Taj Bradley Injury News & Updates

Bradley will not be part of the Rays' Wild Card Series roster, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The Rays need only three starting pitchers for the series and plan to carry 15 position players, so Bradley isn't going to make the cut. They will have the ability to reset their roster prior to the ALDS, if they advance, and it's possible Bradley could be added on then.

Bradley didn't factor into the decision Friday during the Rays' 11-4 loss to the Blue Jays, allowing one run on two hits in an innings of relief. He struck out one without walking a batter.

The rookie right-hander tossed 21 pitches (16 strikes) in his brief appearance, but this usage doesn't necessarily mean Bradley is shifting to the bullpen for the postseason. With Tampa Bay already locked into the top wild-card spot in the American League and likely to face Toronto to begin the playoffs next week, manager Kevin Cash elected not to give the opposition a good look at any of the starting pitchers the Rays might be using -- Aaron Civale got the start but left the mound after 40 pitches, while Zack Littell also tossed 35 pitches in relief. Bradley finishes the regular season with a shaky 5.56 ERA and 1.38 WHIP through his first 103.2 big-league innings, but the 22-year-old righty's 129:39 K:BB highlights his upside.

Bradley (5-8) took the loss Sunday, allowing six runs on seven hits and two walks over seven innings against Toronto. He struck out four.

Toronto did most of their damage against Bradley in the second inning, scoring five runs, including three on George Springer's inside-the-park home run. The 22-year-old Bradley's now allowed four or more runs in three of his five starts since he was recalled from Triple-A earlier this month, pitching to a 5.14 in that span. The rookie right-hander will likely face Toronto again in his next outing as he looks to wrap up the regular season on a high note.

Bradley did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing one run on three hits and one walk over five innings against the Angels. He struck out six.

The right-handed rookie retired 11 of the first 13 batters Tuesday before Logan O'Hoppe ripped a solo homer in the fourth inning, accounting for the Angels' lone tally against Bradley. In four starts since being recalled from Triple-A on Sept. 3, the 22-year-old has posted a 4.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB across 21 innings with six of his 10 earned runs during that stretch coming via solo home runs. Bradley tentatively lines up for a home matchup with divisional foe Toronto this weekend.

Bradley did not factor into the decision Wednesday, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks over 4.2 innings against Minnesota. He struck out seven.

Bradley cruised through the first two innings before surrendering back-to-back home runs to open the third, each coming on the first pitch of the at-bat. He got himself into trouble again in the fifth after walking two of the first three batters he faced, which eventually led to the right-hander being relieved by Jake Diekman with two outs in the frame. Bradley has now allowed four earned runs and multiple homers in back-to-back starts and is still looking for his first win since June 21. He's also yielded at least two walks in six of his last seven outings.

Bradley did not factor into the decision in Friday's win over the Mariners. He struck out five and allowed four runs on six hits and two walks over 6.1 innings.

Bradley surrendered three home runs in Friday's start, the most he's allowed since giving up four on June 27 at Arizona. Since being recalled from Triple-A Durham on Sept. 3, the Tampa Bay rookie has allowed five earned runs with 12:7 K:BB in 11.1 innings over two starts. Bradley's next outing is currently scheduled to be at Minnesota.

Bradley is scheduled to start Friday's home game against the Mariners.

While making his return from Triple-A Durham this past Sunday for his big-league start since July 29, Bradley turned in uneven results in a no-decision at Cleveland. He struck out seven and allowed just one earned run on three hits over five innings, but he issued five free passes and threw two wild pitches. Despite his poor efficiency his last time out, Bradley will get at least one more turn through the rotation while the Rays are short on healthy starting options.

Bradley allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and five walks over five innings in Sunday's win over Cleveland. He struck out seven and did not factor in the decision.

Bradley was promoted from Triple-A Durham for his first MLB appearance since July 29. He displayed his usual nasty strikeout material but the command was still shaky. He's walked nine batters in his last two MLB starts but he owns a 12 K/9 through 79.2 career innings. If Bradley sticks around for another turn in the rotation, he'll likely face the Mariners at home.

The Rays recalled Bradley from Triple-A Durham ahead of his start Sunday against the Guardians.

