After being traded from the Atlanta Braves to the Texas Rangers last offseason, 2019 all-star pitcher Jake Odorizzi missed the entire 2023 season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. What’s unfortunate is Jake missed out on becoming a champion. He could have entered free agency looking for more money, but now, after the injury, Odorizzi will take whatever he can to play again. Odorizzi has just signed a minor-league deal with the Tampa Bay Rays. The 33-year-old pitcher must prove he overcame his injury and can pitch great during the 2024 season.
The Tampa Bay Rays have signed RHP Jake Odorizzi to a minor league contract with an invitation to major league camp.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) March 15, 2024
Odorizzi Signs With The Rays
Odorizzi’s most effective put-away pitch during the 2022 season was his cutter. He put away about 22 percent of the batters he faced with his cutter. Jake’s most efficient strikeout pitch was his splitter, as he struck out nearly 23 percent of the batters he faced with that pitch. Although he only threw 69 curveballs, batters at the plate took advantage of this pitch. Batters had a .333 batting average and a slugging percentage of .833 against Odorizzi’s curveball. He threw his fastball the most, throwing his four-seam fastball about 51 percent of the time. Jake’s curveball was used three percent of the time he pitched during the 2023 season. If he wants to be successful in 2024, he’ll have to produce his best stuff yet on the mound.
Odorizzi’s 2022 and Career Stats
Jake Odorizzi played with the Houston Astros and the Atlanta Braves during the 2022 season. In 22 starts, he put up a 6-6 record. Through 106 innings pitched, Odorizzi put up a 4.40 ERA and 86 strikeouts. His best game of the 2022 season was on July 31st against the Seattle Mariners. Jake pitched seven innings, allowing just two hits and eight strikeouts in a 3-2 victory. Odorizzi has a 74-69 record throughout his 11-year career. The 2019 all-star pitcher has played on five different teams, which include the Tampa Bay Rays and the Minnesota Twins. Also, he has a lifetime ERA of 3.99 with 1,172 career strikeouts.
Main Photo Credits: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
