The Tampa Bay Rays fell 11-9 to the Chicago White Sox in a game that ended a frustrating homestand for the team. Central to the loss was pitcher Taj Bradley’s poor performance, which led to his demotion to Triple-A Durham as the team seeks to address ongoing pitching challenges.

Taj Bradley’s Difficult Game and Subsequent Demotion

Taj Bradley was unable to hold a four–run lead after the first inning, struggling in the second frame where he allowed four runs while recording just two outs over 42 pitches. This breakdown on the mound played a pivotal role in the Rays’ unraveling. Following the game, manager Kevin Cash confirmed Bradley’s reassignment, emphasizing the need for the young right-hander to refine his skillset in a less pressurized environment.

Tough decision certainly, but we feel like it’s best for him to get down there right now,

Cash remarked.

He’s got to get to work. We’ve talked about the two-pitch mix that he’s been rolling out there a little, and I think it’s probably a better environment there to work rather than compete every pitch.

—Kevin Cash, Rays Manager

The demotion was surprising given the Rays’ usual reliance on a stable rotation, but Bradley’s recent record was concerning. Over his last five outings, he gave up five or more runs in four, allowing 22 runs in just over 12 innings, signaling a clear need for adjustment.

I’m throwing off two pitches right now, and I need to get that changeup back to where it was last year,

Bradley admitted.

I just feel like I got too predictable. It’s frustrating. One-word answer. Frustrating.

—Taj Bradley, Pitcher

Bulpen Falters as White Sox Rally Late in Game

After Bradley’s departure, the Rays bullpen briefly stabilized the game, reclaiming a 7-5 lead with runs in the fifth and sixth innings. However, the momentum shifted in the eighth when Kevin Kelly took the mound and struggled severely against the White Sox lineup.

Kelly gave up six runs, five of them earned, on four hits and two walks while only managing to get one out during a difficult 27-pitch inning. A throwing error by second baseman Jose Caballero further contributed to Chicago’s scoring surge in that frame.

I wasn’t throwing strikes and just couldn’t get anything in the zone,

Kelly said.

Anything that could have gone wrong, did. It feels terrible. We had them twice with pretty good leads and weren’t able to work our way through it.

—Kevin Kelly, Relief Pitcher

Rays’ Late Rally Falls Short in Disappointing Homestand Finale

The Rays managed to score two runs late in the eighth inning, coming within reach, but ultimately failed to narrow the gap further. The loss capped a frustrating homestand in which Tampa Bay finished with a 3-3 record despite playing against two of the league’s struggling teams, the White Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

Meanwhile, the White Sox have gained momentum, improving to a 5-1 record in the second half of the season. The team’s young roster has shown increased offensive production, scoring 50 runs in just six games since the All-Star break.

Yeah, we’ve got to find a way to start winning more series and get on a more consistent run,

Cash acknowledged.

I felt good that we hung in there, and had full confidence that we would be able to hold that second lead, but we just weren’t able to do it.

—Kevin Cash, Rays Manager

Looking Ahead: Road Challenges and Opportunities for the Rays

The Rays have an off day following the defeat and will next face a three-game series in Cincinnati, followed by four games against the New York Yankees. This upcoming stretch includes 22 games, with 19 played on the road, posing a significant test as Tampa Bay seeks to regain its winning momentum amid pitching uncertainties.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. What is Taj Bradley’s real name?

A. Taj Ali Bradley, born on March 20, 2001, is a baseball pitcher from the United States. He plays professionally for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Q. What nationality is Taj Bradley?

A. Taj Ali Bradley, born on March 20, 2001, is an American baseball player. He pitches for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball. Bradley played his first MLB game in 2023.