Rotation plans for the Rays got here into focus at this time because the membership optioned Luis Patino and Yonny Chirinos to Triple-A, in accordance with Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Instances (Twitter
Hyperlinks). That leaves left-hander Josh Fleming in line for the fifth starter’s spot behind Shane McClanahan, Jeffery Springs, Drew Rasmussen, and Zach Eflin whereas Tyler Glasnow is on the shelf with a strained indirect.
Fleming, 27 in Could, has largely struggled in his restricted time with the Rays since his debut within the 2020 season, posting a 4.93 ERA (81 ERA+) with a 4.33 FIP in 171 2/3 innings of labor. Of his 43 appearances with the Rays, 19 have come as a starter. Whereas he has but to determine himself as a high quality choice within the main leagues, it’s considerably simple to see why the Rays selected him for the fifth starter job, as each Patino and Chirinos had been torched this spring: Patino allowed 12 runs in simply 9 2/3 innings whereas strolling seven batters, whereas Chirinos gave up 9 runs in 12 1/3 innings of labor with six walks of his personal. Each righties will start the season in Triple-A and try and proper the ship earlier than seemingly returning to the majors someday this yr.
Extra from across the AL East…
Sticking with the Rays, supervisor Kevin Money at this time informed reporters, together with Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Instances, that the membership is optimistic that star shortstop Wander Franco will likely be accessible to play on Opening Day, saying the outcomes of an MRI at this time on Franco’s quad had been “favorable.” The membership might not make a ultimate resolution on Franco’s availability to start the season till rosters are due on Thursday, given the presence of Taylor Partitions on the roster, who’s poised to take over the shortstop position ought to Franco miss any time. Franco, in fact, was lengthy the highest prospect in all of baseball and has already gathered 4.7 fWAR simply 153 video games into his huge league profession. Ought to he handle to remain wholesome in 2023 after struggling quad and wrist accidents final yr, he’s positive to be an instrumental piece of the Rays this season as they try and return to the playoffs for a fifth straight season.
The Orioles have optioned left-hander DL Corridor to Triple-A, per a workforce announcement. Corridor, 24, is considered one of Baltimore’s high pitching prospects however struggled in his 11-game debut final season, surrendering 9 runs in 13 2/3 innings of labor. That being mentioned, between the small pattern measurement, the inflated .436 BABIP, and a powerful 29.7% strikeout price, Corridor’s efficiency made his immense expertise clear, although the outcomes didn’t match. Supervisor Brandon Hyde informed reporters, together with Roch Kubatko of MASN, that the membership plans to construct Corridor up as a starter. Hyde went on to precise certainty that Corridor would contribute to the massive league membership this yr. As issues stand, the Orioles seem poised to open the season with a beginning rotation of Kyle Gibson, Cole Irvin, Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, and Grayson Rodriguez.
