Rotation options solidifying for Rays

Rotation plans for the Rays came into focus today as the club optioned Luis Patino and Yonny Chirinos to Triple-A, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter Links). That leaves left-hander Josh Fleming in line for the fifth starter’s spot behind Shane McClanahan, Jeffery Springs, Drew Rasmussen, and Zach Eflin while Tyler Glasnow is on the shelf with a strained oblique.

Fleming, 27 in May, has largely struggled in his limited time with the Rays since his debut in the 2020 season, posting a 4.93 ERA (81 ERA+) with a 4.33 FIP in 171 2/3 innings of work. Of his 43 appearances with the Rays, 19 have come as a starter. While he has yet to establish himself as a quality option in the major leagues, it’s somewhat easy to see why the Rays chose him for the fifth starter job, as both Patino and Chirinos were torched this spring: Patino allowed 12 runs in just 9 2/3 innings while walking seven batters, while Chirinos gave up nine runs in 12 1/3 innings of work with six walks of his own. Both righties will begin the season in Triple-A and attempt to right the ship before likely returning to the majors sometime this year.

More from around the AL East…

• Sticking with the Rays, manager Kevin Cash today told reporters, including Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times, that the club is optimistic that star shortstop Wander Franco will be available to play on Opening Day, saying the results of an MRI today on Franco’s quad were “favorable.” The club may not make a final decision on Franco’s availability to begin the season until rosters are due on Thursday, given the presence of Taylor Walls on the roster, who is poised to take over the shortstop role should Franco miss any time. Franco, of course, was long the top prospect in all of baseball and has already accumulated 4.7 fWAR just 153 games into his big league career. Should he manage to stay healthy in 2023 after suffering quad and wrist injuries last year, he’s sure to be an instrumental piece of the Rays this season as they attempt to return to the playoffs for a fifth straight season.
• The Orioles have optioned left-hander DL Hall to Triple-A, per a team announcement. Hall, 24, is one of Baltimore’s top pitching prospects but struggled in his 11-game debut last season, surrendering nine runs in 13 2/3 innings of work. That being said, between the small sample size, the inflated .436 BABIP, and a strong 29.7% strikeout rate, Hall’s performance made his immense talent clear, even though the results didn’t match. Manager Brandon Hyde told reporters, including Roch Kubatko of MASN, that the club plans to build Hall up as a starter. Hyde went on to express certainty that Hall would contribute to the big league club this year. As things stand, the Orioles appear poised to open the season with a starting rotation of Kyle Gibson, Cole Irvin, Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, and Grayson Rodriguez.