Right-hander Mason Englert is vying for a role in the Tampa Bay Rays' Opening Day bullpen during Spring Training in Bradenton, Florida. The Rays are evaluating versatile pitchers amid workload limitations for several starters. Englert started a recent game against the Pirates, showing promise but facing endurance challenges.
In Bradenton, Florida, the Tampa Bay Rays are extending opportunities to pitchers like Mason Englert during Spring Training, as they address bullpen needs with some starters facing innings restrictions. Englert, who worked primarily in relief last season across the Majors and Triple-A Durham, started Monday's 4-1 loss to the Pirates at LECOM Park. He delivered strong first two innings but felt fatigue in the third, exiting after a 10-pitch walk to Brandon Lowe without an out.
Englert, a former starter in the Rangers' system selected by the Tigers in the 2022 Rule 5 Draft, welcomes the versatility. "I like the versatility to be able to do whatever all they need," he said. "Also welcome the opportunity to start. I think they like the pitch mix and the [strike-throwing] ability, so run with whatever they give me."
Pitching coach Kyle Snyder praised Englert's potential for long relief or spot starts. "We view him as somebody that's capable of doing that, whether it's in a spot-start situation or being able to provide us length, even in some leverage at times, given how well he performed last year," Snyder said. Englert's next start is Saturday, aiming to pitch into the fourth inning to build endurance with his starter's arsenal.
The bullpen's core includes Griffin Jax, Garrett Cleavinger, and Bryan Baker, with Edwin Uceta's status uncertain due to shoulder inflammation. Open spots may go to multi-inning arms like Englert, alongside Joe Boyle, Ian Seymour, Jesse Scholtens, Yoendrys Gómez, and non-roster invitee Jake Woodford. Uncertainties with starters Shane McClanahan, Steven Matz, and Drew Rasmussen could necessitate two pitchers for three or more innings. "If we've got a couple of guys in our bullpen that are capable of giving us a third, occasionally a fourth up, I think there's a valuable utility there," Snyder added. "Mason certainly fits in that bunch."
In other notes, outfielder Jake Mangum, traded to the Pirates in December after debuting with the Rays last year (.296 average, 27 steals in 118 games), expressed gratitude to his former team. Second baseman Gavin Lux, sidelined by soreness, is expected for Opening Day. Prospect Chandler Simpson impressed with bunts, and Ty Johnson showed poise on the mound.
