Tampa Bay Rays Appear Set to Get All-Star Reliever Back From Injury in Time For Playoff Push

The Tampa Bay Rays appear set to get back another valuable pitcher from the injured list in time for the stretch run.

The following update on reliever Andrew Kittredge comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Kittredge (elbow) has thrown 8.2 innings on his rehab assignment and is hoping to return in mid-to-late August, MLB.com reports.

ANALYSIS
Kittredge has been with Triple-A Durham for each of his last six appearances. He allowed six earned runs across just 0.1 innings in an outing July 23 but has otherwise been effective. Even so, the Rays will continue to take a patient approach as Kittredge returns from Tommy John surgery.

He's played six years for the Rays, helping the organization reach the World Series in 2020 and making the All-Star Game in 2021.

He's a huge part of that 'pen, having appeared in 57 games in that 2021 season. Lifetime, he's a 16-7 pitcher with a 3.68 ERA. 

The Rays enter play on Tuesday at 65-44 and 1.5 games back of the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East.

With regards to the wild card race, the Rays currently have the top spot in the American League. They lead the Astros by 4.0 games.

Tampa will be back in action on Tuesday against the New York Yankees. The first pitch is slated for 7:05 p.m. ET as Rays right-hander Zach Eflin is opposed by Yankees high-priced lefty Carlos Rodon.

Eflin enters the game at 11-6 with a 3.64 ERA while Rodon is 1-3 with a 5.75.