Shane Baz's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

The Tampa Bay Rays officially recalled right-hander Shane Baz from Triple-A Durham ahead of his start on Friday against the Texas Rangers, his first start in the big leagues since July 10, 2022. In a corresponding move, reliever Justin Sterner was optioned to Durham. The team's former top prospect should now already be rostered in most fantasy leagues after the Rays traded Aaron Civale to the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week to make room in their starting rotation for Baz. The 25-year-old missed all of last year while recovering from Tommy John surgery. While the Rays could be quite careful with Baz's workload the rest of the 2024 season, he should remain locked into their rotation and has considerable upside in all fantasy leagues. If he's somehow available on your waiver wire, add him ASAP.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz has claimed the fifth spot in the Tampa starting rotation after Aaron Civale was traded to Milwaukee, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Civale was originally scheduled to make his next start on Friday, so fantasy managers should pay close attention, as Baz could be making his 2024 major league debut in the coming days. The 25-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and has yet to return to the major leagues ever since. In 39 innings at Triple-A this season, Baz has posted a 4.12 ERA and 1.58 WHIP with a 23:44 BB:K ratio. However, in his past 23 innings, he has begun to showcase his elite upside with an excellent 1.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 10:35 BB:K ratio. Baz should be rostered in all formats due to his high-upside strikeout potential.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Aaron Civale was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday, July 3, in exchange for infielder Gregory Barrios. Civale has struggled in his first season in Tampa Bay with a poor 5.07 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. Barrios was ranked as the 21st-best prospect in the Milwaukee system on MLB Pipeline prior to the trade and now slots in at No. 19 in the Tampa Bay system. In 61 games at High-A this season, the 20-year-old has performed very well with a .325/.367/.429 slash line. Civale should be expected to slot into Milwaukee's starting rotation immediately. Rays 25-year-old Shane Baz now has an excellent opportunity to join the major-league roster due to the departure of Civale. In his past five starts at Triple-A, Baz has posted a stellar 1.57 ERA and 1.30 WHIP with an eye-catching 35 strikeouts in just 23 innings. He is a must-roster playing going forward, as he has immense strikeout upside.