TAMPA — Rays Starting Pitchers Have a Winning Secret

Every team has its secrets. Or, as they might call it, proprietary information. This is confidential data that gives a ballclub an edge over competitors through strategies not always pursued by others. And you’re seeing it in real time from Rays starting pitchers right now.

The Winning Scheme: Strike One

That’s it. That’s the crux of their success. Well, that and 98-mph fastballs and wicked breaking pitches.

For a team that has pushed conventional thinking to its limits, this is as old school as it gets. And, all kidding aside, it’s nothing new for the Rays or a lot of other teams. For years, pitching coach Kyle Snyder has preached the benefits of aggressively throwing the ball across the plate instead of nibbling around the corners, and now he’s got a half-dozen starting pitchers prepared to buy in.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves

One week into the season, the Tampa Bay rotation is first in the majors in ERA (1.59), first in strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.75 strikeouts for every walk surrendered) and third in innings pitched (5.7 per start).

The Power of First-Pitch Strikes

In other words, once you get ahead in the count you’re more likely to get the hitter to chase the pitches you want to throw. The league-wide difference between 1-0 and 0-1 in OPS in 2024 was .802 to .602, showing the significant impact of first-pitch strikes.

Why Don’t More Pitchers Do It?

“(Pitchers) don’t trust their stuff. They don’t trust that they’re good enough to get outs within the zone,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. Convincing pitchers that they’re not going to get stung by throwing first-pitch strikes is the difficult part of that equation.

Quality Stuff Wins

It helps that Rays starters have quality stuff. Taj Bradley, Drew Rasmussen, Shane Baz, Ryan Pepiot, and Zack Littell have been dominant this season, showcasing their command and velocity.

Conclusion

The Rays’ emphasis on first-pitch strikes and attacking the zone has paid off with impressive results. Their pitching staff leads the league in various key metrics, showcasing their commitment to this strategy.

FAQs

1. Why are first-pitch strikes important?

Getting ahead in the count with a first-pitch strike increases the likelihood of getting the hitter to chase pitches and ultimately leads to more favorable outcomes for the pitcher.

2. How have the Rays’ pitchers adapted to this strategy?

Under the guidance of pitching coach Kyle Snyder, the Rays’ pitchers have bought into the philosophy of aggressive pitching and attacking the strike zone, resulting in their success on the mound.