Tampa Bay Rays right-handed reliever Hunter Bigge, who was originally optioned to Triple-A Durham, will now be on the Opening Day roster with left-hander Shane McClanahan (triceps) starting the year on the 15-day injured list. Bigge, who could be in play for save chances at some point this year, is a hard-throwing 26-year-old who made his big-league debut in 2024 when he appeared in 19 games (one start) with the Rays and Chicago Cubs. He posted a 2.60 ERA (2.76 FIP), a 1.27 WHIP, his first career save, 24 strikeouts and only five walks in 17 1/3 innings pitched. Bigge was much more dominant at Triple-A, recording a 2.25 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, eight saves, 36 strikeouts and nine walks in 20 innings. His fastball-slider combination produces plenty of swings and misses, potentially making him an under-the-radar option in holds leagues.

Bally Sports' Ryan Bass reports that the Tampa Bay Rays optioned right-handed relievers Hunter Bigg and Eric Orze to Triple-A Durham on Friday, even with Alex Faedo (shoulder) opening the year on the injured list. Both Bigge and Orze have experience pitching multiple innings in relief in the minors. Right-hander Nathan Wiles was also traded to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations. Bigge, 26, gave up only two runs in seven Grapefruit League innings while striking out six and walking only one. Orze, 27, was even better in spring training with 10 strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings while showcasing a nasty splitter. Both pitchers should eventually be up in Tampa's big-league bullpen at some point in 2025. The hard-throwing Bigge had a save and two holds in 19 appearances with the Cubs and Rays last year and could be a deep sleeper for saves for the Rays later in the season.

Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Hunter Bigge is being optioned to Triple-A Iowa, according to Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Bigge made only three major league appearances in his brief first stint at the major league level. He logged two innings with a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and a 2:3 BB:K ratio. At Triple-A this season, Bigge performed quite well with a 0.77 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, and a 6:19 BB:K ratio across 11 frames. He also tallied six saves. The 26-year-old is a strong candidate to return to the major leagues later this season and could eventually earn a high-leverage role as he gains more experience.