PT TOMORROW: AL East — Not a stretch to see Patiño, McClanahan as bigger part of TAM plan

Tampa Bay Rays

For one, the progression goes: 42, 43, 56 and 65.

For the other, it's: 59, 63, 80.

Those are the pitch counts, respectively, for Luis Patiño (RHP, TAM) and Shane McClanahan (LHP, TAM), which may portend a loosening of the reins in terms of how the young hurlers’ workloads will be managed as the season progresses.

In leagues that still count wins, such a willingness to let Patiño and McClanahan pitch deeper in games could potentially be a significant boon.

McClanahan has pitched four innings in each of his first three starts and thus has been left without a decision, despite displaying strong skills, highlighted by a 16.8% SwK.

Patiño’s skills have been just as robust — a little less swing-and-miss but superior control —...

More From PT Tomorrow