Tampa Bay Rays getting Blake Snell back at perfect time

The Tampa Bay Rays are in a tight race for one of the American League Wild Cards, but are getting another needed reinforcement.

Heading into Friday, one would expect that the Tampa Bay Rays would have felt good about their recent performance on the diamond. The Rays had won seven of their past ten games, an excellent clip for a team looking to solidify their place in a potential playoff push. Unfortunately, the Indians had also won seven of their past ten games, while the A’s were a game better. Despite that solid run, the Rays actually dropped down to the second Wild Card spot.

However, they are set to get another reinforcement for the pitching staff. Blake Snell is ready to rejoin the Rays, and is expected to Tuesday against the Dodgers.

Understandably, his first outing will not last long. At this point, Snell is expected to pitch three innings in that outing. However, he is more likely to be tied to a pitch count than a specific number of innings.

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In 2018, Snell appeared to have had his coming out party. He won the AL Cy Youn award, pacing the league with a 1.89 ERA and 21 wins. While he had not seen the same success this year, with a 6-7 record to go along with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.248 WHiP, Snell is still a difference maker for the Rays.

Snell also adds some intrigue to the pitching staff. Tyler Glasnow has been utilized as an opener since his own return from the Injured List, with Trevor Richards as the bulk reliever. Snell may end up with a similar role, although he is likely to transition back to a traditional starting role.

At this point, there are two important tasks as pertaining to Snell. The first is to make certain that he remains healthy heading into the postseason. The second is to build his arm back up, taking steps to get back to a five or six inning outing. Snell may not be pitching complete games, but he should be able to work back to approximately 80 pitches by the end of the season.

The Tampa Bay Rays are attempting to hang on to a Wild Card berth. Getting Blake Snell back could prove to be the difference.