Kevin

Kelly

Baker got the call to protect a three-run lead in the final frame after Kevin Kelly, who picked up a save in extra-innings on Sunday against the Twins, tossed a scoreless fifth inning to pick up a win in relief. The 31-year-old veteran has clearly earned the trust of Rays manager Kevin Cash to pitch in high-leverage spots and figures to be in the mix to close games as Tampa Bay continues rolling with a closer-by-committee approach.

In spite of a 16.88 ERA, Kelly has both Rays saves thus far. Griffin Jax pitched scoreless seventh and eighth innings in a tie game today. Bryan Baker followed with a scoreless ninth and wound up with the win after the Rays scored three runs in the top of the 10th. Baker is still the Jax alternative to consider rostering right now, though Edwin Uceta could change that in a couple of weeks.

Kelly got the call to protect a one-run lead in the ninth inning with a runner on first base after southpaw Ian Seymour retired left-handed batters Garrett Mitchell and David Hamilton. He managed to retire pinch-hitter Blake Perkins on a harmless ground ball to extinguish the threat and preserve the victory. Griffin Jax looked sharp while working a scoreless seventh inning of a tie ballgame while Garrett Cleavinger got the eighth. We’re anticipating the Rays continue deploying a closer-by-committee approach, which makes it a virtually stay-away fantasy-wise.

Kelly had a down year in 2025, posting a 5.90 ERA in 39 2/3 innings; however, he had posted a 2.67 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 63/9 K/BB ratio in 70 2/3 innings, so the Rays will be hoping they get that version out of the bullpen in 2026.

Kelly has a 5.93 ERA in 29 appearances this season after coming in at 2.88 in 125 appearances between 2023 and ’24. He’ll get another chance now after throwing nice scoreless innings with a 13/0 K/BB in eight Triple-A appearances.

Kelly heads back to the minors with Adrian Houser being added to Tampa Bay’s active roster. The 27-year-old righty has posted an underwhelming 5.93 ERA across 27 1/3 innings (29 appearances) this season.

Kelly is back after missing over six weeks with a left gluteal strain. He’ll return to a mid-to-late inning role with the Rays now that he’s healthy enough to do so.

Kelly will miss two weeks with the injury. The 27-year-old will be replaced on the active roster by Cole Sulser.

Pete Fairbanks pitched Tuesday and hasn’t been used on back-to-back days since coming off the IL while Jason Adam had worked four out of five days opening the door for Kelly to close this one out. The side-armer is unlikely to earn many more save opportunities with Fairbanks and Adam healthy.

With Pete Fairbanks landing on the IL, Kelly was called up to take his place. Kelly was just up with Tampa Bay until Thursday when he was demoted after allowing at least one earned run in three of his first four appearances on the season. He did have a 3.09 ERA in 67 appearances in 2023, so he should be expected to settle into a middle relief role for the time being.