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

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.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz was scratched from his start on Tuesday evening at Triple-A Durham as he may be needed to provide depth on the major league roster, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays are scheduled to play against the Royals on Wednesday and Thursday, but there are concerns about rain, and the teams may have to play a doubleheader on one of those days. As a result, this could present Baz an opportunity to make his 2024 major league debut. Since allowing six runs on May 28, the 25-year-old right-hander has looked dominant with a 1.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and a 10:35 BB:K ratio across 23 frames at Triple-A. Baz underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 and has yet to return to the major leagues. The former first-round selection has elite strikeout potential and is worth checking your waiver wire for, as he could be a valuable pitcher during the second half of the summer in all formats.