Tampa Bay Rays activate Ji-Man Choi, option Mike Brosseau

Choi returns from his second IL stint of the season.

The Tampa Bay Rays have activated first baseman Ji-Man Choi from the 10-day Injured List. In the corresponding roster move, the Rays have optioned infielder Mike Brosseau to Triple-A Durham.

Choi returns to the Rays after his second stint on the IL this season, having spent the majority of the 2021 campaign on the shelf. He has only managed to play in 15 of the team’s 66 contests thus far as he has dealt with a sore knee and groin, but he’s been integral to the team’s success when he’s been healthy. The Rays currently hold a 12-3 record in games that Choi has played in. For his part, Choi has hit .304/.448/.522 with 2 HR over 58 plate appearances.

The 2021 season has been a struggle for Brosseau. After showcasing impressive offensive capabilities over the past two seasons and cementing himself as a part of Rays lore after a dramatic go-ahead homerun against the New York Yankees during last year’s American League Division Series, Brosseau’s season thus far has been marred by a prolonged slump as he has mustered just a .184/.259/.336 line over 47 games.

Choi rejoins the Rays in time to be in the starting lineup for their series opener against the AL Central-leading Chicago White Sox.