4 years agoThe Tampa Bay Rays are operating as if veteran left-hander Rich Hill and right-hander Michael Wacha will begin the 2021 season as members of their five-man starting rotation. The role of each was previously unclear, particularly with the team's bevy of exciting young arms. Hill is coming off an eight-start stretch in '20 that saw him post a 3.03 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Wacha was less effective, getting generally shelled during his tenure with the Mets to the tune of a 6.62 ERA across eight appearances (seven starts). Both veterans have battled injury troubles over the past few years, which when combined with fellow rotation-mate Chris Archer, makes the Tampa starting staff prone to adjustments as the year plays out. Josh Fleming and Shane McClanahan figure to play significant roles throughout the year as well, although their season-long Draft stock takes a hit by not beginning the season as regular rotation members.--Jesse Borek
Source: Marc Topkin