Taj Bradley Aims to Bounce Back Against Orioles

TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley is seeking to turn around a struggling performance over the past five weeks. The 24-year-old pitcher has recorded a disappointing 1-3 record and a 4.26 ERA, during which he has walked 15 batters.

Rays manager Kevin Cash expressed concern about Bradley’s recent struggles, particularly with walks. “We’ve got to eliminate walks. I know it’s easier said than done,” he said prior to Tuesday night’s Game 2 against the Baltimore Orioles. “Taj’s stuff has been good. And you know, we’re going to make errors, but we can eliminate walks, and that’s just not him.”

As Bradley prepares for his 15th start of the season on Wednesday night, he is focused on facing a strong Orioles lineup that leads the American League in slugging percentage. “I still think they’re still a good lineup going into this part of the season, too,” he stated in the Rays’ clubhouse on Tuesday. “They’re still aggressive.”

Bradley is looking for inspiration from his teammate Ryan Pepiot, who recently delivered an outstanding performance, allowing only one run and four hits while striking out 11 batters over eight innings. “I mean with Snyde’s [performance], not at all,” Bradley said about Pepiot. “He gives you so much confidence, he just puts the grip in your hand and says, ‘Throw it.’”