The Rays took a three game lead in the ALCS but have battled with the Astros in Game 4 and 5, both one-run losses.
In each of those games, the Rays have rested the majority of their A-bullpen, and it’s thanks in large part to Aaron Slegers.
After his acquisition in 2019, the Rays have been using the towering Slegers in a stretched out role, pitching for multiple innings in all but three appearances in his Rays career, one of which was a save, and another was on Wednesday in Game 4 of the ALCS.
In that appearance, Slegers made quick work when called upon in the eighth inning, the final frame the Rays would pitch that night, walking one but coaxing a groundball double play against the heart of the Astros lineup.