Tampa Bay Rays: The Opener is no longer a luxury
As injuries continue to mount for the Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation, their new strategy of a designated “opener” may be more than a luxury.
Heading into the 2018 campaign, the Tampa Bay Rays were once again looking to reinvent the wheel. This time, they were heading back into history, resurrecting the four man starting rotation, albeit with an occasional “bullpen game” to allow their starters some rest. At least, that was the plan heading into the season.
Instead, those plans took a hit when Nathan Eovaldi landed on the disabled list during Spring Training. Top prospects Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon both needed Tommy John surgery. The Rays had a three man rotation before moving Yonny Chirinos into the fourth starter role, but he was hurt. And now, the Rays have lost Jake Faria for at least six to eight weeks, leading to the promotion of Vidal Nuno.
#Rays Faria will be out a while. Cash said 6-8 weeks would be on short side, realistically could be into August before he is back pitching in majors
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 23, 2018
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That three man rotation? Now, it is down to the struggling Chris Archer and Blake Snell to take the ball and pitch deep into games. As to the other starters? Maybe Anthony Banda can slide into the rotation, or Nuno can get a look in that role. Regardless, these injuries will require the Rays to be creative yet again.
Chances are, this means that Kevin Cash will need to deploy his opener once again. Sergio Romo had started consecutive games over the weekend, neutralizing the top of the Angels lineup. From that point, Ryan Yarbrough, Matt Andriese, and Banda threw most of the innings in those outings. It may not have been traditional, but the Rays were able to get a split in Romo’s two ‘starts’ against the Angels, a better outcome than could have been anticipated.
As novel as an approach as that may have been, the Rays may be forced into using Romo, or another reliever, in that role going forward. The bullpen has several pitchers capable of firing multiple innings, but can be exposed if placed in the rotation. By allowing a reliever to pitch the first inning, and possibly the second, the Rays can give their long relievers a better chance at success.
Next: Adames time has not yet come
The Tampa Bay Rays usage of Sergio Romo as an opener was a novel idea. Given their injuries, Romo may find himself starting more games than anyone could have imagined for the rest of the season.