1 Rays pitcher is going to make the starting rotation decisions even more complicated

The Rays front office knew what they were getting themselves into when they entered spring training with six major league ready starting pitchers. Due to all of the recent injuries, especially for the Rays, they were playing on the side of caution. "It will all work itself out", they kept repeating. However, there's actually a seventh starter that may have greater potential than all of the original six. Is this a problem yet?

The Rays acquired right-handed flamethrower Joe Boyle from the Athletics in a deal involving converted starter Jeffrey Springs. Springs was a great loss for the organization, but the depth of this staff is still very impressive. Also, the Rays didn't quite know exactly what they were getting with the 25-year old Boyle. Well, he's been nearly unhittable so far this spring with his fastball consistently touching triple digits. Veteran Braves hitters like Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies looked lost at the plate yesterday against the lanky hurler.

Standing at 6'7, Boyle wields a powerful set of pitches with his fastball hovering in the upper 90s all the time. He combines that heat with a slider in the low 90s, making it very difficult to stay balanced at the plate. Those lethal pitches have allowed him to produce a 2.45 ERA in 7.1 innings. He's also accrued 10 strikeouts in that span of time as he gives the coaching staff a headache trying to formulate this roster.

Many coaches and general managers will say this is a good problem to have and we would wholeheartedly agree. Although, decisions still need to be made and it would be really difficult for Rays fans to watch this talented pitcher start the season with the Durham Bulls.

Therefore, Joe Boyle will either need to slip into the starting rotation somehow (maybe after a trade) or the Rays could convert him into a reliever. Both situations may work out really well, but the relief option will probably be more favorable. His dynamic selection of pitches match up well with the profile of a dominant reliever.

Also, imagine having the ability to roll out Boyle, Uceta, and Fairbanks to close out a game. With an offense that still needs to improve, this would be a near-perfect scenario to close out ballgames.