Bradley (pectoral) threw around 50 pitches in a simulated game Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bradley threw the session at the Rays' spring training facility, which marks a significant step in his recovery. He's nearing a rehab assignment, but the team has stated it wants to ensure he regains his stamina before pushing him too hard. A return in the first half of May remains realistic if Bradley doesn't suffer any setbacks.
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Rays' Taj Bradley: Headed to extended spring training
Rotowire
Bradley (pectoral) will throw three innings Wednesday at the Rays' extended spring training facility, MLB.com reports.
Bradley threw a two-inning live batting practice session Friday and will now take the next step in his recovery. He'll need to increase his pitch count and stamina before returning, though he could be activated from the 15-day injured list in the first half of May.
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Rays' Taj Bradley: Not close to return
Rotowire
Bradley (pectoral) has thrown a bullpen session recently but is not close to a return, MLB.com reports.
It's not clear exactly when Bradley last threw, but manager Kevin Cash described it as a positive session. The expectation is that Bradley will return in early to mid-May, but there's no specific timeline at this point.
The Rays placed Bradley (pectoral) on the 15-day injured list Tuesday, retroactive to March 25, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.
The right-hander was shut down from throwing for two weeks after being diagnosed with a pectoral strain March 13, so the move to the injured list was expected. It's unclear where Bradley currently stands in his recovery, but he's likely to be re-evaluated soon. Even if the 23-year-old is cleared to resume throwing in the near future, he's likely to be sidelined for at least the first month of the season as he builds his arm strength back up.
Rays' Taj Bradley: Cash optimistic injury not serious
Rotowire
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Tuesday that he's optimistic Bradley's right pectoral injury was caught before it became serious, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bradley was a late scratch from Tuesday's scheduled start after his pectoral tightened up before the game. He's been sent for an MRI, and even if it's not a serious setback as Cash suspects, it's possible the injury could threaten Bradley's availability for the start of the season. The young righty has made just one start this spring, and while he threw more than 50 pitches in that outing, he's not as stretched out as would be ideal.
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Rays' Taj Bradley: Shut down at least two weeks
Rotowire
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that Bradley (pectoral) will be shut down from throwing for at least two weeks, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Bradley is dealing with a right pectoral strain and could be facing a fairly lengthy absence since he'll have to be built back up following the shutdown period. Cash said the club will look internally for Bradley's rotation replacement. Topkin lists Jacob Lopez, Naoyuki Uwasawa, Jacob Waguespack, Tyler Alexander and Chris Devenski as possibilities to step in as Tampa Bay's No. 5 starter to begin the season.
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Rays' Taj Bradley: MRI shows pectoral strain
Rotowire
Bradley has been diagnosed with a pectoral strain and his return to throwing will be determined on a day-to-day basis, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
His availability for the start of the season is still up in the air, but the news on Bradley seems to be mostly positive. He said that he was relieved to learn that it was not an arm or shoulder injury. Penciled in to serve as the Rays' No. 4 starter, Bradley will be working within a tight window to make Opening Day.
Bradley was scratched from Tuesday's Grapefruit League start due to right pectoral tightness and has been sent for an MRI, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
The Rays expects to have an update on Bradley's condition Wednesday. Given the proximity of Opening Day, his availability for the start of the season certainly appears in question. Bradley has made just one official appearance this spring, tossing three scoreless innings in that outing.
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Rays' Taj Bradley: Doesn't make scheduled start
Rotowire
Bradley did not make his scheduled start for the Rays in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game versus the Orioles, Kristie Ackert of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
There's no word yet on whether Bradley is dealing with some sort of injury or if this is just a change in plans, but the Rays are expected to provide an update later Tuesday. Erasmo Ramirez started in his place against the O's.
