ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays have nearly been without a true starting pitcher since dealing Chris Archer to the Pittsburgh Pirates at this week's trade deadline. That will change, mercifully, on Saturday as All-Star pitcher Blake Snell returns from the disabled list.
Snell (12-5, 2.27 ERA) hasn't pitched since July 12, sidelined by left shoulder fatigue. The Rays have gotten by with their continued experimental use of relievers as "starters," and the strategy has worked well enough to have them at 56-54.
But Chicago ended Tampa Bay's three-game win streak by defeating the Rays 3-2 in 10 innings on Friday night.