The Tampa Bay Rays have been playing at a high level this season despite dealing with a lot of injuries to their pitching staff. They came into the season with several key contributors on the injured list: starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot and relievers Manuel Rodriguez and Steven Wilson. Since the season has begun, starting pitchers Joe Boyle and Steven Matz and relief pitcher Mason Englert have hit the injured list. With so many moving parts on the pitching staff, manager Kevin Cash has had to make some changes to players’ roles. One person who has undergone arguably the biggest change is Griffin Jax . He is making the conversion to being a starting pitcher after being acquired ahead of the deadline last year from the Minnesota Twins, with the plan for him being used as a high-leverage reliever late in games. Griffin Jax performing well as a starting pitcher May 2, 2026; St.…