The Tampa Bay Rays have placed 30-year-old reliever Colin Poche on the 15-day IL with left shoulder inflammation. The Rays also made the following roster moves: calling up Hunter Bigge and Cole Sulser and designating Erasmo Ramírez for assignment. Poche has allowed five earned runs over 6.1 innings since the beginning of August.
The Tampa Bay Rays have:
Called up Hunter Bigge and Cole Sulser.
Designated Erasmo Ramírez for assignment.
Placed Colin Poche on IL with left shoulder inflammation.#RaysUp
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) August 31, 2024
Rays Reliever Lands on IL
Poche’s Consistency Impacted by Injuries
Early in his career, Poche had to undergo Tommy John surgery in June 2014. This meant the 2015 season was a no-go for him. Poche is a left-handed reliever who recorded a 2-1 record with a 3.67 ERA across 34.1 innings pitched with two saves. Hotshot slugger Shohei Ohtani hit a grand slam against Poche on August 24th, and it was a hanging slider. This was Ohtani’s 40th homerun of the season when he entered the 40-40 club, where he swung at the first pitch to earn this achievement. Poche was already on the IL, missing six weeks this season back in April due to back tightness. He is now going on the IL for the second time, this late in the season.
This means the latest injury impacts the remaining playing time left in the 2024 season. The injury-driven 2024 season continues to take charge. Poche’s injury occurred in his throwing arm, but luckily, an MRI showed nothing severe with his shoulder. Looking at the past few seasons with Poche, he has been consistent. In addition, he has been a dependable reliever in the pen. He has put up solid numbers this season with a 22.3% strikeout rate and a 9.4% walk rate through about 34 innings pitched. Last season, Poche earned a strong presence by dominating with a 12-3 record and an impressive ERA of 2.23.
Poche took the time to participate in an event outside of playing baseball. About a month ago, Poche attended the third annual “Reading With Rays” event, where he had the honor of reading to children. The event focuses on encouraging reading and helping children develop their language skills. It is a summer program for children from preschool to age 12. A standout crowd followed Poche’s appearance at the event on July 30th.
Main Photo Credits: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
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