Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley (pectoral) fanned seven New York Yankees in his 2024 debut on Friday but took the loss in the team's 2-0 defeat at Tropicana Field. Reinstated from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, the 23-year-old allowed one earned run on four hits over his six innings while also walking a pair of batters. Bradley tossed 93 pitches, with 59 crossing home plate for strikes. Bradley's fastball topped out at 99.2 mph. He is projected to remain in the Rays rotation and will make his next start this Wednesday when the Rays visit the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The Tampa Bay Rays reinstated right-hander Taj Bradley (pectoral) from the 15-day injured list on Wednesday, and he'll take the rotation spot of fellow right-hander Ryan Pepiot, who was placed on the 15-day IL on Wednesday with a left lower-leg contusion. Bradley is expected to make his season debut for the Rays on Friday at home against the division-rival New York Yankees after looking strong during his minor-league rehab assignment. The 23-year-old initially suffered his pectoral injury while pitching in spring training. Bradley, one of the team's former top prospects, was inconsistent in his major-league debut in 2023 with a 5.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP, but he also walked just 39 and struck out 129 in 104 2/3 innings over 23 appearances (21 starts). He needs to be rostered in most mixed fantasy leagues now that he's about to make his 2024 debut.

With Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot (leg) likely to land on the injured list, right-hander Taj Bradley (pectoral) is looking likely to come off the injured list in a corresponding move to make his 2024 debut on Friday against the New York Yankees. Bradley is finally ready to return to Tampa's starting rotation after missing the start of the season due to a right pectoral strain. The 23-year-old struck out eight batters in six innings while giving up one run in his final minor-league rehab start for Triple-A Durham last Friday and appears ready to roll. Friday's matchup against the Yankees isn't the most friendliest, but Bradley should be picked up off the waiver wire in at least deep-mixed leagues if you're in need of starting pitching help. Bradley struck out 129 hitters in just 104 2/3 innings in 2023 for the Rays.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley (pectoral) is with the team on Monday before their series opener against the Chicago White Sox and seems likely to be activated from the 15-day injured list this week. Bradley has been out all season with a right-pectoral strain, but he's tracking toward making his season debut for the Rays later this week. The 23-year-old allowed one earned run in six innings while striking out eight for Triple-A Durham last Friday and is certainly worth a waiver-wire pickup now that he's on the cusp of his return, at least in deep-mixed fantasy leagues. His first start is likely to come this weekend against the New York Yankees, which won't be the best matchup to stream him, but his upside alone makes him worth stashing.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) made his second and perhaps final minor-league rehab appearance on Friday with Triple-A Durham, throwing six scoreless innings of two-hit ball on two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. After throwing 94 pitches in this outing, Bradley's next appearance could very well come with the big-league club as he enters the final stages of his recovery from a strained right pectoral. While the 23-year-old former top prospect mostly floundered during his first taste of major-league action with a 5.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP over 23 starts during his rookie year last season, he struck out 129 batters and walked only 39 across 104 2/3 frames. If Bradley's next start comes with the Rays, he would likely be making his 2024 regular-season debut at home next Friday versus the division-rival New York Yankees, where a wait-and-see approach would be recommended from a fantasy perspective.

Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Taj Bradley (pectoral) did not miss a beat in his first rehab start on Sunday for Triple-A Durham. Bradley tossed five no-hit innings and allowed one walk with seven strikeouts. The 23-year-old had been sidelined since early March with a pectoral injury, but appears to be healthy now and Sunday's performance is an indication of what the right-hander can offer at the peak of his game. Bradley made his big-league debut in 2023 and had some strong performances, but also some rough performances. Overall, Bradley was 5=8 with a 5.59 ERA in 23 games (21 starts). The right-hander has the potential to be near the top of a rotation for year to come and is worth rostering in most formats with his return to the Rays around the corner.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) is expected to join Triple-A Durham for a rehab assignment beginning on Sunday, April 28. Bradley felt tightness in his pectoral muscle before a scheduled start on March 12 and has remained on the sideline since. This a great sign for the 23-year-old as he is nearing the final step of his recovery process. Bradley made his major league debut last season and showcased high strikeout potential as he tallied 129 punchouts in 104 innings. However, he did post a hefty 5.59 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. Bradley should be expected to join the Rays rotation when cleared and could be worth rostering in deeper formats.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) appears to be making solid progress in his recovery process. The right-hander is reportedly scheduled to head to Triple-A soon to begin a rehab assignment. Bradley has been sidelined since late March due to a pectoral strain. The organization's original timetable was that Bradley would miss at least six weeks of action. It seems like Bradley should be able to beat that timetable, but fantasy managers should stay tuned for more information.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) threw a three-inning simulated game on Wednesday. Bradley will pitch four innings in an extended spring training game before potentially starting a minor-league rehab assignment, as he still has to go through the process of rebuilding his stamina and upping his pitch count before he's ready to return to the Rays. The 23-year-old former top prospect is making good progress on the mend from a strained right pectoral, and if all continues to go well in his recovery, he appears to be on track to rejoin Tampa Bay's injury-ravaged rotation in early-to-mid May. Swingman Zack Littell has fared well as a starter to begin the 2024 season, registering a 2.14 ERA and 1.33 WHIP while striking out 22 batters and walking just five over his first 21 innings (four starts). Ahead of Monday's scheduled start against the Detroit Tigers, Littell is worth rostering as a streamer for fantasy managers.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitchers Taj Bradley (pectoral) and Shane Baz (elbow) recently threw a two-inning live batting practice session, manager Kevin Cash said on Friday. Sidelined for the past month due to a strained right pectoral, Bradley still has to go through the process of rebuilding his stamina and increasing his pitch count before he's ready to return. The 23-year-old right-hander fanned 129 batters across his 104 2/3 innings of work during his rookie year in 2023, but he gave 23 home runs in 21 starts and posted a poor 5.59 ERA. Bradley is probably about a month out from returning to the Rays, while Baz could return at some point in May after two oblique setbacks slowed his progress from Tommy John surgery recovery. Zack Littell and Tyler Alexander will occupy rotation spots in the meantime, with the former having only given up two runs through his first 15 1/3 frames of the campaign.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (pectoral) had a "good" bullpen session recently, per manager Kevin Cash, but Cash said the right-hander is still not close to returning. Bradley has been working his way back from a strained right pectoral for almost a month now, and he remains on course in his throwing progression. If his recovery takes about six weeks as it was originally anticipated, he could return in early May. The 23-year-old hard-throwing righty only threw three innings during spring training, so he'll likely need a handful of minor-league rehab appearances before rejoining Tampa Bay's rotation. Bradley's strikeout upside (28.0% K rate in 2023) makes him an interesting stash in fantasy leagues, but his 5.59 ERA over 104 2/3 major-league innings last year left a lot to be desired after he served up 28 home runs. Zack Littell and Tyler Alexander will continue to function as starters until the Rays' staff gets healthier.

The Tampa Bay Rays officially placed right-handers Shane Baz (elbow) and Taj Bradley (pectoral) on the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, retroactive to March 25. Baz, 24, also dealt with an oblique injury in spring training as he attempts to return from Tommy John surgery in September of 2022. After not pitching at all in 2023, Baz is certainly going to be limited in what he can do for both the Rays and fantasy managers this year, and there's no specific timetable for when he might make his 2024 debut. A return at some point this summer is most likely. Bradley, 23, was diagnosed with a pectoral strain on March 13. He also doesn't have a specific timetable for a return, but he should be back before Baz. There's a lot to like about his strikeout upside, but he gave up too many homers and struggled with his command in his rookie season in 2023.

A MRI has confirmed that Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley has a pectoral strain. This isn't the best news for the right-hander, but Bradley is relieved that it's not his shoulder or elbow. The 22-year-old is currently day-to-day for now. Bradley is expected to be in the Rays rotation, but health will need to come first. In his rookie season, the right-hander had plenty ups and downs, eventually finishing with a 5-8 record and 5.59 ERA with 129 K's in 104 2/3 innings. He remains one of the more talented young arms in the game, but expect the Rays to be extra cautious with his usage. Bradley should be rostered in dynasty leagues, but could be of lesser value in redraft leagues, if he has restrictions.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley (pectoral) is dealing with pectoral tightness in camp and has been sent for an MRI exam. Bradley was scratched from the team's Grapefruit League game on Tuesday because he was feeling right-pectoral tightness. We should know more on the 22-year-old's injury by Wednesday. Even if it's not a serious injury, Bradley's availability for the start of the 2024 regular season could be compromised with Opening Day in just several weeks. In his lone spring appearance to this point, Bradley has thrown three scoreless innings. RotoBaller has Bradley ranked as the No. 65 starting pitcher 5-8 in his rookie season last year with a 5.59 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 39 walks and 129 K's in 104 2/3 frames. The young pitcher will need to show better command and learn to limit the long ball, but his whiff potential makes him worth a deep-league stash to open the year.

