Rays Acquire High Caliber Pitching Help Ahead Of Series At Fenway

The American League East race is tightening up. Following the Boston Red Sox’s six-game winning streak, just 5 1/2 games separate first and fourth place in the division.

The Tampa Bay Rays sit four games back of the Blue Jays, and 1 1/2 games ahead of the final American League Wild Card spot. They head to Fenway to start a vital four-game series with the Red Sox on Thursday.

According to Fansided.com’s Robert Murray, the Rays acquired reliever Bryan Baker from the Baltimore Orioles ahead of the series.

Baker has been used frequently this year. He’s appeared in 42 games for the Orioles and registered a 3.52 ERA.

The righty has been excellent against both sides of the plate. Lefties have hit just .225 against him and are striking out in 34.2% of at-bats. Righties have had a touch more success, hitting .239 with a 30.7% strikeout rate.

The Rays reportedly sent the Orioles a 2025 competitive balance pick, number 37, for Sunday’s MLB draft in exchange for the reliever.

Tampa Bay has only used six different starting pitchers this season, and they have the third-most innings from their rotation in baseball. They may look to limit innings for their young pitchers, and adding Baker to the bullpen gives them an additional reliable arm to turn to.

If Baltimore continues to sell, first baseman Ryan O’Hearn might be a fit for the Red Sox.