TAJ BRADLEY NEWS

Taj rebounds from frustrating start by dominating O's ST. PETERSBURG -- Taj Bradley had every right to be proud of his start last Thursday in Oakland. Instead, he was noticeably frustrated after...

JUNE 21, 2023 • MLB.COM

Records career-high 11 strikeouts 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.

Impact 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.

JUNE 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Endures worst outing of career 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.

Impact 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.

JUNE 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up fourth win 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.

Impact 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.

JUNE 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Impresses but takes loss 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.

Impact 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.

MAY 30, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

MAY 24, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Taj Bradley puts Rays in early hole vs. Jays, and it only gets worse ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — At the start, Tuesday’s game looked a lot like Taj Bradley’s last outing on Thursday against the Mets.

MAY 24, 2023 • SACBEE.COM

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

Impact 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.

MAY 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Fans four against Mets 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.

Impact 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.

MAY 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

'Here to stay,' Bradley shows Major League stuff NEW YORK -- The Rays were not concerned that right-hander Taj Bradley was hit hard after he was demoted to Triple-A Durham in late April. Be...

MAY 18, 2023 • MLB.COM

Recalled for Thursday's start Bradley was recalled from Triple-A Durham by the Rays on Thursday.

Impact 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.

MAY 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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

Impact 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.

MAY 17, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Under consideration for start 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.

Impact 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.

MAY 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Significant struggles at Triple-A 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 mi...

Impact 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.

MAY 12, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

A scout's take on James Outman, Taj Bradley and Jarred Kelenic: Can they keep it up? James Outman, Taj Bradley and Jarred Kelenic are 3 of of the hottest players in baseball. Andra Arcaipane analyzes their chances to stay hot

MAY 2, 2023 • THEATHLETIC.COM

Rays activate Jose Siri, option hot Taj Bradley to Durham The Tampa Bay Rays activated center fielder Jose Siri from the 10-day injured list on Tuesday and optioned unbeaten right-hander Taj Bradley...

APRIL 25, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

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

Impact 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.

APRIL 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Keeps winning Monday 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.

Impact 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.

APRIL 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Rays set record with 14th consecutive win at home to open MLB season - The Boston Globe Rookie Taj Bradley improved to 3-0 with a five-inning start for Tampa Bay, which is off to the third-best start in the modern era at 20-3 ov...

APRIL 25, 2023 • BOSTONGLOBE.COM

Rays' Taj Bradley likes the taste he's gotten of the major leagues Notes | While the competition no doubt fuels him, it’s not the only thing the rookie pitcher hungers for.

APRIL 23, 2023 • TAMPABAY.COM

Rays top prospect Bradley filling his big league plate ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays top prospect Taj Bradley didn’t have to think long about his answer Sunday morning. Two starts in, what’s been his fa...

APRIL 23, 2023 • MLB.COM

Taj Bradley staying in Rays' rotation, Calvin Faucher stepping in Notebook | With Zach Eflin set to return Sunday, Tampa Bay has reshaped its rotation after dealing with several injuries.

APRIL 19, 2023 • TAMPABAY.COM

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

Impact 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.

APRIL 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

No nerves this time around as Bradley deals vs. Cincy CINCINNATI -- Rays manager Kevin Cash wanted two things for Taj Bradley on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park: a performance like his...

APRIL 19, 2023 • MLB.COM

Punches out nine in win 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.

Impact 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.

APRIL 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE