Rays Right-Hander Stands Strong Despite Getting Loss

It was a marked improvement from Baz's last outing against the Chicago White Sox, where he allowed eight earned runs in an 8-3 loss in late June. Baz, now 8-7 for the season, allowed just the two runs on five hits while walking two and striking out five.

Tampa Bay Rays' Shane Baz has reasons for not being the biggest fan of Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati

“Obviously, a lot better outing today,” Baz said. “It means a lot. Kind of symbolic. I’m really glad I put in all the work to get back here, and just going to try to take the ball every five days and give us a chance to win.”

For Baz, Great American Ball Park doesn't have the fondest of memories in his career. His last start before Sunday's game was back on July 10, 2022, where he gave up seven runs on eight hits in 2 1/3 innings during a 10-5 loss to Cincinnati. Baz, 26, had arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow in March 2022.

He made six starts in the 2022 season, then was out and headed toward Tommy John surgery in September 2022.

Baz gave up his two runs to the Reds in the first inning. He talked about the fact that both runs scored on infield ground balls.

“Kind of a weird first inning,” Baz said. “Give [the Reds] credit, they came out swinging in the first. I thought I did a good job of keeping them from driving the ball, honestly. Tried to stay in it the best I could.”

The Rays start a four-game road series on Monday night against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Entering Monday night's game, the Yankees are 5.5 games behind the American League East Division-leading Toronto Blue Jays. As for Tampa Bay, it's at .500 overall and 10.5 games behind the Blue Jays.