The Rays usually take a next-man-up approach, and today, it was time for a new opener.
Shawn Armstrong served as the Rays eight times, and they have used one since July 2023. With his departure at the trade deadline, it’s time for someone else to fill the role.
Enter Hunter Bigge.
Bigge made his first career start for the Rays on Saturday against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Previously a reliever in the minors, where he pitched 159.0 innings across 123 appearances, Bigge quickly found himself in trouble in the bottom of the first inning.