The Rays signed Rooney (elbow) to a minor-league contract with an invitation to spring training Nov. 15, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Rooney elected free agency earlier this month after being removed from the Astros' 40-man roster, and he's quickly landed in a new organization. The lefty reliever had elbow surgery in September, though the specific nature of the procedure and a recovery timeline aren't clear. Rooney made one appearance for Houston but spent most of 2025 at the Triple-A level, holding a 2.56 ERA and 55:24 K:BB over 38.2 frames.
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Astros' John Rooney: Outrighted to Sugar Land
Rotowire
Rooney (elbow) was activated from the 60-day injured list and outrighted to Triple-A Sugar Land on Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Rooney underwent elbow surgery in September, though the exact nature of the operation is unclear. He's now eligible to be a free agent but could elect to stick around as organizational depth in Houston.
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Astros' John Rooney: Placed on waivers
Rotowire
The Astros placed Rooney (elbow) on outright waivers Tuesday, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Rooney made his MLB debut in 2025, giving up one run and striking out two batters over 1.1 innings against the Orioles on Aug. 24. All of his other appearances came in Triple-A, where he finished the season with a 2.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP through 38.2 frames. His year was cut short in September by elbow surgery, and it remains unknown whether he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 campaign.
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Astros' John Rooney: Slated for elbow surgery
Rotowire
Rooney will undergo surgery on his left elbow this week, Chandler Rome of The Athletic reports.
Rooney had already been ruled out for the remainder of the regular season, and now the lefty has opted for surgery. It's unclear what specific type of procedure he will have, but it could certainly affect his availability for the start of the 2026 season.
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Astros' John Rooney: Shifts to 60-day IL
Rotowire
The Astros transferred Rooney (elbow) to the 60-day injured list Wednesday, Matt Kawahara of the Houston Chronicle reports.
Elbow inflammation sent Rooney to the injured list last week, and moving to the 60-day IL will officially put an end to his regular season. The 28-year-old turned in a 2.56 ERA and 1.19 WHIP in 38.2 innings in Triple-A and gave up one run in 1.1 frames during his MLB debut. Jayden Murray was selected to the active roster in a corresponding move.
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Astros' John Rooney: Out with elbow inflammation
Rotowire
The Astros placed Rooney on the 15-day injured list Tuesday due to left elbow inflammation, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
He will be eligible to return Sept. 9, but given the nature of the injury, Rooney might need more time to make a full recovery. The lefty reliever has made one appearance for Houston this season, surrendering one run over 1.1 frames.
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Astros' John Rooney: Summoned from Triple-A
Rotowire
The Astros recalled Rooney from Triple-A Sugar Land on Sunday.
Houston optioned AJ Blubaugh to Triple-A to make room for a fresh bullpen arm. Acquired from the Marlins on Aug. 3, Rooney will be joining the big club for the second time this month after failing to make his MLB debut during his initial stint with Houston.
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Astros' John Rooney: Dispatched to minors
Rotowire
The Astros optioned Rooney to Triple-A Sugar Land on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
Acquired from the Marlins via trade over the weekend, Rooney will go back to the minors without having made an appearance for the Astros. The lefty holds a 2.45 ERA and 45:23 K:BB over 33 innings at the Triple-A level this season.
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Astros' John Rooney: Dealt to Houston
Rotowire
The Astros acquired Rooney from the Marlins in exchange for cash considerations and added him to the 40-man roster and 26-man active roster ahead of Sunday's series finale in Boston.
Right-hander Luis Contreras was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land to make room in the bullpen for Rooney, who has spent the last seven-plus seasons in the minors and will be making his MLB debut when he gets into a game. The 28-year-old southpaw posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 45:23 K:BB in 33 innings over 33 appearances for Triple-A Jacksonville in 2025.
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