Rays Lose Key Starter For Two Months

The Tampa Bay Rays pitching staff has suffered another tough break, this time losing key young starter Luis Patino and high-leverage reliever JT Chargois, both to oblique injuries.

Patino's is the more serious situation; he had to leave his start Monday night after just 13 pitches and 2/3 of an inning. He was diagnosed with a left oblique strain, and will be out for what could be two months, according to Mark Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Manager Kevin Cash said they should know more next week.

Patino joins another promising young starter, Shane Baz, on the IL, along with Ryan Yarbrough. Tyler Glasnow, as well, is still recovering from last season's Tommy John surgery.

Chargois is expected to miss a couple of weeks with a more minor oblique issue than Patino. He was acquired from the Seattle Mariners at last year's trade deadline as part of the deal that sent Diego Castillo to the Pacific Northwest. He finished the season by posting a 1.90 ERA with the Rays, and is yet another late-game Rays reliever on the IL, along with Pete Fairbanks and Nick Anderson.

To replace Patino, the Rays called up another of their young pitching prospects, Tommy Romero.

Right-hander Tommy Romero is being called up to join the Tampa Bay Rays, sources tell ESPN. Stay may not be long-term, but Romero is part of a cadre of young Rays pitchers — Shane McClanahan, Shane Baz, Luis Patiño, Drew Rasmussen — expected to play a big role in the years ahead.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 10, 2022