Bradley will be making his first appearance in the majors since July 29, where he surrendered five runs in just 3.1 frames against Houston. He's pitched to a 2.91 ERA and 1.38 WHIP through 21.2 innings in the minors since being optioned July 31, but fantasy managers should be cautious with Bradley until he can establish himself in the majors.

Bradley will be recalled from Triple-A Durham to start for the Rays on Sunday versus the Guardians, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

It will be his first start in the majors since late July. Bradley has been a mixed bag so far at the big-league level, posting a 5.67 ERA and 1.41 WHIP but also a nice 99:26 K:BB over 74.2 frames. He collected a 2.91 ERA and 24:11 K:BB over 21.2 innings covering five starts with Durham in August.

Bradley was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Monday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

The Rays traded for Aaron Civale on Monday, which gives them four starters to use in the short term, not including Bradley. Manager Kevin Cash said Bradley handled the news well and that they hope he'll be back up at some point. Bradley logged a 7.89 ERA, 1.71 WHIP and 26 strikeouts in 21.2 innings across five July starts.

Bradley (5-7) took the loss Saturday, allowing five runs on three hits and four walks over 3.1 innings in a 17-4 loss to the Astros. He struck out four.

Bradley gave up a two-run home run to Yainer Diaz in the second inning, marking his seventh consecutive appearance allowing a long ball. Despite surrendering five runs, Bradley allowed just three hits, tying his season low in the category while doling out four walks. Though Bradley has thrown six innings just once this season (16 starts), he'll likely be worth a look as a streaming option during his next outing, which is tentatively scheduled to come against the Tigers at Comerica Park.

Bradley allowed three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six across five innings Sunday against the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision.

Bradley gave up a run in the first and then two-run blast to Gunnar Henderson in the second to put the Rays in a quick 3-0 hole. He went on to allow just one more baserunner after the second but failed to make it past five innings, which is something he's done just once in 15 starts. The 22-year-old did register an impressive 34 percent whiff rate but also surrendered a home run for a sixth consecutive outing. He sits at a 5.30 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 95:22 K:BB over 71.1 innings. He's expected to face the Astros in Houston next weekend.

Bradley (5-6) took the loss Tuesday at Texas after he struck out nine and gave up two runs on five hits and two walks over five innings.

Bradley entered Tuesday's contest having surrendered 16 runs across his past three starts, so his performance against the AL West-leading Rangers was an encouraging sight. The rookie right-hander gave up a solo homer to Marcus Semien in the third inning and continues to be hurt by the long ball with 12 home runs allowed through 14 starts. A matchup with the Orioles this weekend is likely next up for Bradley.

Bradley (5-5) took the loss against Atlanta on Saturday, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four batters over five innings.

Bradley made it through three perfect frames before surrendering four runs -- three of which came on a Sean Murphy homer -- in the fourth. Though he was able to complete another scoreless inning, the rough fourth was enough to send Bradley to his fifth loss. The rookie right-hander has hit a rough patch to close out the first half of the season, posting an 11.68 ERA, 2.11 WHIP and 9:4 K:BB across 12.1 frames over his past three starts. Bradley began his big-league career in fine fashion, but his recent struggles have him sitting on a poor 5.43 ERA and 1.39 WHIP over 61.1 frames heading into the All-Star break.

Bradley yielded five runs on nine hits and a walk over 3.1 innings in Sunday's loss to Seattle. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.

After serving up a solo homer to Eugenio Suarez in the second inning, Bradley coughed up four more runs in the third. It seemed like Bradley was settling into the MLB level with a 3.28 ERA over a five-start stretch but he's since been tagged with 11 earned runs in two outings. His season ERA has jumped to 5.11, though his 79:17 K:BB through 56.1 innings still looks impressive. The 22-year-old's next outing is projected to be a home matchup with Atlanta.

Bradley (5-4) allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits and a walk while striking out two over four innings, taking the loss Tuesday versus the Diamondbacks.

Bradley was tagged for four home runs, which accounted for all but one of the runs on his line. He'd given up just three homers across his previous seven outings combined, and he's generally done a good job of keeping the ball down with a 1.5 HR/9 even after Tuesday's slugfest. The rookie right-hander now owns a 4.58 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 73:16 K:BB through 53 innings across 11 starts. He's tentatively projected for a road start versus the Mariners this weekend.

