Tampa Bay Rays starter Jeffrey Springs likely needs TJS, lost for year

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs requires season-ending Tommy John Surgery, per MLB.com's Adam Berry. That's yet another blow to the Rays' pitching staff. The Rays announced he's been diagnosed with a left flexor elbow strain. He's currently on the 15-day injured list and will likely be transferred to the 60-day list later.

The left-handed-throwing Springs started the season 2-0 with a 0.56 ERA. He made just three starts. He's coming off a very productive 2022 season in which he put up a 2.46 ERA across 25 starts.

He made his final start on Thursday, the same day the Rays won their 12th consecutive game to start the season. The team initially diagnosed the injury as ulnar neuritis with several months of recovery time necessary.

Tampa Bay is still missing starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow as well, who had Tommy John Surgery himself and missed most of 2022, though an obilque strain is behind his beginning the 2023 season on the IL. He's currently expected to return in mid-May.

For now, Rays top prospect Taj Bradley got the call to return to the big league club to help fill out the rotation. He made his first start April 12 against the Red Sox. He did pick up his first major league win, but allowed three runs in five innings. A bright spot: he struck out weight without walking any.

He is currently on the mound agains the Cincinnati Reds for his second start, with the Rays leading 7-0 in the fourth inning.