5 teams that should sign Craig Kimbrel

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 27: Craig Kimbrel #46 of the Boston Red Sox delivers during the ninth inning of game four of the 2018 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers on October 27, 2018 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) /

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – MAY 28: Infielders (L-R) Willy Adames #1, Andrew Velazquez #11, Daniel Robertson #28 and Ji-Man Choi #26 celebrate a win against the Toronto Blue Jays at Tropicana Field on May 28, 2019 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Rays

In a division with the mighty New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays have arguably been MLB’s most innovative team. Whether using a traditional starter, opener or bullpen day, the Rays use a multitude of pitchers to give their team a chance at winning each game.

Through 52 games, Tampa leads MLB with a 2.97 ERA. Ryne Stanek has been the unsung hero for Tampa’s pitching staff. Stanek has often been the team’s opener. Unlike a traditional starter, Stanek usually goes one or two innings before another pitcher replaces him.

This season, Tampa has needed the opener on many occasions. Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow have spent time on the injured list, allowing Stanek to open more games. Including Tuesday’s outing, Stanek has opened 15 times, accounting for 32 strikeouts in 30.1 innings.

With Stanek opening, Jose Alvarado and Diego Castillo have been Tampa’s primary closing options. In 2019, Alvarado and Castillo have both notched six saves, but have shown the ability to pitch earlier or later in games.

If Kimbrel signs with the Rays, Stanek can open while saving Alvarado and Castillo for critical situations.

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