Tampa Bay Rays Midseason Awards

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Player to watch: Jacob Faria

Overshadowed by the other pitching prospects in the Tampa Bay Rays system, Jacob Faria has emerged as a key part of the starting rotation.

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Faria came out firing for Durham this season. His 6-1 record, along with a 3.07 ERA and a 1.125 WHiP, were certainly good, but Faria completely overmatched the International League. In his 58.2 innings, he struck out 84 batters, while issuing just 22 walks. Those command issues that had been so prevalent had seemingly gone away.

Called up to the Tampa Bay Rays, Faria has not slowed down. In his six starts in the majors, Faria has posted a 4-0 record with a 2.11 ERA and a 0.965 WHiP. He has struck out 37 batters in 38.1 innings, issuing just nine walks. Faria has had a quality start in every outing thus far, lasting through six innings every time out.

Despite being just 23 years old, Faria has been exactly what the Rays needed in the rotation. He has done more than shore up the back end of the rotation; he has effectively taken jake Odorizzi’s spot as the third starter. In doing so, he has also served notice that the next wave of Rays prospects are coming soon.

Next: Honeywell could change the game

Although he will not continue to perform at this level, Jacob Faria has been everything the Tampa Bay Rays needed. His performance in the second half could make all the difference in their postseason hopes.