After struggling through a sizable portion of the first half of the season, Tampa Bay Rays reliever Edwin Uceta did not just bounce back, he became baseball’s most valuable bullpen arm.  

As of Monday, Uceta had produced a 1.4 fWAR and has struck out 55 batters in 31.2 innings, the most in that span. He is also posting a 2.56 ERA with a league-best 1.29 FIP and 1.99 xFIP., according to “Running From The OPS”  

Running From The OPS (@OPS_BASEBALL) on X Edwin Uceta, since June 23rd, has been the most valuable reliever in baseball with 1.4 fWAR. Over that span he has thrown 31.2 innings while striking out 55 batters (the most in that span) and posting a 2.56 ERA with a league-best 1.29 FIP and 1.99 xFIP. Dominant. #RaysUp

Uceta’s standout performances amid summer are a complete about face from his outings during the early months of the 2025 campaign. Throughout May, Uceta logged a 6.97 ERA while giving up eight earned runs and 15 hits through 10.1 innings of work. The 27-year-old also allowed five walks while only striking out nine batters. 

In June, Uceta still maintained a high ERA at 5.11, but improvements became evident. He logged 12.1 innings and allowed only seven hits and seven earned runs while drastically improving his strikeout-to-walk rate (23K/ 5BB). Moreover, Uceta held opposing batters to a .156 average. 

Over the last two months, Uceta returned to being the dominant righty the Rays first acquired last season when he posted a 1.51 ERA with 58 strikeouts and eight walks through 30 games. July saw him post a 3.38 ERA with 26 strikeouts and four walks. Subsequently, Uceta logged his best ERA of the season in August (0.64) while throwing a season high 14 innings. 

For Uceta, the strong outings are the result of a tireless work ethic and unwavering faith. All along, he knew it would all pay off. 

“Primarily, I just want to thank God,” Uceta said on Monday before Tampa Bay’s series opener against the Seattle Mariners. “He’s the one that has me here.” 

“I’ve worked very hard since spring training. So now, you guys are seeing the results. It’s been because of the hard work I put in, and I just found myself right now and I’m in a good moment.” 

Even though he is pitching at an elite level, Uceta does not plan to fall victim to complacency.  

“You know, you can never be too comfortable,” Uceta said. “Regardless of the situation, I’m always going to come in and give 100 percent.” 

“Regardless of any situation, I’m ready for whatever comes.” 

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