Bradley (5-3) earned the win Wednesday, allowing one run on three hits over six innings against the Orioles. He struck out eight and did not walk a batter.

Bradley struck out the first two batters of the game and cruised through the first two innings before surrendering a leadoff homer to Ramon Urias in the third. The rookie right-hander was able to shake it off, however, retiring the next 10 hitters he faced while going six innings for the first time in his career. He also didn't issue a walk Wednesday for the third time this season while fanning eight, giving him 19 strikeouts over his last two starts. Bradley will look to build off the strong performance when the Rays take on the Diamondbacks next week in Arizona.

Bradley did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks over 4.1 innings against the Athletics. He struck out 11.

Bradley was dealing Thursday, striking out the first six batters he faced and nine of the first 12 overall. However, the rookie began to struggle with his command in the fifth inning, issuing back-to-back walks before eventually allowing three runs to come home as Oakland took a 3-1 lead. He was replaced by Kevin Kelly with one out in the inning, but not before notching a career-high 11 strikeouts. On the downside, Bradley has now failed to make it through five innings in two of his last three starts, issuing 10 walks over that stretch.

Bradley (4-3) took the loss against Texas on Saturday, allowing five runs (four earned) on four hits and four walks while striking out four batters over 3.2 innings.

This was the shortest outing through eight big-league starts for Bradley, who came into the contest having allowed just two earned runs over his previous 10.2 frames. The right-hander was largely responsible for his own demise Saturday, as he walked a season-high four batters, three of whom came around to score. Bradley issued just five free passes across his first 30 innings, but he's walked seven over his subsequent 8.2 frames, and it may be critical to his sustained success that he's able to regain good control. However, Saturday's rough outing probably isn't reason to panic, as it came across a tough Texas squad that leads MLB in scoring on the season.

Bradley (4-2) earned the win Sunday, allowing two runs on six hits and three walks over five innings against the Red Sox. He struck out six.

Bradley allowed two or fewer runs and finished five innings for the fourth time this season. The rookie has made seven appearances across two stints at the big-league level this year, posting a 3.60 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 48:8 K:BB over 35 innings. Bradley figures to remain in the rotation moving forward given the numerous injuries to Tampa Bay's starters. His next start is scheduled for the opener of a three-game weekend set versus the Rangers.

Bradley (3-2) was tagged with the loss against the Cubs on Monday, allowing an unearned run on three hits and one walk while striking out eight batters over 5.2 innings.

A fourth-inning Tampa Bay error helped Chicago notch the game's only run, resulting in Bradley taking his second career loss despite another strong outing. The rookie righty tossed a season-high 5.2 frames to fall one out shy of his first quality start, and he punched out eight batters while walking only one. Bradley's pitch count is being kept in check -- the 90 pitches he threw Monday marked a campaign high -- but he's still been able to complete at least five innings in all but one of his six starts. Overall, he has looked every bit deserving of a big-league rotation spot, compiling a 3.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 42:5 K:BB over 30 innings.

Bradley (3-1) took the loss Tuesday, allowing four runs on nine hits over 4 innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out seven.

It certainly could've been worse for Bradley. The rookie right-hander allowed nine hits but managed to hold Toronto to four runs thanks to his seven punchouts. Bradley has flashed high-end potential early in his MLB career, though he's yet to make it past six innings through five starts this year. Bradley's 4.44 ERA is underwhelming, though a 1.15 WHIP and an impressive 34:4 K:BB gives reason for optimism.

Bradley is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field.

As anticipated, Bradley will stick around in the Tampa Bay rotation after he was reasonably effective in his return to the majors against the Mets this past Thursday, when he worked five innings and struck out four while allowing two runs on three hits and two walks. Though he had largely struggled in his outings at Triple-A Durham prior to being recalled last week, Bradley now owns a magnificent 3.54 ERA, 0.93 WHIP and 27:4 K:BB in 20.1 innings through his first four big-league starts. He looks like an appealing lineup option in most weekly leagues, given that he'll tentatively line up for two starts, with his second expected to come Sunday at home versus the Dodgers.

Bradley did not factor in the decision against the Mets on Thursday, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four batters over five frames.

