The Rays introduced this afternoon that they’ve launched Jake Brentz. The lefty reliever was in camp as a non-roster invitee after signing a minor league deal in December.
Brentz struggled this spring. He pitched six occasions and allowed 4 runs (three earned) throughout 4 1/3 innings. The 30-year-old walked seven batters and uncorked a pair wild pitches. It was a continuation of Brentz’s large management woes from final season. He walked a staggering 29.2% of opposing hitters in 30 innings with the Royals’ prime two associates final 12 months.
It’s unimaginable to have any sort of success with that many free passes. Brentz allowed greater than 11 earned runs per 9 innings. Kansas Metropolis outrighted him off their 40-man roster in June. He elected minor league free company on the finish of the season.
Whereas Brentz has by no means been a great strike-thrower, the management issues have dramatically escalated throughout the previous year-plus. That may very well be attributable to harm. Brentz underwent UCL surgical procedure in June 2022 and solely managed three minor league appearances late in ’23. Some pitchers wrestle to rediscover their mechanics popping out of an prolonged rehab. The Rays had been hopeful that Brentz would dial issues again on this spring, however he clearly wasn’t pitching his approach into the MLB bullpen.
Earlier than the surgical procedure, Brentz appeared like a possible setup man in Kansas Metropolis. He had a formidable rookie season in 2021. Brentz labored to a 3.66 earned run common throughout 64 innings that 12 months. He struck out 27.3% of batters confronted whereas averaging 97 MPH on his heater. Even with a lofty 13.3% stroll fee, he recorded 15 holds and two saves. One other membership might supply him a minor league deal to offer him a possibility to attempt to discover workable command in a Triple-A setting.
