Dodgers Pitcher Signs With Rays After Shoulder Surgery

Michael Grove inks deal with Tampa Bay as he recovers from right shoulder procedure.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a baseball pitcher's throwing motion broken down into overlapping planes of navy, green, and orange, conveying the complex, multifaceted nature of player development and roster management in Major League Baseball.The Rays' acquisition of injured Dodgers pitcher Michael Grove reflects the team's knack for developing reclamation projects.Today in Tampa

Los Angeles Dodgers free agent right-handed pitcher Michael Grove has signed a major league contract with the Tampa Bay Rays. Grove was immediately placed on the 15-day injured list as he continues to recover from right shoulder surgery. To make room on the Rays' 40-man roster, another former Dodger, right-handed pitcher Ryan Pepiot, was transferred to the 60-day IL due to right hip inflammation.

Why it matters

The Rays have a history of taking on injured players and developing them into valuable contributors, so this move could pay dividends if Grove is able to recover and return to form. The Dodgers, meanwhile, will be without two of their former pitching prospects as they look to defend their NL West title.

The details

Grove, 27, spent the past four seasons with the Dodgers, making 32 appearances (18 starts) and posting a 4.76 ERA. He underwent right shoulder surgery in the offseason and is expected to miss at least the first month of the 2026 campaign. To clear a roster spot for Grove, the Rays transferred Pepiot, another former Dodgers pitcher, to the 60-day IL due to right hip inflammation.

  • Grove signed with the Rays on April 14, 2026.
  • Grove was placed on the 15-day injured list upon signing with the Rays.

The players

Michael Grove

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher who spent the past four seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ryan Pepiot

A right-handed pitcher who was previously with the Dodgers and was transferred to the Rays' 60-day injured list due to right hip inflammation.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Major League Baseball team that signed Michael Grove to a major league contract.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Major League Baseball team that Michael Grove and Ryan Pepiot previously played for.

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What’s next

The Rays will monitor Grove's recovery from shoulder surgery and hope to have him contribute to their pitching staff later in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Rays continue their trend of taking on injured players with upside, betting on Grove's potential to bounce back from shoulder surgery and provide depth to their pitching rotation. Meanwhile, the Dodgers will need to find replacements for two of their former pitching prospects as they aim to repeat as NL West champions.