Reinforcements have arrived
Tampa Bay has been hampered by injuries all season long, both within the pitching staff and starting lineup. Many of those injured players are returning and rounding into form just in time for the stretch run.
The most interesting of whom is starter Drew Smyly, who missed most of the season with a shoulder injury. As arguably the best young player returned from the David Price trade last summer, Smyly has the potential to be a front-line starter and was very successful with the Rays in the second half last season.
After a rocky return from the disabled list on Aug. 16, Smyly has largely been strong over his past three starts, including seven scoreless innings against the Baltimore Orioles recently. Overall, Smyly has a 3.11 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 37.2 innings.
The big question mark is starter Matt More, who is attempting to return to full capacity after undergoing Tommy John surgery in April of 2014. Moore was consistently a top-rated prospect and looked very promising as a rookie in 2012, but struggled mightily upon his return in July before being called recalled with expanded rosters.
If both Moore and Smyly can pitch at full capacity, the Rays’ rotation will be very strong top to bottom. Tampa Bay is taking a big risk by setting Moore in the rotation in place of rookie Nate Karns, who was having a quietly strong season.
On the offensive side of things, John Jaso has filled a major need at DH since returning from a wrist injury in early July. One of the most underrated hitters in baseball over the past four seasons, Jaso hasn’t missed a beat despite the injury-shortened season, posting a 122 wRC+ in 154 plate appearances.
A big key down the stretch will be getting a couple of more players back off the disabled list as soon as possible. Catcher Curt Casali was playing very well before hurting his hamstring during a home run on Aug. 26, while excellent reliever Jake McGee is expected back before the end of the season.
Next: A defensive advantage