The Tampa Bay Rays had a very trying season in 2024. They finished the year in fourth place in the AL East and missed the postseason for the first time since 2018. Tampa’s normally tough pitching staff was mediocre all year. However, the team had multiple starting pitchers on the injured list including ace Shane McClanahan. They also dealt away starters Aaron Civale and Zach Eflin as well. However, the Rays starting rotation will be set up nicely for the 2025 season.
The Starting Rotation Was Decimated By Injuries
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite having high hopes entering the 2024 season, the Tampa Bay Rays ultimately struggled all year. Tampa finished in fourth place in the AL East with an 80-82 record and missed the postseason. This would be the first time since 2018 that Tampa wouldn’t be playing baseball in October. However, part of the reason the Rays struggled this season was because their starting rotation was ravaged by injuries.
Before the season even began, Tampa knew it would be without key starters Shane McClanahan, Jeffrey Springs, and Shane Baz. McClanahan, Springs, and Baz were all recovering from Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, at various points this season, other starters like Taj Bradley, Ryan Pepiot, Zack Littell, and Jacob Waguespack spent time on the injured list as well. It’s difficult to win when most of a team’s starting rotation is hurt. Tampa also traded Aaron Civale and later at the deadline dealt Zack Eflin.
Jeffrey Springs And Shane Baz Had Promising Returns
Embed from Getty ImagesJeffrey Springs and Shane Baz all came back towards the end of this season. Baz was able to make 14 starts and went 4-3 with an ERA of 3.06 and registered 69 strikeouts. Springs started seven games and went 2-2 with an ERA of 3.27 and struck out 37 hitters. Despite a short sample size, there’s a lot to look forward to from Jeffrey Springs and Shane Baz now that they’re healthy.
The Emergence Of Ryan Pepiot And Zack Littell
Embed from Getty ImagesOvershadowed by all the injury woes was the emergence of Ryan Pepiot and Zack Littell. Pepiot came over in the Tyler Glasnow trade and had a terrific first full season in the big leagues. The 27-year-old made 26 starts this season and went 8-8 with an ERA of 3.60 and struck out 142 batters. Littell also had a great first full season as a starter. The former journeyman made 29 starts and went 8-10 with an ERA of 3.60 and had 141 strikeouts. With Pepiot and Littell proving to be dependable starting pitchers, this makes Tampa’s rotation significantly better for 2025.
The Rays Will Have A Formidable Rotation
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Tampa Bay Rays have a lot to look forward to with their starting rotation in 2025. Shane McClanahan will be ready for spring training, Jeffrey Springs and Shane Baz are finally healthy, and Ryan Pepiot and Zack Littell have emerged as dependable starters. A team can never have enough starting pitching. If they all can stay healthy, the Rays are going to have a very formidable starting rotation next season.
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