Mason Englert happy to pitch in for Rays now, would like to start later

MIAMI - Mason Englert is in a position where he is truly just happy to be in the major leagues with the Rays and willing to pitch in whatever role they need.

Monday against the Red Sox, that is expected to include working the bulk of the innings behind lefty opener Ian Seymour, as the Rays adjust their rotation after bumping struggling veteran Steven Matz to the bullpen.

At some point, Englert, a 26-year-old right-hander, would like the chance to start on a regular basis, as he did in 2021-22 in the low end of the Rangers' minor-league system.

"My goal has always been to eventually be a starter," Englert said Sunday. "It's just what I've always wanted to do. It's my passion. Obviously if I have a career out of the bullpen I won't complain. But that's my goal, that's what I'm working for.

"I've always said, even if I'm a 10-year big leaguer out of the pen, I'm never going to think in my head that I'm not a starter, so that's the goal. So, yeah, I'm just excited to get the opportunity to throw more bulk innings."

Englert rejoined the Rays on Wednesday, having spent the three-plus weeks at Triple-A Durham being stretched out from the two-or-so-inning relief duty he had previously to a starter workload, getting to six innings and 84 pitches on May 26.

Englert got right to work out of the bullpen, working the final five innings against Detroit, allowing one run and four hits while throwing 82 pitches.

Working longer stints allows Englert to expand his repertoire, such as using both his cutter and a slower slider, and changing the break and velocity of his curveball.

"It's been fun," he said. "It's kind of allowed me to open up the repertoire and go about pitching when I know I'm going to face guys two or three times through (the order), (and) just be more relaxed.

"It's like … throw different combinations at them they're not used to seeing, change speeds on the curve ball, like really open it up, throw the full mix. I think that's what's working, just trying to keep it unpredictable."

Seymour, who grew up in the Boston area, is a former minor-league starter who has transitioned well to the bullpen, working in multi-inning stints and more recently in some high-leverage situations. He was an opener once previously this season, working two innings on May 15 ahead of Jesse Scholtens.

Jax has a strong start

Though the Rays were obviously frustrated with the ending of Sunday's game, they were pleased with the strong start they got from Griffin Jax, who delivered five shutout innings. He allowed three singles, walked two and struck out four, throwing 37 of 62 pitches for strikes.

"Any time you can go out there and limit baserunners and just keep putting up zeroes is all you can ask for," Jax said. "So I'm happy to do that and glad I gave the team a chance to win."

Sunday's outing was the best of the eight Jax has made during his in-season transition from reliever to starter that started May 2.

He said the key to his efficiency and effectiveness was a matter of being aggressive.

"The Marlins don't really chase a lot, don't whiff, so you've got to attack them and force them to put a swing on (it)," Jax said, "and hope that you make a quality pitch and it goes to somebody."

Manager Kevin Cash liked what he saw.

"He did a really nice job," Cash said. "That offense we knew coming in was challenging, but he got some quick outs to allow him to get through five innings. Felt like five was enough, but happy with his overall body of work."

Medical matters: Simpson, Kimbrel

Speedy outfielder Chandler Simpson was out of the lineup for a second straight game due to ongoing soreness in his left thumb, which forced him out of Friday's game. He pinch-hit Saturday and was said to be available off the bench Sunday but was not used. … Veteran reliever Craig Kimbrel, sidelined by a right wrist sprain days after signing with the Rays last month, said he felt good throwing a bullpen session Saturday, will advance soon to facing hitters and is "absolutely" confident he'll be ready to come off the injured list on or shortly after his June 12 eligible date.

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