Englert will likely start Game 2 on Friday

The Red Sox got after Englert in the first inning, tallying three straight extra-base hits, which included back-to-back homers by Wilyer Abreu and Willson Contreras to put the Red Sox up 3-2. Abreu would get the best of Englert again in the third inning, when he blasted his second homer of the game, a solo shot, into the stands to put the Sox up 4-3 after the Rays had tied it in the top of the frame. He would allow two more runs before being pulled to start the sixth inning, but it goes without saying that this was a rough outing for Englert, who was making just his third start of the season. He’s now started back-to-back games for the Rays, but today’s start was likely due to the Rays playing the second game of a doubleheader. If he is to make another start when this spot in the rotation comes around, it would come on Wednesday against the Blue Jays.

The Rays are expected to go with Mason Englert, either as a traditional starter or behind an opener for the second game of Friday’s doubleheader. Ian Seymour will then get the ball on Saturday and Shane McClanahan will start in Friday’s series finale.

Englert pitched well on Sunday, allowing two runs in 5 2/3 innings while striking out nine in a loss to the Astros. The Rays will bring up some extra bullpen help in the meantime and then figure out a fifth starter if they need one over the weekend.

Englert was just recalled from Triple-A Durham to start Sunday’s game, and while he picked up the loss, it went well. The only damage was a pair of solo homers, and outside of that, he had the Houston hitters off-balance while throwing 65-of-101 pitches for strikes. The Rays don’t have a starter scheduled for Friday against the Mariners, and it seems pretty likely that Englert will get the nod for that contest. If he doesn’t, it won’t be based on the results from Sunday.

The 26-year-old right-hander will start in Sunday’s series finale against the Astros in Houston. It’s unclear if the plan is for him to work as a traditional starter or if he’ll just work a couple of innings as an opener in what will turn into a full bullpen game for the Rays. Englert holds a 3.96 ERA, 1.44 WHIP and a 19/6 K/BB ratio over 25 frames in 12 appearances with the Rays this season.

Englert gets swapped out after allowing five runs in 4 1/3 innings out of the pen on Friday. He has a 7.59 ERA in three appearances for the Rays this season.

Englert allowed one run over five innings in relief against the Tigers on Wednesday, throwing 82 pitches in the process. Ideally, he’ll end up in similar territory again tomorrow.

The 26-year-old has a 5.63 ERA in 16 innings for the Rays this season. He’ll be up to give them a fresh arm in the bullpen after Steven Matz’s short outing on Tuesday.

Englert heads back to the minors after throwing 46 pitches over 3 1/3 scoreless frames against the Red Sox on Friday night to save Tampa Bay’s overworked bullpen. The 26-year-old figures to be back as soon as he’s eligible in late May, if an injury doesn’t bring him back earlier.

Englert is returning from an 18-day absence without having gone on a rehab assignment. He’s expected to pitch tonight in relief of Jesse Scholtens, and he’ll likely continue to build up as a starter.