Taj Bradley's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) threw a three-inning simulated game on Wednesday. Bradley will pitch four innings in an extended spring training game before potentially starting a minor-league rehab assignment, as he still has to go through the process of rebuilding his stamina and upping his pitch count before he's ready to return to the Rays. The 23-year-old former top prospect is making good progress on the mend from a strained right pectoral, and if all continues to go well in his recovery, he appears to be on track to rejoin Tampa Bay's injury-ravaged rotation in early-to-mid May. Swingman Zack Littell has fared well as a starter to begin the 2024 season, registering a 2.14 ERA and 1.33 WHIP while striking out 22 batters and walking just five over his first 21 innings (four starts). Ahead of Monday's scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers, Littell is worth rostering as a streamer for fantasy managers.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitchers Taj Bradley (pectoral) and Shane Baz (elbow) recently threw a two-inning live batting practice session, manager Kevin Cash said on Friday. Sidelined for the past month due to a strained right pectoral, Bradley still has to go through the process of rebuilding his stamina and increasing his pitch count before he's ready to return. The 23-year-old right-hander fanned 129 batters across his 104 2/3 innings of work during his rookie year in 2023, but he gave 23 home runs in 21 starts and posted a poor 5.59 ERA. Bradley is probably about a month out from returning to the Rays, while Baz could return at some point in May after two oblique setbacks slowed his progress from Tommy John surgery recovery. Zack Littell and Tyler Alexander will occupy rotation spots in the meantime, with the former having only given up two runs through his first 15 1/3 frames of the campaign.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) had a "good" bullpen session recently, per manager Kevin Cash, but Cash said the right-hander is still not close to returning. Bradley has been working his way back from a strained right pectoral for almost a month now, and he remains on course in his throwing progression. If his recovery takes about six weeks as it was originally anticipated, he could return in early May. The 23-year-old hard-throwing righty only threw three innings during spring training, so he'll likely need a handful of minor-league rehab appearances before rejoining Tampa Bay's rotation. Bradley's strikeout upside (28.0% K rate in 2023) makes him an interesting stash in fantasy leagues, but his 5.59 ERA over 104 2/3 major-league innings last year left a lot to be desired after he served up 28 home runs. Zack Littell and Tyler Alexander will continue to function as starters until the Rays' staff gets healthier.

The Tampa Bay Rays officially placed right-handers Shane Baz (elbow) and Taj Bradley (pectoral) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, retroactive to March 25. Baz, 24, also dealt with an oblique injury in spring training as he attempts to return from Tommy John surgery in September of 2022. After not pitching at all in 2023, Baz is certainly going to be limited in what he can do for both the Rays and fantasy managers this year, and there's no specific timetable for when he might make his 2024 debut. A return at some point this summer is most likely. Bradley, 23, was diagnosed with a pectoral strain on March 13. He also doesn't have a specific timetable for a return, but he should be back before Baz. There's a lot to like about his strikeout upside, but he gave up too many homers and struggled with his command in his rookie season in 2023.

A MRI has confirmed that Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley has a pectoral strain. This isn't the best news for the right-hander, but Bradley is relieved that it's not his shoulder or elbow. The 22-year-old is currently day-to-day for now. Bradley is expected to be in the Rays rotation, but health will need to come first. In his rookie season, the right-hander had plenty ups and downs, eventually finishing with a 5-8 record and 5.59 ERA with 129 K's in 104 2/3 innings. He remains one of the more talented young arms in the game, but expect the Rays to be extra cautious with his usage. Bradley should be rostered in dynasty leagues, but could be of lesser value in redraft leagues, if he has restrictions.