Outlook Bryan Baker
Bryan Baker remains an elite closer option despite a minor dehydration scare
Baker was pulled from a save situation on September 5 due to dehydration, but he reported feeling fine and is expected to avoid missing time. He remains locked in as the primary closer for the first-place Rays (85-58) as they battle down the stretch. Despite a brief control hiccup last week, Baker has posted a sharp 1.96 ERA across 9.2 innings over his last 30 days.
His sustained excellence has completely shattered our baseline preseason projections, as Baker boasts a 1.68 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 39 saves across 58 appearances in 2026. While four walks over his last four innings signal slight ratio risk, his double-digit strikeout rate (10.07 K/9) and elite stranded runner efficiency prove his breakout closer campaign is no fluke.
Tampa Bay embarks on a six-game week featuring road contests against Atlanta followed by a home series versus Houston. With key bullpen arms like Garrett Cleavinger sidelined on the injured list, Baker will be summoned whenever a narrow lead appears. Our models project multiple save opportunities across this competitive slate, making him a must-play. Start.
Updated 2 days ago
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Outlook Tyler Wells
Tyler Wells dominates out of the bullpen with scoreless streak for division-leading Rays
Wells has been virtually unhittable out of the bullpen lately, firing 6.2 scoreless, hitless innings with seven strikeouts and just one walk over his last 14 days. Operating as a primary setup option for the first-place Rays (85-58), his leverage opportunities should climb with Garrett Cleavinger sidelined and closer Bryan Baker battling an illness.
While our preseason projection envisioned a swingman role with an ERA above 4.00, Wells has thrived in full-time relief with a sharp 2.60 ERA and 0.96 WHIP across 55 appearances this season. His pinpoint control and track record of suppressing baserunners confirm that this late-season surge is legitimate rather than a fluke.
The Rays face a six-game schedule against the Braves and Astros, where our projections see Wells providing four quality innings, low ratios, and potential hold opportunities. While valuable for ratio stabilization and holds, his lack of dedicated ninth-inning work caps his upside in shallower formats. Hold.
Updated 2 days ago
