Fantasy managers will need to stash him in an IL spot and hope for a speedy return. In the meantime, the Rays could use a closer committee between Brooks Raley and J.P. Feyereisen. Raley should be your first target if you're in need of saves.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (back) is dealing with a back injury. After Friday's game against the Baltimore Orioles, Rays manager Kevin Cash stated that he wanted to avoid utilizing Kittredge in the game because of the injury. The Rays wound up playing 13 innings on Friday and just about every reliever not named Andrew Kittredge made an appearance in the game. Brooks Raley is second on the team in saves behind Kittredge, so he's the most likely candidate to earn a save opportunity if Kittredge remains unavailable. However, given the team in question, it's more likely a committee approach would be utilized.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge picked up his first loss of the season in Monday's 3-2 loss to the Tigers. Kittredge came on to pitch the top of the ninth inning with the game tied 2-2. He got the first two outs on a flyout and groundout, but then allowed a solo home run before getting the third out on a groundout. The 32-year-old is now 3-1 with five saves, a 3.00 ERA, 13 strikeouts, and one walk over 18 innings pitched this season. The strikeouts haven't been there and the Rays are notorious for mixing up their bullpen usage, but Kittredge has led the team in save opportunities and seems to be fantasy managers' best bet to roster for now.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge recorded his fifth save of the year on Sunday. He closed out the team's 3-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching a scoreless ninth inning. He allowed one hit and no walks and didn't record any strikeouts. Kittredge has been the team's primary ninth inning arm this year, but he struggled over two of his last three outings, earning blown saves on both occasions. Brooks Raley has also been trusted with ninth inning duties a good amount. He is 3-for-4 in save opportunities with two of his three saves coming in May. Kittredge still appears to be at the top of the closer hierarchy for the Rays, but it's a fickle hierarchy that is sure to cause fantasy managers further frustrations this season.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Andrew Kittredge threw a scoreless inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Oakland Athletics. The 32-year-old entered the ninth inning to protect a three-run lead and retired all three batters he faced to earn his fourth save of the season. He's been terrific as Tampa Bay's primary closer, converting all four save opportunities while posting a 1.46 ERA, 0.49 WHIP, and a 12:1 K: BB across 11 1/3 innings in 2022. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with Kittredge as he's become one of the most reliable closers this season.

Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 6-5 win over the Cubs. Kittredge came on to pitch the eighth inning with a one-run lead and pitched a 1-2-3 inning with no strikeouts. He stayed on to pitch the ninth and delivered another 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts. It is always a bit of a mystery as to how the Rays will utilize their bullpen arms, but the 32-year-old did pick up eight saves for them last season. He has now seen two of the Rays' five save opportunities this season and has converted them both with a 1.50 ERA and eight strikeouts over six innings pitched. Kittredge's fantasy value is limited by the way the Rays mix and match in later innings, but he does appear to be the bullpen arm to roster in fantasy at this time.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Andrew Kittredge allowed one run on two hits while striking out two to earn the save in Saturday's 5-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles. On Friday, he picked up the win and was called upon to protect a three-run lead in the bottom of ninth Saturday. The 32-year-old yielded one run by surrendering an RBI double to Jorge Mateo but closed out the inning to pick up his first save of the season. Kittredge should produce for fantasy managers in 2022 as he was effective as the Rays closer in 2021, posting a 1.88 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and racking up 15 saves and holds over 71 2/3 innings.