Tampa Bay Rays: Jake Faria may be forcing himself into rotation

Jake Faria is a forgotten man when it comes to the Tampa Bay Rays. With his performance in Spring Training thus far, Faria may not be forgotten any longer.

It was not that long ago when Jake Faria appeared to be a key part of the Tampa Bay Rays future. He impressed in a spot start, allowing just one run on three hits and two walks over 6.1 innings, striking out five batters. After an injury opened up a spot in the rotation, Faria excelled, posting a 2.00 ERA and a 0.978 WHiP over his first 45 innings, striking out 41 batters against just 11 walks. It was an impressive debut for the rookie, one that put him firmly on the map as a part of the Rays future.

Naturally, the league adjusted to Faria, but he still put together a solid rookie campaign. Then came last year. Injuries and ineffectiveness ruined his season, as the command issues that plagued Faria during his minor league career once again appeared. Just as quickly as he appeared to be a part of the future, his future was in doubt.

The roller coaster that has been Jake Faria in the majors is back on the upswing. He has dominated in Spring Training thus far, allowing just two runs on three hits and two walks in his 6.2 innings, striking out seven. Faria is slated to get his first start of the Spring on Friday, getting another chance to impress the coaching staff.

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As it stands, the Rays are planning on using a three man rotation, with Blake Snell, Charlie Morton, and Tyler Glasnow to be followed by two Openers. Faria is expected to be one of the options to serve as a long man in those games, along with Ryan Yarbrough and Jalen Beeks. In theory, this would allow Faria to be spotted better in the game, getting a chance to find success once again.

Of course, that is the current plan. If Faria continues to find success in Spring Training, and can perform well in his starting assignments, the narrative may change. Faria may end up forcing his way into the Rays rotation.

While the Rays found a great deal of success with the Opener last year, that strategy takes a toll on the bullpen. That can particularly be the case if the Rays intend on using the opener on back to back days, even though they have three pitchers for the rotation. However, adding Faria to the rotation, if he continues to perform well, can change that dynamic.

Jake Faria is once again putting himself into the Tampa Bay Rays rotation picture. It may not happen at the start of the season, but if he continues to pitch well, Faria could get another look in as a starter.