Rosters can be expanded as of Thursday, but manager Joe Maddon said the Rays initial plans are to add only a few, no more than three, players, then make further decisions in the next week or so based on where they stand in the race.

The three spots likely to be filled on Thursday are a third catcher (either Jose Lobaton or Robinson Chirinos), an outfielder (likely Brandon Guyer) and a reliever (with Mike Ekstrom or Andy Sonnantine seemingly most likely).

If the Rays remain in the race, they could add some others for strategic reasons, including top prospect LHP Matt Moore, who could be used out of the bullpen much as David Price was in 2008. Another first baseman would help, too, but the Rays may not have anyone who could help them enough defensively, and provide offense.