Given the scope of Tampa Bay’s craft beer scene combined with the region’s many waterways, it would seem a matter of time before Bryan Baker teams with a brewing company in a manner similar to when he pitched for the Baltimore Orioles.
Some of the revenue generated from sales of Shake ‘n Baker went to Blue Water Baltimore, a non-profit that does its part to keep the Charm City’s waterways free of debris. The way the righthander has been closing games for the Rays, one can be excused for thinking Baker walks on water.
Indeed, the Florida native has recorded 18 saves, a total that is tied for second in MLB. Six of those saves have come during a current stretch (through June 11) of eight straight scoreless appearances. Not bad for a pitcher who is a first-time closer this season and was acquired for a draft pick at the 2025 trade deadline.
“It’s a pleasure to take the ball at any point, but if you’re given the opportunity to close a game down for your team and secure a ‘W,’ I think it’s always special,” he said.
It has been a pleasure for his teammates to witness what the bearded No. 47 has done through the season’s first two-plus months.
“He has been doing a lot of great things for us,” said Yandy Diaz, the American League’s leading hitter. “Anytime he comes in (during a tight game), I have 100 percent confidence. He’s just been that guy for us.”
Baker does not waste pitches, which numbered a total of 25 in two innings and two saves in as many nights against Boston this week. Such economy is sure to have its benefits over the long haul.
“It makes for less stressful innings in general,” he said. “It’s such a long year and those outings of 20-plus or 25-plus pitches add up really quick. Being able to bounce back and be ready the next day is a really big part of my job. So, attacking the zone puts hitters on the defensive, but also comes into play keeping the pitch count lower so that you’re ready the next day and the day after that. That has definitely been a focus of mine.”
Baker far from alone in bullpen effectiveness
Before Baker took the mound in the ninth inning to close out the Red Sox on Tuesday evening, Kevin Kelly did some outstanding work in the eighth inning with the Rays clinging to a 4-3 lead. Nick Martinez, who has been outstanding for the Rays this season, allowed the first three batters in the eighth to reach base. The third batter, Marcelo Mayer, drilled a two-run double that made it a one-run ballgame. Enter Kelly, who stranded Mayer by getting the next three batters to ground out, including Cedanne Rafaela on a sharply hit ball to Richie Palacios with the infield in and one out.
While Baker recorded the save, Kelly saved the day. The righthander has blanked opponents in 20 of his last 21 outings (through June 11) and is unscored upon in 15 appearances at Tropicana Field this season. He credits much of his success to adding a changeup to his arsenal and his work with bullpen coach Jorge Moncada in adding a little zip to his sinker.
“The changeup is the biggest difference from last year, for sure,” said the 28-year-old. “As far as how I feel (about my success), nothing has changed for me. You always want to be in position to help the team win. It doesn’t really matter how I did the last time. It just matters how I do this time.”
Righthander Casey Legumina was acquired from the Mariners on April 26 for a minor league pitcher. The 28-year-old’s final three appearances with Seattle were rough (10 H, 6 ER in 4 1/3 IP), though he has been exceptional with Tampa Bay whether it has been logging two innings or needing to retire a single batter. He did the latter Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field when the Rays’ 5-0 lead after seven innings turned into a 5-4 close shave in the eighth inning of what was ultimately a 7-5 Tampa Bay win. Legumina was summoned to replace Steven Matz with two outs and nobody on base in the eighth, and got William Contreras to ground out. A sigh of relief in the home dugout ensued.
“Since coming over here, I give him a lot of credit for the way he’s pitched,” said manager Kevin Cash. “I think what’s most impressive is his commitment to the strike zone. He’s really lengthened our bullpen and he’s gotten massive outs. He’ going to continue to do that and (Wednesday) was a big one.”
Legumina, who has recorded a 2.04 ERA in 14 appearances with Tampa Bay – 1.46 ERA in last nine outings – and lefty Cam Booser, unscored upon in three appearances (4 IP) since being promoted from Triple-A Durham on May 31, are the latest examples of the wide-ranging success the bullpen has delivered.
“It just shows that from top to bottom, when everyone’s rolling, we kind of create matchup nightmares for anybody,” said lefty Garrett Cleavinger, who sported a 2.70 ERA in his first 11 appearances following an IL (calf tightness) stint. “We’ve got a lot of different angles, a lot of different stuff coming out, which is awesome.”
