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Trio of starters provides latest example of Rays' postseason pitching prowess

The Tampa Bay Rays showcased their postseason pitching depth in the American League Division Series, proving their rotation and bullpen can deliver outs in any capacity. With a schedule allowing only three starters, manager Kevin Cash and pitching coach Kyle Snyder devised a plan to involve all five regular-season rotation members—who accounted for 68 of the team’s 81 outs across the three-game series.

Closer Bryan Baker secured three saves, while left-handed reliever Cam Booser and Kevin Kelly each contributed crucial outs, including Kelly’s strikeout of Giancarlo Stanton in Game 3. The strategy required flexibility, particularly from pitchers like Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax, who temporarily returned to the bullpen after earlier stints in the rotation.

Despite a tense Game 3 where Jax initially allowed what was ruled a spectator-interference run, the Rays’ pitchers held the powerful Yankees to just five runs over the series, demonstrating flawless execution and adaptability against a lineup that had just dominated the Red Sox in the Wild Card round.

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