Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker is on the verge of franchise history after another dominant month on the mound. Baker enters the final days of June just one save shy of Fernando Rodney’s team record for most saves in a single month, continuing his breakout season as Tampa Bay’s bullpen anchor.
The Tampa Bay Rays closer is on pace to make history before the month is over.
Rays closer Bryan Baker is one of the main reasons the team has found themselves at the very top of the American League and leading the AL East division after missing the playoffs entirely last year.
Baker was acquired from division rival Baltimore Orioles last season, before the MLB trade deadline, for draft compensation, and has since helped transform the organization back into a contender.
And with two games left in the month of May, he is close to making Rays franchise history. Only Fernando Rodney during the 2012 season had more saves (16) in June for Tampa Bay, and Baker is right on his heels. With the remaining of the Los Angeles Angels series to go, the 31-year-old right-hander is only one behind him.
Not only does he have a chance to tie Rodney, but he can also take first place all to himself.
Baker has picked up 15 saves across 18 opportunities this season, and his 2.31 ERA is on pace to be the best of his six-year career in the big leagues. The Rays' closer picked up the save on Friday after the Rays won the series opener against the Angels, and if Baker wants to break the June record, he will have to do something he hasn’t done all season: pitch three days in a row.
In other news, before Saturday’s game, the Rays announced right-handed pitcher Cole Sulser is back from the 15-day injured list after recovering from a lower back strain. To make the move, the team optioned righty Hunter Bigge to Triple-A Durham.
The two teams will face off on Saturday as Tampa Bay will look for another series win at home. Drew Rasmussen (4-1, 2.78 ERA) will get the start for the Rays. He will take on Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (1-5, 4.57 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST.
