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Young arms could crack Rays’ bullpen
- Updated: December 17, 2016
ST. PETERSBURG — Piecing together a bullpen is one of the Rays’ top offseason priorities. Among their options are three internal candidates who might find their way into the mix.
The first is right-hander Ryne Stanek, who stands 6-foot-4, weighs 180 pounds and throws 100 mph.
Stanek began the 2016 season in Double-A Montgomery’s rotation. The Rays decided to shift him to the bullpen in early June, and he took off in the new role. He’s the Rays’ No. 12 prospect, according to MLBPipeline.com.
As a reliever, Stanek’s fastball can reach triple digits. His slider gives him a second above-average offering, and he also can mix in an average curveball as well as a changeup. In short, he’s got closer-like talent.
“Really happy about Ryne Stanek,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash. “He made some big jumps. Moved him from a starter to the bullpen. He excelled. He got all the way to Triple-A. There was consideration for him to come up [in September]. It didn’t work out that way.
“But to come into Spring Training knowing that we’ve got a guy, a power arm, I think we’re looking to add some power arms into our bullpen.”
Jaime Schultz is another option, though he might not be as viable an option as Stanek since the Rays might want him to continue in his pursuit to be a starter.
Schultz, No. 11 on the Rays’ top prospect list, has shown a combination of intriguing stuff and subpar command since joining the Rays as a 14th-round Draft pick in 2013. That was especially true in 2015, when the right-hander led the Southern League in strikeouts (168) and walks (90) while making …
