Call to the pen
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Tampa Bay Rays pitching assembly line keeps cranking

By David Hill

Aug 2, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team United States pitcher Shane Baz (35) throws a pitch against Japan in a second round baseball game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2021; Yokohama, Japan; Team United States pitcher Shane Baz (35) throws a pitch against Japan in a second round baseball game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Yokohama Baseball Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mandi Wright-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay Rays have a knack for developing pitching. Whether they have drafted those arms, signed them as bargain free agents, or acquired them in trade, there is something about that organization that is able to bring out the best in these players. That has been the case with Shane Baz, who has gone from an intriguing prospect acquired as part of the Chris Archer deal to being one of the top pitching prospects in the game.

Now the Rays are going to get a chance to see what Baz can do at the major league level. He is set to be called up to Tampa Bay to make his major league debut on Monday against the Blue Jays.

Tampa Bay Rays calling Shane Baz to the majors

Baz is not getting a soft landing for his debut. He will be facing the white hot Blue Jays, who lead the American League with 254 homers and a .796 OPS while ranking third with 774 runs entering Saturday. The Rays are throwing him right into the fire.

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But it is understandable as to why they would have such confidence in his ability to handle that assignment. He is considered the Rays’ top prospect, armed with a plus-plus fastball and slider to headline his four pitch arsenal. Baz cleaned up his mechanics and refined his pitches since joining the Rays, propelling him to the ranks of some of the elite prospects in the game.

Baz has certainly lived up to that stature. He has posted a 2.06 ERA and a 0.801 WHiP in his 78.2 innings between Double-A and Triple-A, striking out 113 batters with just 13 walks. There is no question that he is ready for that next test.

It is entirely possible that Baz is also auditioning for a spot on the ays’ postseason roster. While he is technically not eligible to be a part of that, the team can petition Major League Baseball to make an exception due to injury. This is something that the Rays have done before, notably with Chris Archer and Shane McClanahan. Baz may be the next young arm thrown into the postseason fire before landing a full time role in the majors in the following year.

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The Tampa Bay Rays are bringing Shane Baz to the majors. Their pitching pipeline just keeps on cranking out the prospects.

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