Rays Send Taj Bradley to Triple-A After Difficult Outing
The Tampa Bay Rays have made the decision to send Taj Bradley to their Triple-A team, Durham, following an unconvincing performance by the right-handed pitcher on Wednesday night.Despite having a 4-0 lead against the Chicago White Sox, Bradley gave up four runs in the second inning, failing to complete the inning. Chicago ultimately took the victory with a score of 11-9 in Tampa, Florida. In that fateful episode, he allowed four runs, four hits, and three walks.
Bradley, who at one point was considered a promising prospect, was not a factor in the game’s decision, maintaining his season record at 6-6, while his earned run average (ERA) rose to 4.61. The 24-year-old pitcher has had consistency issues; before Wednesday’s performance, he had allowed only one run in his previous two starts, but had conceded at least five runs in four of his previous six starts.Cash added that Bradley handled the news “like a professional” and will work to regain control of his secondary pitches, such as his changeup and slider, in Durham.“Difficult decision, no doubt, but we feel it’s best for him at this moment,” Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game. “It’s probably a better environment (in Triple A) for him to work, rather than compete on every pitch.
Kevin Cash, Rays Manager
The Rays have struggled in the last month and are at a record of 53-50, which puts them in 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 reach free agency until after the 2029 season, as the most likely to be traded.“I simply talked to him and told him there have been a lot of good things and some not so good,” Cash commented. “The 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, Rays Manager
