Rays demote RHP Taj Bradley after rough start

Field Level Media|published: 07/24/2025, 10:37am EDT

Jun 13, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Taj Bradley (45) delivers a pitch during the third inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Tampa Bay Rays optioned right-hander Taj Bradley to Triple-A Durham following a poor start Wednesday night against the Chicago White Sox.

Bradley, 24, surrendered four runs on four hits and three walks and only recorded five outs before getting pulled.

He did not figure in the decision in the Rays' 11-9 home loss and is 6-6 with a 4.61 ERA through 21 starts this season.

Bradley had thrown six shutout innings against Baltimore in his previous start on July 18, but his inconsistent efforts also include starts this season with seven, six, six, five and five earned runs allowed.

"Tough decision certainly, but felt like it's best for him to get down there right now," Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game about the demotion. "It's probably a better environment (in Triple-A) for him to work, rather than compete every single pitch.

"But know that Taj Bradley is massive to our success, and we need to get him back to the form we know he's capable of."

At 53-50, the Rays entered Thursday in fourth place in the American League East and 1 1/2 games out of a wild-card spot.

"I just talked to him and said there's been a lot of good and there has been some not so good," Cash said. "Inconsistencies are tough to do at this level at any time of the season, but certainly with where we're at right now."

Bradley is 19-25 with a 4.70 ERA in 69 career games (67 starts) since making his debut with the Rays in 2023. He has struck out 378 batters and walked 130 in 354 innings.

--Field Level Media