Lefty is optioned to Durham after rough start to 2017
After what can officially be deemed a sophomore slump, the Tampa Bay Rays have finally sent left-handed pitcher Blake Snell down to AAA Durham. Snell (0-4, 4.71), took the loss in Boston Saturday after being pulled two outs into the sixth. He has had constant struggles with walks and overall command of his pitches. In 19 games last season, he gave up just five home runs. Through eight starts in ’17, he’s already given up six long balls.
Only once in his eight starts has he gone six innings…and that was his first start of the season in early April.
Last year, Tampa Bay fans made a lot of noise hoping to bring the 24-year-old Snell into rotation, and rejoiced after he logged a 3.54 ERA through nineteen starts. What a difference a year makes. The overwhelming majority of fans in 2017 have been clamoring for him to be sent down. Some feel he may have been rushed to MLB. Right-handed reliever Ryne Stanek was the corresponding move. Erasmo Ramirez will take Snell’s place in the rotation for
now.
#Rays will call up RHP Ryne Stanek to join bullpen
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 13, 2017
Stanek, 25, was drafted in the first round by Tampa Bay in 2013. In 14 games with Durham this season, Stanek is 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA. He’s pitched in 18 innings and wracked up 25 strikeouts. For a good portion of his minor league career, Stanek was a rotation pitcher. The Rays plan to use him out of the bullpen.
Scrum Sports Digital Director, Mary Holt, contributed to this article.
