A piece of news flew under the radar this past week amid the Tampa Bay Rays' flurry of wins lately. Top reliever and return in the Taj Bradley trade from the Minnesota Twins , Griffin Jax, is reportedly transitioning to a starter's workload. This is both necessary due to the newest injury news yet surprising in that Jax was picked for the increased responsibility. The crushing news that Ryan Pepiot would miss the season due to hip surgery ends the questions around his possible return. It’s a disappointing turn of events for the young starter who has done nothing but progress in his time in a Rays uniform. Other arms have dealt with issues, as Joe Boyle’s right elbow strain is keeping him from coming back until early June. Those paired with the always-present reality that Shane McClanahan will need to be limited in innings in his slow buildup from a two-year absence have created an innings void. Can Griffin Jax succeed as a starter with the Rays? Apr 26, 2026; St.…