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: 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.
