Tyler Glasnow has always been the center point of the Rays pitching staff since joining the team. Since joining Tampa Bay in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, he has an ERA of 3.05 and 364 strikeouts in 268.1 innings.
However, in 2022, the 6-foot-8-inch ace pitched in just two games with the Rays. That includes one of the wild card games against the Cleveland Guardians last season. He has pitched in just 50 total games for Tampa Bay over the course of what is now five seasons. He has not played for the Rays yet this season, but that might change very soon.
The team itself is off to a raging hot start recently becoming the first team to 30 wins. However, the starting rotation and bullpen is starting to feel the weight of injuries starting to accumulate. Pete Fairbanks just returned from the IL. However, Shane Baz, Garrett Cleavinger, and Jeffrey Springs are all out for the season. Reliever Andrew Kittredge and starter Drew Rasmussen will each also be out for a few months.
The banged up pitching rotation may hurt the Rays down the stretch. However, a very close return for Glasnow could help the starting rotation get back in shape. He has done nothing but be spectacular in his time with the team and it could be the spark needed to amp up the pressure Tampa Bay can put on opposing lineups.
Glasnow is expected to make one or two more starts with the Durham Bulls in triple-A.
As for the Rays, they are currently in the middle of a three-game series with the New York Mets and will return to Tropicana Field on Friday for a three-game, weekend series with the Milwaukee Brewers.