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Rays Right-Hander Will Not Be Ready to Start the Season

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Matt Graves, Site Manager | Last updated 3/13/24

Taj Bradley undwewent an MRI after being scratched from yesterday’s spring start. Unfortunately, Bradley will open the season on the 15-day injured list following a pectroal strain. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, the right-hander will be shut down from throwing for at least the next two weeks. Bradley will be reevaluated at that time. However, when he’s cleared to resume throwing, he will need to build up his workload and go on a minor league assignment.

#Rays Cash said Taj Bradley definitely won’t be ready to start season. Will be shut down from throwing for at least 2 weeks then need to build back up. Will consider several in camp options to replace him in rotation.

— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 13, 2024

Rays Shutdown Taj Bradley

Kevin Cash is optimistic that the injury to Bradley was caught before it became serious. Bradley’s pectoral srain is the latest of health issues for Rays pitchers. The club is among the most talented rotations in baseball but injury-filled. Bradley joins Shane McClanahan (Tommy John surgery in August), Jeffrey Springs (Tommy John surgery in April) and Drew Rasmussen (Internabl brace surgery in July) on the injured list as they await for the return of Shane Baz (Tommy John surgery in 2022).

Bradley’s Loss Is Not Critical

Bradley made his debut in 2023, turning in an even season. He finished the year with a 5.59 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. While it wasn’t the most exciting debut, Bradley has shown his fair share of strong performances. His 28% strikeout rate is well above the league average, whereas his 8.5% walk rate is solid. He averaged a 96.2 ph on his heater as he posted better-than-average marks with an 11.3% swining-strike-rate and a 32% of opponents’ chase rate. Bradley was going into the 2024 season without limitations to his innings count. A breakout season for the former top prospect is still possible.

Rays Thin On Rotation Depth

As mentioned before, Tampa Bay has one of the best rotations but the club is already thin on rotation depth. Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale and converted reliever Zack Littell will take on the top-three spots in the rotation. Ryan Pepiot, who the Rays acquired in the Tyler Glasnow deal, will likely serve as the No. 4 starter on the staff. Pepiot is another highly touted pitching prospect who has excellent results in the majors. Injuries have put a halt on his ability to pitch after he started the 2023 season on the 60-day injured list with a Grade 2 oblique strain. Other rotation options include Jacob Lopez, Tyler Alexander and Chris Devenski.