Tampa Bay Rays rotation plans receive setback

The Tampa Bay Rays have been creative when it comes to their pitching staff. Whether they are using the opener to begin the game, cycling through relievers on the major league roster, or finding viable options on the scrap heap, the Rays have been able to find the pieces needed to contend.

That ability to find arms seemingly out of nowhere is going to be tested early in 2022. Not only is Tyler Glasnow likely lost for the season, but promising rookie Shane Baz will likely miss the first few weeks of 2022 after undergoing minor surgery on his elbow to remove some loose bodies from the joint.

Tampa Bay Rays lose Shane Baz for two to three weeks

At this point, Baz is expected to begin throwing again in two to three weeks. However, this puts him back at the start of his progression for the 2022 season as he will need to build up his pitch count once again. He will likely need to spend some more time in extended spring training, then go on a rehab stint as he gets ready to begin his first true year in the majors.

Baz showed why he is considered one of the top pitching prospects in the game last year. He had dominated in the minors, posting a 2.06 ERA and a 0.801 WHiP in his 78.2 innings, striking out 113 batters with 13 walks. That success carried over in his brief time in the majors at the end of 2021, as he allowed just three runs on six hits and three walks in 13.1 innings, striking out 18 batters.

The Rays also thought highly enough of Baz to give him the start in Game Two of the ALDS last year. Although he struggled in that start, it clearly showed that the Rays have high hopes for him moving forward. In fact, it would not be a surprise if they attempted to lock Baz into a long term extension to begin building their future core.

But Baz has to get back on the mound first. Although this is a minor procedure, and he should be perfectly fine in a couple of weeks, it is always concerning when a pitcher has surgery on their elbow.

The Tampa Bay Rays will be without Shane Baz at the start of the year. Although he may not be out for long, their plans for 2022 have to change.