Outlook Bryan Baker
Baker secures Rays closer role with Kimbrel sidelined
Bryan Baker has seized the primary closer role for the first-place Tampa Bay Rays (37-25) following teammate Craig Kimbrel's placement on the injured list with a wrist strain. Baker has been locked in recently, posting a clean 0.00 ERA with four strikeouts and a 1.00 WHIP over his last four appearances.
This brilliant stretch aligns with Baker's career-best 2.21 ERA and 16 saves on the year, representing a massive leap from his 4.41 ERA last season. While our models project some regression to a 3.88 ERA and 1.22 WHIP over the rest of the season, his excellent 10.70 K/9 strikeout rate suggests his high-leverage dominance is largely legitimate.
The Rays play six games this week, featuring three at home against the Red Sox followed by three road contests against the Angels. Baker is projected for 3.0 innings with a 1.50 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and over a save, establishing him as an elite relief option. Verdict: Start.
Updated 11 hrs ago
