Should I Stash Shane Baz In Redraft Leagues? Fantasy Baseball Prospect Outlook (Week 14)

It has been a couple of seasons since fantasy managers have seen Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane Baz pitch in the big leagues. Baz last appeared in the majors in 2022, making six starts with the Rays. 

However, after his start on July 10, 2022, Baz experienced some pain in his elbow. Tampa Bay eventually shut him down, and the right-hander opted for season-ending Tommy John surgery. 

It appears, though, that a return to the majors is near for Baz. So, should fantasy managers stash the 25-year-old in redraft formats? Let's dive in and find out. 

Shane Baz 2024 Season

It has been a long road to recovery for the young pitcher. He underwent Tommy John surgery in September of 2022, which led to the right-hander missing the entire 2023 season. Baz has also missed a portion of this season after his first rehab start came on May 4. 

That May 4 start was the first time Baz had taken the mound since July 10, 2022 -- almost 22 months apart. So, it's expected that the Rays will be careful with their young pitcher, especially considering all the time he missed with that elbow injury. That has certainly been the case for the right-hander in 2024. 

"Ready to go... excited to kind of put that behind me and really just take it one day at a time."

After missing last season with Tommy John surgery, Shane Baz is working his way back to help stabilize the @RaysBaseball rotation. pic.twitter.com/D7RDEJ3eUk

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 7, 2024

Following four rehab starts, Tampa Bay activated Baz from the injured list and optioned him to Triple-A Durham. The 25-year-old continues to work on things in the minors and should be close to making his season debut with the Rays. The right-hander has allowed just two earned runs across 18 innings pitched with 28 strikeouts over his last four outings. 

Should I Stash Shane Baz In Redraft Leagues?

At this point in the fantasy season, Baz is a strong stash option in all redraft formats. Despite struggling in his rehab assignment -- which was expected after missing almost 22 months-- the right-hander has shown his potential on the mound as of late. He struck out 10 batters across five innings of one-run ball on June 8 and followed that up by throwing six innings of one-run ball with eight strikeouts on June 14. 

Clap it up for another strong outing from Shane Baz

His final line tonight:
6.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 SO pic.twitter.com/gmsczu0ce8

— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) June 15, 2024

Don't forget, Baz was MLB Pipeline's No. 12 overall prospect before the 2022 season. With the way he is pitching in the minors currently, a promotion to the Rays' active roster should be shortly approaching. Make sure to stash him now before your league mates do because his upside could really help fantasy managers over the final months of the season. 

More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups

Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)

BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]

Andy Smith 3 months ago

Kumar Rocker - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues ANALYSIS:  Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday and should be added in all standard leagues. Rocker has had a rocky start to his professional career. He was originally drafted by the New […]

Andy Smith 3 months ago

Jasson Dominguez: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25 (2024)

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 35% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees called up their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. Dominguez hit sixth and played left field in his second major league start of the season. In that contest, he went 1-for-4 with […]

Joey Pollizze 3 months ago

Will Wagner - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 23)

BALLER MOVE: Use as Streamer for Rest of Season / Stash in Dynasty Leagues CALL-UP ETA: In Majors ANALYSIS: Will Wagner, the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at this year’s trade deadline from the Houston Astros as part of the Yusei Kikuchi return. The 26-year-old currently ranks […]

Jake Kleiner 4 months ago

Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 22)

BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: August 19 ANALYSIS: Connor Norby is finally making his much-anticipated debut for the Miami Marlins. Norby, who was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Trevor Rogers to Baltimore, was playing with Miami's Triple-A team in Jacksonville since being traded but was activated by Miami […]

Dan Palyo 4 months ago