24 Nathan Eovaldi SP

Eovaldi (elbow) has completed his rehab and is projected to compete for a rotation spot in spring training, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

In the words of manager Kevin Cash, Eovaldi has "put a check next to every box" in his rehab process, which has essentially gone off without a hitch following his August 2016 Tommy John surgery. The 27-year-old right-hander had ideally wanted to take the mound before the end of the regular season, but the Rays want him to head into the offseason without taxing his arm further and then compete for a rotation spot next spring.

Eovaldi (elbow) fired a scoreless inning for Triple-A Durham in Game 2 of the International League championship series Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

As per Topkin, Eovaldi threw a total of 17 pitches over his one frame, allowing two hits in the process. A decision on whether Eovaldi will take a major-league mound this season is likely imminent, but even if that's postponed until 2018, the right-hander has undeniably made an impressive recovery from August 2016 Tommy John surgery.

Eovaldi (elbow) will make his second rehab appearance for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday in Game 2 of the International League championship series, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Eovaldi fired a scoreless inning in which he recorded two strikeouts in his first rehab appearance last Saturday for High-A Charlotte. The 27-year-old right-hander started that contest, but Wednesday's appearance is scheduled to come in relief. The Rays will soon make a decision on whether or not Eovaldi will return to big-league game action this season, or whether they'll hold him out until spring training 2018.

Eovaldi (elbow) threw a simulated game Wednesday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Eovaldi continues to work through his recovery from August 2016 Tommy John surgery at a fairly brisk clip. Wednesday's development continues to leave open the possibility that the 28-year-old could make a return before the end of the season.

Eovaldi (elbow) will progress from bullpen sessions to live batting practice next week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Eovaldi has previously stated that he wasn't ruling out a return just before the end of the regular season, and the latest news confirms that he's another step closer to that possibility. The right-hander is now a year removed from Tommy John surgery and has seemingly made consistent progress throughout his recovery. The more likely scenario is that Eovaldi will enter spring training next year as a full participant and ready to compete for a roster spot.