Tampa Bay Rays: 3 thoughts after the first 10 games

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – SEPTEMBER 25: Jake Faria #34 of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches during the first inning of a game against the New York Yankees on September 25, 2018 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Some new faces and returning arms have impressed early this spring as the battles for a few precious bullpen spots are in full effect.

Jake Faria burst on the scene in 2017 with the Rays and had a fantastic rookie campaign. 2018 would prove difficult for Faria as he battled command issues and injuries all season. Now, rather than fighting for a spot in the rotation, Faria is fighting for a job in the pen and is off to a good start.

Faria:3.2 IP // 2.45 ERA // 6K/1BB

Emilio Pagan, who the Rays traded for this offseason has also impressed. He even opened a game. He is expected to play a pivotal role this season out of the pen.

Pagan: 5 IP // 3.60 ERA // 7K/1BB

Andrew Kittredge had a rough year in Tampa Bay last season after a nice rookie stint in 2017. Over 33 games, the righty posted an earned run average north of seven and was worth -1.2 bWAR out of the Rays pen last season. So far this spring he has tossed 5 scoreless innings with 3 strike outs.

Finally, Tyler Cloyd, a minor league singing and non-roster invite to big league camp has impressed as well. Across 5 innings, Cloys has struck out 4 and surrendered only 1 run which is good for a 1.60 ERA.

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Plenty of other pitchers have looked good early, but the names above stood out.

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While it may only be 10 games, we can tell a lot about the exciting group of players that will take the field for the Rays in 2019 and beyond.