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The Tampa Bay Rays have faced challenges with their pitching staff early in the season, as their starting pitchers currently rank 18th in ERA as of Wednesday. To bolster their rotation, the team has signed right-handed pitcher Kyle Gibson to a minor league deal.
Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images
Gibson’s previous season was spent with the St. Louis Cardinals, before returning to Baltimore just before the start of this season in March. During his stint with the Cardinals, he posted a respectable 4.24 ERA over 30 starts. However, his return to Baltimore has been less successful; in just four appearances, Gibson recorded an alarming 16.78 ERA, struggling to pitch beyond the fifth inning, totaling only 12.1 innings pitched.
According to Adam Berry of MLB.com, the Rays are assigning Gibson to their Triple-A affiliate, the Durham Bulls, to evaluate his current form and determine if he can contribute at the major league level.
Gibson missed spring training and spent time developing in the minors for the Orioles, but his performance at the MLB level was disappointing, leading to his designation for assignment after a rough outing on May 17, where he managed only two outs and surrendered six runs.
The Rays are currently awaiting the return of their ace, Shane McClanahan, and their rotation remains otherwise healthy. This signing serves as a depth move; if Gibson cannot perform at the major league level, the Rays can easily replace him with a veteran player of his caliber. Should injuries or other issues arise, having experienced options like Gibson provides the team with valuable flexibility and insurance.
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