BASEBALL / Cheng Tsung-che waived by Rays after being claimed from Pirates

Taipei, Jan. 13 (CNA) Cheng Tsung-che (鄭宗哲), the only Taiwanese position player to appear in a Major League Baseball (MLB) game in 2025, has been designated for assignment by the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Rays waived Cheng and left-handed pitcher Osvaldo Bido on Monday (U.S. time) to make room on their 40-man roster for left-hander Ken Waldichuk and utility infielder Brett Wisely, whom they acquired from the Braves in a trade.

In return, Atlanta will receive a player to be named later or cash considerations.

The move came less than a week after Tampa Bay claimed Cheng off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates to bolster its middle infield depth.

Cheng, 24, could still compete for a roster spot if he clears waivers. If no other team claims him, Cheng could remain in the Rays' organization or find a spot in the minor leagues with another organization.

Cheng was called up by the Pirates in early April 2025 after appearing in 11 games in Triple-A following injuries to key infielders. He went hitless in seven at-bats across three games before being optioned back to Triple-A for the remainder of the season.

In 107 Triple-A games last year, Cheng batted .207 with a .307 on-base percentage, recording one home run and 36 RBIs. His batting average declined from .278 in 2023 to .225 in 2024 as he advanced through the upper levels of the minor leagues.

Wisely only hit .185 in the major leagues in 2025, but he appeared at every infield position except catcher and also logged time in the outfield, giving the Rays more versatility and experience than Cheng could have provided.

"Wisely's ability to play all around the infield could come in handy," an MLB report wrote, noting that spring training is only a month away.