Ryne Stanek is the product of Tampa’s new “opener” strategy—and he has been incredible. As a starter, the righty has held batters to a tidy .165/.250/.320 slash line in 97 at-bats. Also, he has struck out 38 batters as an opener.
The Blue Jays already experienced playing against the right-hander and his opening ways. On June 12, the right-handed hurler pitched two innings, allowed no earned runs, gave up no hits, and stuck out three batters. Eventually, Tampa would go on to win the game 4-1.
While the Arkansas product has been very good for the Rays this season, he’ll have to pitch outside of his comfort zone on Saturday afternoon.