The Rays are known for finding gold among otherwise forgotten bullpen arms. I’m going to make a prediction here: this year’s surprising bullpen arm will be Manuel Rodriguez.
Rodriguez was acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2023 trade deadline. He came with a reputation of decent stuff and poor command, just the kind of challenge that the Rays pitching brain trusts loves to take on.
Rodriguez posted a 3.06 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP and a 2.55 FIP in 17.2 innings pitched since pitching for the first time with the Durham Bulls. During those 17.2 innings, he had a 31.