Rays Electric Rookie Starter Receives Positive Injury Update

The Tampa Bay Rays just seem to keep receiving good news regarding their injured players. 

Rookie starter Shane Baz is set to begin a throwing program on Monday. 

Baz recently went for a checkup on his injured elbow, which revealed a very encouraging level of improvement. He told reporters on Thursday that he wants, and is aiming, to return to the Rays before the end of the regular season. 

That's a very surprising update, given that the injury occurred on Baz's already surgically repaired right elbow, so it seemed likely that the club would show extra caution regarding his return. 

Photo Credit:  David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Obviously, Baz has many steps to complete before he can be cleared to return to the Rays, and there may just not be enough time left in the regular season for him to do that. Regardless, he could be a fantastic option for the Rays in the playoffs. 

The twenty-three-year-old has posted a 5.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 30 strikeouts across 27 innings. He has a 1-2 record and has started six games this season. 

Photo Credit:  David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports