Tolleson (back) is slated to ramp up his activity this week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Back spasms sidelined Tolleson after his first spring training appearance back on Mar. 3, and he hasn't taken the mound since. The veteran is seeking to carve out a roster spot as a middle reliever this spring, a task that's been made increasingly difficult by his layoff.

Tolleson has been dealing with back spasms in recent days, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tolleson hasn't pitched since making his Grapefruit League debut March 3, and it appears that the injury was the reason why. The Rays don't seem to be fearing that the back issues will put Tolleson at risk of missing Opening Day, so the right-hander should still remain in the hunt for a middle-relief role to begin 2017.

Tolleson made his first appearance of spring on Friday, allowing two runs on two hits while striking out two and walking one across a single inning of work.

EDGE Analysis

The back injury was never thought to be overly serious, but Tampa Bay decided to take it slow with Tolleson in hopes of preventing previous back issues from resurfacing. They'll continue to be cautious with the veteran reliever, who won't need extensive work this spring to prepare for his mid-leverage role in the Rays' bullpen.

Tolleson (back) threw a bullpen session Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

There was never much concern that Tolleson had suffered a serious back injury, but having him resume live pitching is promising nonetheless. The club has yet to indicate if he'll be used in an upcoming game, but more information should become available as the intensity of his workouts increase.

Tolleson (back) was held back Saturday for "preventative" reasons but there are non concerns about his status for the regular season, the Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin reports.

EDGE Analysis

His workload is being closely monitored at the start of camp in an effort to prevent against his prior back issues resurfacing. As a veteran reliever, he will not need extensive work this spring to prepare for his mid-leverage role with the Rays.

Tolleson (back) is having his workload closely monitored due to past back problems, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tolleson is currently able to throw without issue, but is not yet being asked to participate in any defensive drills so as to not get overworked early. The veteran righty is looking to bounce back after the worst season of his career in 2016, a campaign during which he went 2-2 with a 7.68 ERA and 1.73 WHIP over 36.3 innings.

Tolleson (back) signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Rays on Monday, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Tolleson spent the past three seasons pitching out of the Rangers' bullpen. In an injury-shortened 2016 season, the veteran reliever posted a career-worst 7.68 ERA and 17.3 percent strikeout rate over 36.1 innings. He'll likely pitch in a low-leverage role for the Rays in 2017.

Tolleson (back) declined his assignment to Triple-A Round Rock and is now a free agent.

EDGE Analysis

Tolleson pitched just 36.1 innings over 37 games in 2016 as he dealt with a back issue in the second half of the season. His 7.69 ERA was more than twice its mark in 2014 and 2015, both of which were below 3.00. Wherever he ends up, look for Tolleson to resume his regular role as a reliever.

Tolleson (back) cleared outright waivers and has the option to decline an assignment to Triple-A and become a free agent, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Stefan Stevenson reports.

EDGE Analysis

A lower-back strain sidelined Tolleson in early August after a brief rehab stint, but it's not an injury that should impact his availability for spring training. He started 2016 as the Rangers' closer, but he is likely destined for a bullpen depth role if he returns or signs elsewhere.

Tolleson was recalled and placed on the 60-day disabled list, Evan Grand of the Dallas Morning News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Rangers made this move to create room on their roster for Derek Holland, their starter Tuesday evening. At this point in time, Texas has yet to indicate their plan for bringing Tolleson, who last pitched July 27, back to action.