Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The AL East is always referred to as the toughest division in MLB, but this year the old cliche definitely rings true as four of the five teams are at least six games over .500. Therefore, as the calendar turns to the September, it’s important for each team in the heated divisional race to have all hands on deck. For the Tampa Bay Rays, they need Matt Moore to return to the mound as soon as possible.
Tampa Bay is only one game behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East, but the Rays’ starting rotation hasn’t exactly been perfect in the month of August. In fact, rookie sensation Chris Archer has been pitiful with a 4.79 ERA in four August starts, which is awful considering Archer was dominant in July with a .73 ERA in five starts.
Given Archer’s blip in production and Tampa’s second-place slot, the Rays’ faithful can’t wait for Moore to return from an elbow injury that has kept him sidelined since July 31st.
Moore was stellar before he hit the 15-day disabled list as the 24-year old hasn’t pitched in nearly a month and still leads the club in wins with 14 victories in 2013. With a rather tough schedule on the horizon, the Rays would definitely benefit from having perhaps their best pitcher back in the rotation sooner rather than later.
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
