Over the last few years, Zach Littell has had to fight for a spot on the roster in spring training. However, his spot is secure after becoming an important arm for the Rays last year. As a result, his focus is now on fine-tuning his stuff and helping Tampa Bay return to the playoffs.
In 26 games for the Rays during the 2023 campaign, Littell posted a 3.93 ERA while adding three wins to his resume. The former 11th-round pick struck out a career-high 72 batters. He also made one postseason appearance and did not allow a run.
Due to his play, Rays manager Kevin Cash has high expectations for the 2024 campaign. He sees Littell as one of his top three options in the rotation.
“He’s probably pitching Game 2 or 3 for us to start the season,” Cash told reporters on Tuesday. “ That’s got to be a good feeling for him. He’s earned it.”
While spring training has just begun, Littell has picked up where he left off. In his first outing against the Yankees on Tuesday, he did not allow a run in two innings of work. He also struck out three of the seven batters he faced. For Tampa Bay, that was an encouraging sign.
“ That first one’s a good gauge on where you’re at as far as mechanics and stuff, so coming out of that, obviously encouraged.” Littell told reporters. “ Still some stuff to work on.”
Littell can now focus on fine-tuning his game and building up his pitch count. Unlike in years past, he doesn’t have to worry about losing his job if things go wrong. That should put him in a good position to build on his success.
The key for Little will be limiting hard contact and pitching deep into games. During the last two months of the 2023 campaign, the 28-year-old pitched at least five innings in eight of his 11 starts. As injuries piled up, he was able to give the bullpen extra rest.
Although Littell has been encouraged by his results, he is still motivated to improve his game.
“ There’s still stuff we want to clean up,” Littell told reporters. “ I say this every offseason. You kind of go in and some changes happen that you don’t necessarily realize, and it takes a couple extra sets of eyes to notice. Overall, extremely happy with everything.”
As the regular season draws closer, Littell is one player for fans to keep an eye on. The Rays rotation has undergone a lot of changes. One of the new faces is Ryan Pepiot, who was acquired in the Tyler Glasnow trade.
Without Glasnow in the mix, pitchers like Littell will be counted on more than ever. However, as Littell has shown before, he thrives under pressure and when the odds are stacked against him. The Rays rotation will be in a good spot if the talented righthander can replicate his success.
