A former 27th-round pick by the Cardinals in 2017, Whitley, 30, is looking to resurrect his career after he was released by the Braves last March. Given how the Rays typically go through a number of bullpen arms over the course of a season, Whitley is potentially in a good spot to eventually make it back to the major leagues. He’ll have to shake off the rust after a year-long layoff, though.

Whitley latched on with the Braves last July shortly after being cut loose by the Cardinals. The 29-year-old righty made a pair of scoreless relief appearances this spring in Grapefruit League action. It’s possible he’s been jettisoned to pursue an opportunity elsewhere since he was unlikely to make Atlanta’s season-opening roster.

It took Whitley only a few days to find a new opportunity after being released by the Cardinals as he’ll head to Atlanta as extra organizational relief depth. The 28-year-old righty hasn’t pitched in the big leagues this season, but has made 43 relief appearances in the majors since 2020.

Whitley was jettisoned from St. Louis’ 40-man roster last November after making 43 relief appearances for the Cardinals over a three-year period dating back to 2020. The 28-year-old righty has struggled this season in 32 relief appearances for Triple-A Memphis and will get a chance to pursue a new opportunity on the open market.