Rays Colored Glasses
Fansided

Former KBO star will get spring start against the Tigers

ByMason Stacy|
Jun 7, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Connor Seabold (43) pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Jun 7, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Connor Seabold (43) pitches in the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

As the Rays seek their second straight spring training victory, former KBO starting pitcher Connor Seabold will get the nod on the bump. Seabold was previously a member of the Rockies, Red Sox, and Phillies organizations, but decided to take his talents to Korea for one season.

The decision ended up working out well for the 29-year old right-hander as he went 11-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 28 stats for the Samsung Lions. Obviously, the offense in the KBO doesn't compare to the MLB, but the Rays front office clearly saw something positive in Seabold's game and he'll get a shot to make this roster out of camp.

However, this will be no small task due to the Rays loaded pitching staff. In fact, they already have six starters that could easily be considered for the 2025 rotation. Shane McClanahan, Taj Bradley, Ryan Pepiot, Drew Rasmussen, Zack Littell, and Shane Baz are all in line as potenital starters, so Connor Seabold and even former A's flamethrower Joe Boyle are currently on the outside looking in.

Nevertheless, injuries can and almost certainly will happen, so this depth is not problematic whatsoever. It will be exciting to watch how Seabold fairs against major league caliber hitters, as he hasn't faced any since his short stint with Colorado in 2023. In 13 starts that season, the California native went 1-7 with a disappointing 7.52 ERA. He also struck out only 67 hitters in his 87 frames of work.

Seabold was also a member of the Red Sox organization from 2021-2022. His best numbers came during a Triple-A campaign in 2022. For the Worcester Red Sox, the slider specialist finished with an impressive 8-2 record and a 3.32 ERA. Those great statistics led to a late September call-up with the AL East club.

Although, Seabold had a miserable time in the big leagues, as he went 0-4 with an 11.29 ERA. The right-handed journeyman gave up 24 runs in only 18 innings. The up-and-down nature of his career has ultimately led him to this point. Now, Seabold has another chance to join an MLB roster and a solid one at that. However, today will be a very important day towards that goal.

Home/Rays News

Schedule