HOUSTON — Mason Englert struck out a career-high nine batters over 5 2/3 innings in a spot start against the Astros at Daikin Park, giving the Tampa Bay Rays’ pitching staff a critical breather with seven games in seven days leading into the All-Star break.
The outing was just the 26-year-old right-hander’s fourth career Major League start and second of the season. Englert, who has bounced between Tampa Bay and Triple-A Durham while also spending time on the injured list, surrendered just two runs — both solo homers — on five hits with one walk. He set the tone early, striking out four of the first seven batters he faced and not allowing a hit until the fourth inning.
“He was outstanding,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Really appreciate his efforts. Mixed through that lineup really well. Had all the pitches going; a lot of strikes. Gave him some lengthier at-bats at times but felt like he had an answer besides the two solo homers he gave up.”
Englert leaned on his changeup and fastball to generate 10 of his 16 swing and misses, according to Statcast, with four strikeouts coming on the changeup alone. Cash praised the pitch mix: “Mixing really well. Getting ahead of hitters and then mixing. He had the changeup, the cutter, the big curveball. Just kept them off balance quite a bit.”
Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder said the club planned the spot start to protect a rotation facing a stretch with no days off until the All-Star break. “We figured this was the one that made the most sense,” Snyder said. “Rather than going to the bullpen one game in this stretch of games without an off-day, it was something that we prioritized.”
Englert’s length meant the Rays needed only two other pitchers — Cam Booser and Craig Kimbrel — to finish the series finale. The 6-foot-4 righty, a 2018 fourth-round Draft pick, said he embraces the role. “Having come out of the ‘pen for so many years, you kind of lose the need for routine,” Englert said. “Just trust to flip the switch whenever the time is called. Just stay ready and trust your abilities.”
Englert framed the assignment in workmanlike terms. “You can come up and serve the team and do a job of covering innings in a meaningful way to help the guys stay fresh,” he said. “It’s a job to take pride in. It’s kind of like doing a dirty job, not a lot of glory in it, but it’s also super fulfilling to help these guys out.”
Cash said the performance positions Tampa Bay well heading into its next homestand. “It’s huge,” Cash said. “We’re in a better spot heading into our homestand because of the performance that he just had.”