Pretty much out of the American League Playoff race despite a winning record, the Tampa Bay Rays are going to take it easy with young staff ace and All-Star Blake Snell.
How do we know this? On Monday, Tampa Bay placed the 25-year-old starter on the disabled list with left shoulder fatigue.
#Rays put Snell on DL left shoulder fatigue
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 23, 2018
This is the Rays’ way of nipping any potential long-term injury in the bud before it comes to fruition. When we’re talking about a pitcher’s throwing shoulder, nothing is minor.
A first-round pick of Tampa Bay back in 2011, Snell is in the midst of a breakout campaign. He’s posted a 12-5 record with a 2.27 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while striking out 134 in 119 innings.
It remains to be seen how long Snell might be out for. But this could very well have an impact on his standing as a top-end American League Cy Young candidate.