The Tampa Bay Rays completely remade their starting rotation heading into the 2021 season. Charlie Morton and Blake Snell were gone, replaced by Michael Wacha, Chris Archer, and Rich Hill. Those moves did not work out, with Wacha struggling, Hill being traded to the Mets, and Archer landing on the Injured List after just two starts.
But now, Archer is set to return. He is expected to be activated in time to make the start on Sunday.
The #Rays Chris Archer is expected to be activated and start on Sunday.
— Neil Solondz (@neilsolondz) August 20, 2021
Tampa Bay Rays hoping Chris Archer can provide boost
Archer had missed the entire 2020 season after undergoing surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome, leading to a one year deal with the Rays. He was not exactly off to a great start, having allowed four runs, three earned, on seven hits and a walk over his 4.1 innings. However, he had struck out six batters, giving some hope that he could be a potential answer in the rotation.
It has been a while since Archer was a viable option in a major league rotation. The former two time All Star was considered to be the best pitcher available on the trade block when he was sent to Pittsburgh back in 2018, but that deal turned out to be a disaster for the Pirates. Archer had produced a 6-12 record with a 4.92 ERA and a 1.395 WHiP over his 192 innings, failing to be the ace that they had hoped for.
But there is a chance that he can make an impact for the Rays down the stretch. Wacha has not exactly solidified his place in the rotation, with Archer as a candidate to replace him. If he can replicate his form from his rehab assignment, where he posted a 3.52 ERA and a 0.913 WHiP over 15.1 innings, issuing four walks while striking out 17 batters, the Rays will have an easy decision to make.
It is now up to Archer. He has the opportunity to prove himself once again, establishing himself as an option in a major league rotation. A strong end to the season can make a major difference, especially as he will enter free agency once again. Archer, and the Rays, have a lot riding on his performance over the final few weeks.
Chris Archer is set to be activated from the Injured List on Sunday. The Tampa Bay Rays are hoping that he can find his form over the final few weeks.