Bradley was called up from Triple-A to make the start, and he gave the Rays five innings of two-run ball. The rookie righty failed to take home a win for the first time in his four starts as a major-leaguer, but he tied a season-best mark by allowing just three hits. Bradley continues to impress and could stick around in the Rays' rotation for the long term with Drew Rasmussen hitting the 60-day injured list last Friday due to a flexor strain.

Bradley was recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Thursday.

Bradley will rejoin the Rays' rotation Thursday with a start against the Mets. The young right-hander posted a 3.52 ERA and 23:2 K:BB over 15.1 innings covering three starts for Tampa Bay earlier this season. He's struggled lately at Durham, but Bradley nonetheless warrants being rostered in all fantasy formats. He will have a shot to remain in the Rays' rotation for the duration of the season.

Bradley will start for the Rays on Thursday in New York against the Mets, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Ideally, the Rays would probably like to keep Bradley in the minors a little longer as he works on his pitch mix and getting used to a traditional five-day schedule. However, with the big-league club's rotation hit hard by injuries, they don't have much of a choice here. While Bradley struggled lately at Triple-A Durham, he was excellent in his three starts with the Rays earlier this season and will have a shot to remain in the rotation for the long haul.

Bradley is under consideration along with Cooper Criswell to start for the Rays on Wednesday against the Mets, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley has been fantastic in three starts for the Rays this season, holding a 3.52 ERA and 23:2 K:BB over 15.1 innings. He's struggled lately with Triple-A Durham, though, as Tampa Bay has him alter his pitch mix and also get used to working on a traditional five-day schedule. Bradley is almost surely going to be the long-term replacement for Drew Rasmussen (elbow), but it's possible the club will go with Criswell for now as Bradley works through some things.

Bradley gave up four earned runs in 3.1 innings Thursday for Triple-A Durham and has a 16.00 ERA and 2.22 WHIP in nine innings across three starts since getting sent back to the minors April 25.

It's been a really rough stretch for Bradley since he was surprisingly demoted after racking up three wins with a 3.52 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 15.1 innings across his first three MLB starts. The reported purpose of his original demotion was to transition him to a five-day schedule as opposed to a six-day schedule, but his start Thursday against Charlotte was the first time he has actually pitched on a five-day schedule all season. It's unclear how much improvement Bradley will need to show at Triple-A before the Rays summon him again.

Bradley was optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Topkin notes that a major reason for the move is to transition Bradley to a traditional five-day schedule as opposed to the six-day schedule he's been working on. The Rays are expected to replace Bradley in the rotation with Yonny Chirinos and/or Josh Fleming. Bradley still figures to be a major part of the Rays this season, although it's possible now that Tyler Glasnow (oblique) beats him back to the big-league rotation.

Bradley (3-0) picked up the win Monday in an 8-3 victory over the Astros, giving up three runs on four hits over five innings. He struck out six without walking a batter.

The rookie right-hander showed some blemishes, serving up the first two homers of his career, but Bradley has now won each of his first three big-league starts, although it should be noted the red-hot Rays have averaged nine runs a game for him so far. He fired 53 of 82 pitches for strikes before exiting, and his 23:2 K:BB through his first 15.1 MLB innings has all the hallmarks of an ace. Bradley will look to make it four wins in a row in his next outing, likely to come on the road this weekend against the White Sox.

Bradley is scheduled to make his next start Monday versus the Astros in Tampa, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Given that he's now turned in a 2.61 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 17:2 K:BB over 10.1 innings between his first two starts along with the fact that Tampa Bay has four other starters on the injured list, Bradley looks like he'll have some longevity in the big-league rotation. Zach Eflin (back) remains on track to return from the IL on Sunday to help restore some starting depth for the Rays, but Bradley's spot is secure while Jeffrey Springs (elbow) and Shane Baz (elbow) are out for the season and Tyler Glasnow (oblique) is likely sidelined until at least the middle of May.

Bradley (2-0) earned the win Tuesday, allowing three hits and one walk over 5.1 scoreless innings against the Reds. He struck out nine.

Bradley was sharp again Tuesday, blanking Cincinnati while striking out nine en route to his second big-league win. The 22-year-old right-hander has looked good in his first two outings, allowing three runs through 10.1 innings while posting an impressive 17:2 K:BB. Bradley has an opportunity to establish himself in the Rays' rotation with Jeffrey Springs (elbow) out for at least two months.

