RADIO
Brody Hopkins a Top Pitcher to Stash in Fantasy Baseball?
Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Brody Hopkins was effective in his first relief outing of the year on Sunday. After starting each of his first 60 minor league appearances, Hopkins worked out of the bullpen this past weekend, giving the Durham Bulls five innings of relief work. He threw five scoreless and hitless innings, allowing one walk while striking out nine batters. So far this year, he owns a 3.56 ERA, 10.31 K/9, and 0.56 HR/9 over 11 outings. The bad news is that his FIP is significantly higher at 4.98, and his walk rate has ballooned to an outrageous 8.06 BB/9 clip. Hopkins isn't ready for the majors yet, but if he can cut down on walks, then his FIP will naturally come down, and his strikeout rate will allow him to be successful. When that happens, he'll be a candidate to make his MLB debut as a piece of the Rays' rotation. In turn, that would put him on the fantasy baseball radar. For now, he's a solid speculative stash in deep redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Griffin Jax Cleared to Make His Start on Monday
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax (back) is in line to make his next scheduled start on Monday against the Detroit Tigers, per Evan Woodbery of MLive Media Group. Jax was forced to exit early from his start against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday after being hit in the back with a 107.2 mph comebacker. In 17 appearances (six starts) for Tampa Bay so far in 2026, Jax is 1-3 with a 3.60 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts across 30 innings. The 31-year-old was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in late April and has been effective since, allowing four earned runs over 21 innings. He had reached five innings pitched in each of his last two starts leading into Tuesday, and should be stretched out to close to a normal starter's workload going forward. In leagues where he's not already rostered, Jax could be worth a look on the waiver wire.
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Source: MLive Media Group - Evan Woodbery
Griffin Jax Leaves Early With Back Contusion, Considered Day-to-Day
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax (back) was hit by a comebacker on Tuesday in his start against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles and was forced to exit the game early due to a back contusion, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Jax is considered day-to-day after taking a 107.2 mph line drive off his back in the second inning. The 31-year-old tried to stay in the game, but he only made it through two frames before being pulled and ended up allowing three unearned runs on three hits while walking none and striking out three. We won't know more about whether Jax can make his next scheduled start until after he goes for testing. Jax began the year in Tampa as their closer with Edwin Uceta (shoulder) out, but he quickly was demoted from the closer's role after blowing each of his first two save chances. Tampa has transitioned Jax to a starting role, with Tuesday being his sixth start. He's been much more effective as a starter, going into Tuesday's game with only four runs (three earned) allowed with eight walks and 14 strikeouts in 19 innings over five starts.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Griffin Jax Emerging as Must-Add Starter Following Role Change
Rays right-hander Griffin Jax has taken a major step forward since transitioning into a starting role in late April, quickly emerging as a high-upside fantasy target. The 31-year-old owns a 2.11 ERA across his last seven appearances after struggling out of the bullpen early in the season. Jax now carries a 3.54 ERA and 1.36 WHIP overall, but his underlying profile has improved significantly as a starter. While his strikeout rate has dipped slightly, he has generated groundballs at over a 50 percent clip, allowing him to work deeper into games and limit damage consistently. Jax appears far more comfortable in the rotation, and fantasy managers should strongly consider adding him before his value rises further.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Griffin Jax Emerging as Viable Waiver-Wire Target Amid Move to Rotation?
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax continues to climb fantasy rankings after another strong outing on Tuesday. Jax allowed one earned run across five innings while striking out six batters against the Houston Astros. Since moving into the rotation in late April, the 31-year-old has posted a 1.62 ERA and 1.14 WHIP across four starts in May. Despite operating with a limited pitch count, Jax has consistently worked deep into games and continues to earn the trust of Tampa Bay's coaching staff. Jax originally entered the league as a starter in 2021 before spending four seasons in the bullpen. Fantasy managers searching for pitching help should move quickly as Jax continues establishing himself as a reliable rotation option.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Steven Matz to Rejoin Rays Rotation on Wednesday Against Orioles
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Steven Matz (elbow) came through his bullpen session on Sunday well and will come off the 15-day injured list to rejoin the starting rotation for a matchup on Wednesday against the division-rival Baltimore Orioles, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Matz has been out with left-elbow inflammation. Even though the matchup against the O's is a good one -- they currently rank 28th in baseball with a .699 team OPS -- Matz won't be a recommended fantasy streamer this week since he didn't go on a minor-league rehab assignment and will most likely be limited from a pitch-count perspective in his first game back from the IL. The 34-year-old veteran southpaw has posted a 4-1 record with a 3.86 ERA (4.81 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 28:13 K:BB in 37 1/3 innings across his first seven starts for Tampa this year in his return to a starting role. Matz has exceeded expectations so far, but he lacks high-end strikeout stuff, and his underlying metrics predict regression. It's likely why he's only rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Can Drew Rasmussen Continue his Hot Start Over the Course of a Full Season?
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen picked up his third win of the season on Monday, allowing three earned runs across six innings of work in his team's 8-5 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. Rasmussen allowed four hits and a walk while striking out six. The 30-year-old is off to a strong start to the year, as he's pitched to a 3.16 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP with 43 strikeouts across 42 2/3 innings (eight starts). With a 4.1% walk rate, Rasmussen's command is arguably the best of any starting pitcher in baseball. However, fantasy managers may want to think about selling high on Rasmussen. While the 30-year-old reached 150 innings in 2025, he's already undergone two Tommy John surgeries and one internal brace procedure so far in his career. Given his extensive injury track record, cashing in on Rasmussen at a high point in his value could be the right move.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
