Tampa Bay Rays' Young Flamethrower Reportedly Still Not Close to Returning From Injury

The Tampa Bay Rays reportedly aren't close to getting back pitcher Taj Bradley, who has been out with a pec strain injury.

Mar 6, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (45) throws a pitch / Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Rays, who currently sit at 7-6 on the season, reportedly aren't close to getting back young flamethrower and former top prospect Taj Bradley.

Bradley has been out since mid-March with a pec strain. He recently threw a bullpen session that was described positively, but he's probably still a month or more away from returning.

The Rays' website had the following earlier this week:

Bradley had a “good” bullpen session recently, according to manager Kevin Cash, but Cash said Bradley is still not close to returning. Bradley was to start against the Orioles on March 12 in Sarasota, Fla., when he felt tightness in his pectoral muscle while warming up in the bullpen. He underwent an MRI that confirmed a right pec strain. If the recovery and throwing progression take about six weeks as expected, he could return in early May. He was placed on the 15-day IL on March 26, retroactive to March 25.

The 23-year-old made his Major League debut a season ago, going 5-8 with a 5.59 ERA in 23 games (21 starts). He struck out 129 batters in 104.2 innings, possessing the kind of swing-and-miss stuff that the Rays covet.

Though he's young and inexperienced, he's certainly going to be relied upon this year. The Rays are without Shane McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen for most or all of the year because of injury, not to mention that they traded Tyler Glasnow this offseason.

The Rays will enjoy an off day on Thursday before taking on the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. First pitch is set for 6:50 p.m. ET.

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