Rays Send Taj Bradley to Triple-A After Irregular Performance
The Tampa Bay Rays have made the decision to send pitcher Taj Bradley to their Triple-A team, Durham, following an unconvincing performance on Wednesday night.Despite having a 4-0 lead against the Chicago White Sox, Bradley conceded four runs in the second inning, failing to complete the episode. The White Sox ultimately prevailed with an 11-9 victory in Tampa, Florida. In that inning, Bradley allowed four runs, four hits, and three walks.
Bradley, who at one point was considered a top prospect, was not decisive in the outcome of the game, maintaining his season record at 6-6 and raising his ERA to 4.61. The 24-year-old pitcher has struggled to maintain consistency. Before Wednesday’s game, he had allowed only one run in his previous two starts, but had given up at least five runs in four of his previous six starts.Rays manager Kevin Cash commented that Bradley received the news “like a professional” and that he will work to regain control of his secondary pitches, such as his changeup and slider, in Durham.Difficult decision, certainly, but we feel it’s best for him at this moment. It’s probably a better environment (in Triple A) for him to work in, rather than competing in every start.
Kevin Cash, Rays Manager
The Rays have struggled in the last month and are at a record of 53-50, occupying fourth place in the American League East Division. Bradley has been mentioned as a possible trade target before the July 31st deadline. The Rays have room to move at least one starting pitcher, and several teams have identified the right-hander, who won’t be a free agent until after the 2029 season, as the most likely of those with team control to be transferred.I just spoke with him and told him there’s been a lot of good and some not-so-good. Inconsistencies are difficult to handle at this level at any point in the season, but certainly with the situation we’re in now.
Kevin Cash, Manager of the Rays