Bradley was recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Tuesday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

Bradley will rejoin the Rays' rotation Tuesday in Cincinnati, taking the spot vacated by Jeffrey Springs (elbow). The young right-hander impressed in his major-league debut versus the Red Sox last week, striking out eight while yielding three runs over five frames. With Springs expected to miss multiple months, Bradley will have an opportunity to establish himself as a long-term fixture in the major-league rotation.

Bradley has been added to the Rays' taxi squad and is in line to start Tuesday in Cincinnati, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley was optioned a day after his major-league debut last week, but he's now positioned for a long-term stay in the Rays' rotation with Jeffrey Springs (elbow) sidelined. The young right-hander struck out eight in his debut versus the Red Sox, getting charged with three runs over five innings along the way. He should be scooped back up in fantasy leagues where he was dropped.

Bradley was optioned to Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Thursday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

Bradley pitched well in his major-league debut Wednesday versus the Red Sox, getting charged with three runs over five innings while striking out eight. It had seemed like he would be given at least one more start while Zach Eflin (back) continues to recover, but now he can't be recalled for 10 days until he's replacing an injured player.

Bradley (1-0) earned the win Wednesday against the Red Sox, allowing three runs on five hits and one walk over five innings. He struck out eight.

Bradley proved himself in his MLB debut, recovering from a shaky start where he walked the game's first batter but bounced back to retire the next 10 of 12 batters he faced. The 22-year-old rookie was highly efficient, throwing 52 of 78 pitches for strikes and striking out eight batters over five solid innings. As Zach Eflin continues to recover from a back injury, Bradley is expected to be given at least one more start, tentatively scheduled for this weekend against Cincinnati.

The Rays officially recalled Bradley from Triple-A Durham on Tuesday ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday versus the Red Sox at Tropicana Field, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

The 22-year-old right-hander is getting his first promotion to the big leagues and will join the rotation as a replacement for Zach Eflin (back), who was placed on the 15-day injured list in a corresponding move. Though Eflin may miss just two turns through the rotation, Bradley could have a chance to stick around as the Rays' No. 5 starter over Josh Fleming if the rookie is able to hold his own in his first two big-league outings. Between stops at Durham and Double-A Montgomery in 2022, Bradley pitched to a 2.57 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 141:33 K:BB across 133.1 innings.

Bradley will be recalled to make his major-league debut Wednesday versus the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

He'll be filling in for the injured Zach Eflin (back). Bradley, 22, is one of the better pitching prospects in baseball, having posted a 2.57 ERA and 141:33 K:BB over 133.1 innings between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham in 2022. He's allowed four runs with eight strikeouts across seven frames in his first two starts with Durham in 2023. Bradley hasn't thrown more than 55 pitches in eight of those two outings, so it could be a relatively short start for him Wednesday. He could get another start next week, too.

Bradley was optioned Monday to minor-league camp, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Bradley is the top pitching prospect in the Tampa Bay system, but the right-hander will open the season in the minors -- likely with Triple-A Durham. The 21-year-old can miss bats with multiple pitches and can locate them for strikes, so it's just a matter of when he's helping the Rays' pitching staff, not if.

Bradley was forced to exit his start in the second inning after being hit by a batted ball Saturday in Grapefruit League action against the Yankees, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.

Bradley was hit in the right leg by a comebacker after his first pitch of the second inning. He was lifted as a precaution, but after the game, he told the media he escaped without suffering a bruise. Bradley has impressed this spring in two appearances, posting two scoreless innings while striking out one.

Bradley impressed manager Kevin Cash during his first bullpen session of the spring, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "Very good pitch mix when he throws all four pitches," Cash said. "He's got plenty of life to his fastball. And he has a very clean delivery. Pretty polished for 21 being in Triple-A."

Cash saying that he likes it when Bradley throws all four pitches is noteworthy, as the 21-year-old righty generally leans on his mid-90s fastball and plus cutter, so the Rays will likely encourage him to incorporate his lesser pitches more often this spring. MLB Pipeline noted Bradley could pitch his way onto the big-league roster this spring, in part because he is already on the 40-man roster and could be one of the team's more impressive pitchers in camp. It seems more likely that he heads to the Triple-A Durham rotation to put the finishing touches on his minor-league development.