When Is Shane Baz Getting Called Up? Fantasy Baseball Prospect Outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates selected Shane Baz in the first round of the 2017 Draft. In 2018, he was sent to the Tampa Bay Rays as part of a trade package and made it all the way to the majors by 2021. After a successful MLB debut in 2021 where he started three games and posted an ERA of 2.03 with 18 strikeouts in 13 1/3 IP, Tommy John surgery prematurely ended his 2022 and totally eliminated his 2023 campaign.

Now he's finally healthy again, so will we be seeing him in Tampa Bay anytime soon? Should we have the same expectations for him going forward as we did when he was drafted 12th overall?

Let's dive in and see what his status is and see if we can determine when we'll see him in a Rays uniform. We'll also attempt to forecast what he can offer for fantasy.

Shane Baz Prospect Update for Fantasy Baseball

Shane Baz has made four starts at Triple-A Durham in May while on the IL. The first two were a little rough, although that should probably be expected after such a long layoff. He allowed six earned runs in 4 2/3 IP on four hits, six walks, and one HBP while striking out just one. The last two were much improved, although still struggling somewhat with his command, as he allowed two earned runs on eight hits, five walks, and one HBP while striking out seven in seven-and-a-third IP.

Shane's getting stronger

Here's the final line for Shane Baz in his MLB Rehab start tonight pic.twitter.com/tSl9ajh26Z

— Durham Bulls (@DurhamBulls) May 23, 2024

The next step was to activate the pitcher from the IL, which the Rays did on May 23, but they immediately optioned him back to Triple-A. So, he'll presumably make a few more starts in the minors before rejoining the Rays. They may want him to work on his control a little more while also building up his pitch count, although the last time out he reached 76 pitches so he's basically ready. He certainly wasn't sent down as a result of the Rays not needing him, as right now they are rolling with a four-man rotation after placing Zach Eflin on the IL on May 20.

Shane Baz Outlook for Fantasy Baseball

So let's assume an early-to-mid-June return for Baz. He'll join a Rays team that is in the lower half of baseball in terms of batting average and runs scored with a 25-28 record, which may not be a boon for his potential win totals. Nevertheless, Baz boasted superb strikeout rates before Tommy John, striking out 181 batters in 132 IP over 30 starts between the minors and majors in 2021 and 2022. The last time we saw him, he featured a heavy four-seamer/slider mix, and we should expect more of the same in 2024.

Shane Baz made another rehab start today, and it was one of his more effective ones

Baz is up to 76 pitches, and his stuff looked improved today. He generated a boatload of whiffs, but command still seems to be an issue

Baz is making his way back from TJS pic.twitter.com/iSlcc1yTqV

— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) May 23, 2024

With so many starting pitchers hitting the IL already this season, Baz is probably worthy of a roster spot in most leagues. The 24-year-old will help with strikeouts and pick up a few wins, but his WHIP could suffer unless he reins in the walks. An ERA like he had in his three-start debut in 2021 of 2.03 is not likely, but he should be better than the 5.00 ERA he posted in the six major league starts in 2022, so look for an ERA around 4.00 when all is said and done. For managers interested in his services, Baz is available to stash in almost 75% of Yahoo leagues.

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