According to a report from Marc Topkin, the Tampa Bay Rays are interested in bringing back right-handed pitcher Ryne Stanek.
Stanek, 29, was originally drafted by the Rays in the first round of the 2013 draft, at 29th overall. During his ascent through the Rays system, Stanek became known for having triple digit velocity on his fastball and he eventually made his big league debut during the 2017 season, although he didn’t truly become an effective pitcher until harnessing a split-finger pitch that was taught to him by Rays pitching coach, Kyle Snyder.
During the 2018 season, Stanek would help to pioneer the ‘Opener’ strategy with Tampa Bay as he would start and face the first several hitters of the game, setting up for the bulk pitcher.