There’s significant news regarding injuries for the Tampa Bay Rays, as left-hander Jeffrey Springs has started his rehabilitation stint with the Durham Bulls in Triple-A. Springs endured a challenging elbow injury last season that necessitated Tommy John surgery in April 2023, forcing him out of action after just three starts.
On Wednesday, Springs made his debut in Durham’s game against the Charlotte Knights, pitching two innings and yielding one hit while striking out three batters. His pitch velocity averaged in the low 90s.
Durham is wisely proceeding cautiously with Springs’ recovery, considering his potential as a key pitcher in Tampa Bay’s rotation once he returns to St. Petersburg.
During the 2022 season, Springs showcased his talent in 25 starts, achieving a career-best 2.46 ERA with a 9-5 record. He logged 144 strikeouts and 31 walks over 135.1 innings, providing valuable stability in the starting lineup for the Rays.
Springs’ comeback will be crucial for Tampa Bay, which has struggled with rotation instability, cycling through pitchers like Tyler Alexander, Ryan Pepiot, Taj Bradley, and Zack Littell this season. He is expected to join Zach Eflin and Aaron Civale as a cornerstone of the rotation.
Tampa Bay currently ranks 24th in team ERA across Major League Baseball, highlighting the importance of Springs’ potential impact in bolstering their pitching performance. His rehabilitation progress signifies positive momentum for the Rays as they contend in a competitive American League wild card race throughout the summer.
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