Rays' Pitching Depth Shines Ahead of 2025 Season

In the United States, the Tampa Bay Rays have seen a successful return of pitchers Shane Baz, Jeffrey Springs, and Drew Rasmussen after long-term injuries. Baz, who missed two years due to elbow strain and Tommy John surgery, returned to the mound with impressive stats, including a 3.06 ERA in 14 starts. Springs, after recovering from Tommy John surgery, made seven starts with a 3.27 ERA, while Rasmussen showcased his skills in a utility role with a 2.83 ERA. Manager Kevin Cash expressed satisfaction with their health and performance, indicating that the team now has a strong rotation heading into the 2025 season. With the addition of lefty Shane McClanahan, who is also recovering from surgery, the Rays have a surplus of starting pitchers, which may lead to difficult decisions regarding their lineup. The team may consider trading some pitchers to address weaknesses in their batting lineup, which is in need of a rebuild. Cash emphasized the importance of having depth in starting pitching throughout the season, hoping for healthy competition among the pitchers during spring training.