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley did not make his scheduled start on Tuesday due to undisclosed reasons. Fellow righty Erasmo Ramirez made the start in his stead. Following the departure of Tyler Glasnow via trade and the injuries to Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen, Bradley was in line to crack the Rays' Opening Day rotation but his unknown issue could put that notion in jeopardy. The 22-year-old made 21 starts for the Rays in the 2023 season, working to a 5.59 ERA across 104 1/2 innings of work, He also struggled to a 6.45 ERA across 10 starts at the Triple-A level a season ago. Bradley's strikeout stuff is an attractive option for fantasy managers who will want to keep an eye on his status moving forward.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said the team expects "a much more comfortable version of Taj Bradley" this year. Both Bradley and Ryan Pepiot should have an opportunity to settle into the starting rotation behind Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale and Zack Littell. Bradley made his major-league debut in 2023 and finished with 21 starts, ending up with a 5.59 ERA and 23 home runs allowed in 104 2/3 innings pitched. He'll only be 23 years old this year, though, and his electric fastball averaged 96.1 mph, while his developing changeup produced a 41 percent whiff rate and his curveball was also effective. Expectations were high for Bradley as one of the team's top prospects, so he was more of a disappointment. However, if he can display better command and keep the ball in the yard more in 2024, Bradley could be much more productive.

The Tampa Bay Rays are calling starting pitcher Taj Bradley back up from Triple-A Durham for Sunday's start against the Cleveland Guardians. The 22-year-old was sent down in late July after following up an encouraging beginning to the year with a miserable 9.12 ERA covering his six latest big-league starts. Bradley will have a shot to solidify a rotation spot with Shane McClanahan (forearm) and several other Rays starters out for the year. The rookie is still honing his pitch location, but Bradley's 30% strikeout rate over 74 2/3 innings in the majors this year presents plenty of bat-missing upside. Cleveland strikes out at a lower clip than any team in MLB, but they also hit for the least amount of power. Season-long fantasy managers might want to take a wait-and-see approach, but Bradley is an intriguing DFS option on Sunday.

The Tampa Bay Rays optioned right-handed rookie Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham on Monday and recalled right-hander Ryan Thompson from Durham in a corresponding move. The Rays didn't need Bradley in the big-league starting rotation after they acquired right-hander Aaron Civale in a trade with the Cleveland Guardians on Monday. The 22-year-old Bradley will surely be back with Tampa at some point later this year, but he could stand to go back to the farm and work on some things. He really struggled in five July starts, going 0-3 while allowing 19 earned runs on 27 hits (five homers) while walking 10 and striking out 26 in 21 2/3 innings. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues can probably look for other options for the time being.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley earned the win on Wednesday when he allowed one run on three hits with eight strikeouts over six innings in a 7-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Bradley didn't issue a free pass in this one, either, as the Orioles had no answer for him. The only blemish on his line was a Ramon Urias solo home run in the top of the third inning. This outing marks the first time all season that Bradley has gone six innings as well, giving him his first quality start. The talented 22-year-old will take a 5-3 record, 3.86 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, and 71:15 K/BB ratio over 49 innings (10 starts) into his next turn against the Diamondbacks on the road.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley didn't factor into the decision on Thursday when he allowed three runs (two earned) on four hits with 11 strikeouts and three walks over 4 1/3 innings in a 4-3 win over the Oakland Athletics. Bradley looked like he was well on his way to throwing a complete game through the first three innings as all nine outs he recorded were via the strikeout. Things fell apart in the fifth inning, however, as he issued a pair of walks before an Isaac Paredes fielding error on an Esteury Ruiz ground ball loaded the bases. Three runs came around to score but Bradley was only charged with two of them. Despite the poor ending, this was still a stellar outing for the 22-year-old, who recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts. He now owns a 4.19 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 63:15 K/BB ratio over 43 innings (nine starts). He'll square off against the Orioles at home in his next turn.