Mason Englert Secures Starting Position in Rays Rotation
Mason Englert has been appointed to the Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation. This transition follows a methodical reassignment to Triple-A Durham, which was explicitly designed to restore his capacity as a starting pitcher.
A Methodical Buildup
After pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings at Fenway Park on May 8, Englert was optioned to Durham. The organization's objective was clear. He started three games for the minor league affiliate, progressively increasing his workload. He pitched 4 2/3 innings in his first two appearances before stretching out to six innings on 84 pitches on May 26.
The Rays recalled Englert last Wednesday to address a need for bullpen depth. His subsequent five-inning appearance against his former team, the Detroit Tigers, served as a successful demonstration of his extended capabilities. He allowed one run on four hits while striking out three, covering 82 pitches without restriction.
Assuming the Starting Role
With Steven Matz temporarily moving out of the rotation and into the bullpen, Englert is now assuming a bulk-inning role. The 26-year-old right-hander is scheduled to pitch during the upcoming three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night at Tropicana Field. He will either start or enter the game following an opener.
Englert has maintained a steadfast commitment to his traditional role. He started during his first two seasons in the Minors before the Tigers selected him in the Rule 5 Draft and utilized him primarily in their bullpen during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
My goal has always been to eventually be a starter. It's just what I've always wanted to do. It's my passion. Obviously, if I have a career out of the bullpen, I won't complain. But that's my goal. That's what I'm working for.
Englert affirmed his dedication to this objective Sunday morning at loanDepot park.
I've always said, even if I'm a 10-year big leaguer out of the 'pen, I'm never gonna think in my head that I'm not a starter. That's the goal. So, I'm just excited to get an opportunity to throw more bulk innings.
An Expanded and Disciplined Arsenal
There will be no limitations on Englert's pitch mix. This structural advantage is a primary benefit of the bulk-inning role. Statcast tracked seven distinct pitch types during his last outing, consisting of a changeup, curveball, sinker, four-seamer, cutter, slider, and a slow curve registering around 68 to 70 mph.
In relief appearances, Englert typically narrows his selection. He generally eliminates either the cutter or the slider and relies on a single curveball. However, navigating a lineup multiple times demands a more varied and unpredictable approach.
It's been fun. They kind of just allowed me to open up the repertoire and kind of go about pitching when I know I'm going to face guys two or three times through the lineup. It's just like, hey, can I just be calm emotionally and execute multiple pitches, throw different combinations at them that they're not used to seeing, change speeds on the curveball, really open up and throw the full mix?