Joe Boyle DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Tampa Bay Rays have promoted right-handed pitcher Eric Orze from Triple-A Durham on Monday. In a corresponding move, the Rays optioned right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle to Triple-A. Orze has been effective in the Durham bullpen and has been rewarded with a promotion. Through six innings of work, Orze allowed just one run and struck out nine batters without allowing a free pass. Last summer, Orze received a brief taste of the majors and allowed four runs across one 2/3 innings of work. Boyle was given a spot-start on Sunday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves and looked sharp as he tossed five innings of two-run ball (zero earned runs). He struck out seven batters. Fantasy managers should expect Orze to be deployed primarily in a middle-relief role out of the bullpen.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Joe Boyle will get the spot start on Sunday afternoon when they conclude a series against the Atlanta Braves. Shane Baz was initially expected to get the nod in this matchup, but Boyle will get the start instead. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times noted that this lineup change is not injury-related. Fantasy managers should expect Baz to get the nod on Monday when the Rays face the Boston Red Sox. Boyle has spent the early part of the 2025 campaign with Triple-A Durham. Across eight innings with Durham, Boyle has posted a 2.25 ERA with a 1.38 WHIP. He has struck out 10 batters and served up six free passes. Last season in Oakland, Boyle held a high 6.42 ERA with a 1.72 WHIP across 47 2/3 innings of work. He should be viewed as a high-risk play in DFS this afternoon, facing the Atlanta Braves.

The Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-handers Joe Boyle and Jacob Watters, outfielder Will Simpson and a compensation Round A draft pick from the Athletics on Saturday in exchange for left-hander Jeffrey Springs, according to sources. Boyle is the biggest piece headed back to Tampa. The 25-year-old had a 1.69 ERA in three starts in Oakland in his debut in 2023, but he wasn't as effective in 13 outings (10 starts) this past season, going 3-6 with a bloated 6.42 ERA (4.68 FIP), 1.72 WHIP and 56:40 K:BB in his 47 2/3 innings pitched in the big leagues. It didn't help he missed a month with a lower-back injury. Given the Rays' history with pitchers, Boyle could still be something special, but he won't be guaranteed to make the club's Opening Day roster out of spring training.