3 weeks agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Taj Bradley unveiled a new pitch during Tuesday's spring training contest against the Philadelphia Phillies. Bradley's new pitch is a modification of his cutter that moves like a slider. Bradley noted that this pitch will look to limit hard contact. Last season, the right-hander showed flashes of potential times but struggled to find consistency as he struggled to keep the ball in the park. He allowed a high 10.2 percent barrel rate with a 42.9 percent hard-hit, which placed him in the ninth and 15th percentile, respectively. The 23-year-old also allowed a high 1.4 HR/9, which was one of the worst marks among starting pitchers last season. However, he was able to generate strikeouts at a strong 26.6 percent rate and whiffs at a 27.4 percent rate. If this new pitch finds him success during camp, he could become an intriguing late-round target when looking for an upside starting pitcher.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Marc Topkin
6 months agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Taj Bradley tossed six innings of shutout ball in Friday's 2-1 victory over the Red Sox, allowing just three hits and one walk while striking out seven on the way to earning his eighth win of the season. It caps off an up-and-down season for the righty, as he had a nine-game stretch where he pitched to a 0.82 ERA in the middle of the season, but allowed four runs or more on eight other occasions. Still, his final 4.11 ERA and 1.22 WHIP were improvements over 2023, and his 3.69 SIERA might offer a ray of hope for next season's fantasy prospects as the 10.04 K/9 ability should remain intact.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
7 months agoTampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
Taj Bradley continued his recent struggles in Monday's 6-1 loss to the Astros. Bradley pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs on eight hits (including two home runs) and two walks with six strikeouts. He also hit a batter. The 23-year-old is now 6-7 on the season with a 3.49 ERA, a 10.57 K/9 rate, and a 3.12 BB/9 rate in 17 starts and 95 1/3 IP. While his season numbers are solid, he has struggled in his last three starts, allowing 15 earned runs in just 14 IP. Things won't get easier for him in his next start, which will be against a surging Diamondbacks lineup. Fantasy managers may consider sitting him if they can afford to.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
8 months agoTampa Bay Rays starter
Taj Bradley continued his recent run of dominance Thursday, firing six shutout innings and earning his sixth win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Bradley struck out seven hitters en route to another strong performance. Bradley is now 6-4 with a 2.43 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and 97 strikeouts in 81 innings. Bradley has been a bright spot in a mediocre year for the Rays, becoming their de facto ace in the process. Bradley gets the Miami Marlins in a home game next Tuesday.
--Mike Carter - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Rays on mlb.com
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