The Tampa Bay Rays attempted to boost their pitching staff this past offseason by signing left-hander Steven Matz to a two-year, $15 million contract. However, he has struggled in his first season with the team.
In his most recent outing, he took the mound against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. The 35-year-old went just two innings, allowing six hits, five earned runs and recording two strikeouts. It's the third time he's allowed at least five earned runs in a game this season.
This season, he's made 15 appearances and 10 starts, posting 53 innings pitched, a 6.28 ERA, 1.4 WHIP, a -0.8 WAR, 41 strikeouts and 19 walks.
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However, after the rough outing, the veteran is set to miss some time. On Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that the Rays are placing Matz on the 15-day injured list with a left ankle sprain.
"#Rays place LHP Steven Matz (left ankle sprain) on 15-day IL (retro June 24). recall RHP Michael Grove from Triple-A Durham," Topkin wrote.
With the Rays sitting at 44-33 and three games back from the American League East-leading New York Yankees, and 6.5 games ahead of a wild card spot, every game is crucial.
With Grove set to take his spot on the roster, the Rays are hoping for better production from the 29-year-old. This season in the minors, he's pitched just 12.2 innings, posting a 2.84 ERA and 1.03 WHIP.
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Going into the final matchup of a four-game series against Kansas City, Tampa Bay is down 1-2. Thursday's first pitch is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET at Tropicana Field. On the mound for the Rays will be opener Casey Legumina.
