The Tampa Bay Rays endured a late bullpen collapse on Wednesday night against the New York Mets at Citi Field.
However, they remain at the top of the standings in the American League East and have the best record in all of baseball at 32-12.
And on Thursday, the Rays made a decision to call up a key pitching prospect from Triple-A Durham.
Tampa Bay recalled young right-hander Taj Bradley.
The 22-year-old has pitched at the Major League level this season, going 3-0 and posting an ERA of 3.52 in his three starts.
On Twitter, Jon Morosi of MLB Network provided the news of the Rays’ recent roster move.
Rays news: RHP Taj Bradley was recalled from Triple-A and will start today against the Mets.
Bradley, 22, is the youngest starting pitcher in the American League this season. He’s 3-0 with a 3.52 ERA in 3 @MLB starts. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 18, 2023
Bradley has pitched well this season for the Rays.
Though he has only made three starts, he has worked 15.1 innings for the Rays, has struck out 23 batters, and has posted a WHIP of 0.91.
Bradley was drafted by the Rays in the fifth round in 2018 out of Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
The 22-year-old will be making the start for the Rays on Thursday against the Mets in their series finale.
Bradley is the youngest starting pitcher in the American League this season.
On Thursday, he’ll face a tall task and will have to deal with a Mets lineup that features stars such as Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Brandon Nimmo, and Starling Marte.
After Wednesday’s loss, the Rays will take another shot at securing a series win at Citi Field over the slumping Mets, who find themselves two games below the .500 mark.
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