Tampa Bay Rays hope Ryan Weber can provide relief

The Tampa Bay Rays bullpen is already in need of a fresh arm. The hope is that Ryan Weber can provide that needed relief.

Between the bullpen days and the ineffectiveness of the starting rotation, the Tampa Bay Rays relief crew has already been overworked this season. Yonny Chirinos, while technically considered a reliever, was tied with Blake Snell for the second most innings on the team. Austin Pruitt and Ryan Yarborough, who have yet to make a start, have pitched more innings than Jake Faria.

Understandably, the Rays needed reinforcements, especially as the three man rotation continues forward. With Brad Miller‘s injury on Sunday, the Rays have a perfect opportunity to bolster the bullpen, as they have added Ryan Weber to the mix.

More from Call to the Pen

• Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
• Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
• Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
• Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
• 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals

For Weber, this represents another chance to establish himself at the major league level. Over parts of three seasons, he has posted a 5.00 ERA, although with a solid 1.244 WHiP. In his 68.1 innings, Weber has struck out 42 batters with just 11 walks. He may not miss many bats, but has proven to be an excellent ground ball pitcher. He has generated 1.24 grounders for every ball in the air during his time in the majors, along with a 2.29:1 ground out to fly ball out rate.

A nine year minor league veteran Weber does not have much left to prove. He has posted a 3.64 ERA and a 1.185 WHiP, striking out 481 batters against 110 walks in his 670 innings. He may not be a lights out relief option, but Weber is capable of eating innings and getting that needed double play ball.

This move also has other ramifications for the Rays. With Miller on the disabled list, C.J. Cron will take over at first, leaving Jake Bauers in AAA. Even though Bauers is expected to be the future at first, at least for the next few years, that time has not yet arrived. The Rays bullpen is more of a priority, especially given the amount of innings they have had to churn out thus far.

Next: McKay continuing two way jounrey

The Tampa Bay Rays need another bullpen arm already. Ryan Weber is getting another chance to prove he can be that pitcher.