Tampa Bay Rays' Young Flamethrower Gives Update on His Health as He Recovers From Tommy John Surgery

As the Tampa Bay Rays attempt to build their rotation for 2024, it doesn't appear that right-hander Shane Baz will be an option until at least June.

The youngster, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, spoke to the media at spring training after his first bullpen of the year.

The following comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal, but links to the original article in the Tampa Bay Times (subscription required):

Baz (elbow) expects to begin the season in extended spring training before starting a rehab assignment, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

ANALYSIS
Baz threw around 20 pitches in his first bullpen session of spring training Friday and felt positive about the work afterward. He also spoke to the media and suggested that he may not contribute to the big league club until the summer months. The team has announced no formal plan, but it appears to be a near certainty he won't begin the regular season on the big-league roster.

The Rays have been decimated by injury in the big league rotation so there was hope that Baz may be available earlier rather than later. Again, the team hasn't said anything but if he is saying it himself, it's pretty clear that he's not an option at the outset.

The Rays will be out Shane McClanahan for the season because of Tommy John surgery, Jeffrey Springs will be out with the same procedure. Drew Rasmussen is likely out until late season and the team dealt away Tyler Glasnow this offseason.

The 24-year-old Baz was drafted in the first round of the 2017 MLB Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates. He came over in the trade that sent Chris Archer to Pittsburgh. He made his Major League debut in 2021 and is 3-2 lifetime with a 4.02 ERA in nine starts.

The Rays won 99 games last year and finished second in the American League East.