Rays Dirty Dozen: SP Depth Leads Rays into 2016

Apr 13, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A glove and hat sits in the Tampa Bay Rays dugout during a game with the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.The Reds won 12-4. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Honourable mentions

The Rays aren’t done with the twelve listed above, as others are well on their way to gaining the required experience to help the rotation out. German Marquez, Brent Honeywell, Greg Harris, and Chih-Wei Hu could all be in AA getting set to challenge for a rotation spot. While they’re not expected to make an impact in 2016, they’re not that far behind Stanek and Schultz on the depth chart.

All-in-all, 2016 looks to be an extremely promising pitching talent filled season for the Tampa Bay Rays. If it comes on as advertised and avoids some of the injuries they experienced in 2015, they could earn a playoff spot and go deep into the post-season. And if the bats can ever catch up to the hitting, look out, because the sky’s the limit.

The Rays pitching depth may be the best in the majors at this point. While teams like the Jays are looking to add old and proven to be middle of the road starters as depth pieces, the Rays are promoting from within and have an abundance of youth and talent. We should all be thankful for that as the New Year passes, and hope it holds true for all of 2016.