The emergence of Shane Baz

TAMPA, Fla. –  There is a tendency forming around the starting rotation of the Tampa Bay Rays and this appears to be contagious. Despite losing the prescribed leader Shane McClanahan at the end of spring training, and the left-hander remains in the trainer’s room, the Rays have enough depth to carry forward. At the same time, they appear to have the luxury of casting away a prime performance and then banishment to the minor leagues.

That was the scenario last Sunday when right-hander Joe Boyle had a no-hitter after five innings, received credit for a win over Atlanta, and then was immediately dispatched back to AAA Durham. As early as the end of last season, Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash proclaimed his club could field as many as nine potential starters. To the surprise of listeners, that was a forecast made last September.

Through the early weeks of the season, starters have performed up to Cash’s estimate.

Coming into a mid-week series with Boston at Steinbrenner Field, the Rays were third in the American League in ERA, and righthander Drew Rasmussen led all AL pitchers with a 0.60 ERA. Rays starters turned in a 0.81 ERA in a collective four outings from April 11 through April 14.

For a staff rich in talent and equally driven by desire, the leader at the early turn of this protracted season is right-hander Shane Baz. Coming off Tommy John surgery and staging his comeback late last season, Baz, a 25-year-old out of Houston, has taken over McClanahan, the titular head of the staff, and provided a strong complement.

The latest triumph in a saga the Rays hope ends with October baseball transpired before another Steinbrenner sellout. In going a solid six innings on April 14, Baz allowed two hits, one run, and walked none. That run was a third-inning lead-off homer from the Sox’ Kristian Campbell. In the process of improving to 2-0, Baz set a career high with 11 strikeouts against Boston and fanned seven of the final 11 hitters he faced. In the process, he lowered his season ERA to 1.42

“You watch every outing of our pitchers, and you want to pull your own weight,” Baz said after the Rays used a 9-run third inning to defeat Boston 16-1 on April 14. “You want to give the team a chance when it’s your day. It’s really fun to watch when everyone has different stuff. This is a good group to be a part. I feel like I can ask anyone about their pitching approach, and I just try to help when I’m asked, which is not much. Everyone really roots for one another and that’s kind of rare in today’s game. Everyone wants the best for the next guy.”

Against Boston, the 15-run margin tied for the largest in franchise history, and the Rays scored 13 runs over the first three innings. The nine runs or more in one inning was the 13^th time in franchise history that was accomplished, and the most in any one inning by a team this season.

Kameron Misner (two home runs) and Christopher Morel led with three hits each, and the Rays slammed four homers.

“We are not home run hitters, but it shows now because of the work we have put in,” said Yandy Diaz, who led off the game with a homer. “When you do things the right way, good things will happen.”

On the diamond … in the opener of the three-game set against Boston April 14, the Rays continued to feast on Sox starter Tanner Houck. After a 14-2 defeat to Tampa during the final weekend of spring training, Houch lasted 3.2 innings, surrendered 12 hits and 10 runs, all earned in that one. Before his start against the Rays on April 14, Boston manager Alex Cora reflected back on that spring outing. “Some of the guys that hit that day are not here,” Cora said. “Now, scouting reports come into play, and usage comes into play. He’s had success against (Tampa Bay) in the past and, hopefully, he’ll continue to do that.”  For Houck to get back on track, Cora emphasized, location is paramount, and the veteran right-hander needs to work ahead of hitters. Despite Cora’s outlook, Houck was as dreadful in the series opener against the Rays as he performed during that spring training game. DH Yandy Diaz drove Houck’s first of the game over the left field fence, and from that point, Tampa Bay buried Houch with a 10 hit-12 run barrage. On the season, Houck dropped to 0-2 and now possesses a 9.16 ERA. … The victory pushed the Rays to the .500 mark for the first time since April 5 at 4-4. After 16 games, the Rays are 8-8.

Next … the Red Sox series continue with right-hander Ryan Pepiot (1-1, 3.38 ERA) opposing righty Walker Buehler (1-1, 5.74) on Tuesday night. The series concludes Wednesday night and then the New York Yankees move into their spring training home for a four-game set against Tampa Bay this coming weekend.

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