MLB Power Rankings: Which pitching rotation is the best in baseball?
By Phil Akre
15. Tampa Bay Rays
Some people think Chris Archer is an ace. Others don’t. Some don’t know what to think. I’m not going to debate whether or not he is one, but one thing is certain; he’s rebounded after a rough first few starts.
The Rays “vet” gave 24 runs and six home runs in his first six starts of the season. But, in his last six he’s surrendered just 10 runs. He’s limited the long ball, too, serving up just three.
He’s still walking too many (24 BB in 71.1 IP), but his latest starts are signs of improvement. Upper management probably will wait till the offseason to trade him (if they do so).
Blake Snell appears to have put it all together this season after two years of so-so production. The 25-year-old is the owner of a 2.56 ERA, 9.7 K/9, and 0.995 WHIP.
He’s made it to the sixth inning or further in six of his seven starts, too. He hasn’t let up against lefties or righties, either. Righties hit just .212 off him, while lefties are “hitting” .111.
It’s been another down year in Tampa Bay, but they definitely have a keeper in Snell.
An interesting rest of the season to follow will be that of Nathan Eovaldi. The former New York Yankee and Miami Marlin made his return to baseball after last pitching in 2016.
In his lone start of the year, he took a no-hitter into the sixth inning! He’s always flashed great stuff but has never been able it harness it. The guy has been through a lot of injuries, so here’s to hoping he succeeds with the rays.