Rays Send Joe Boyle to IL with Elbow Strain, Call Up Jesse Scholtens

The Tampa Bay Rays placed right-hander Joe Boyle on the 15-day injured list due to a right elbow strain, retroactive to April 10. Boyle will miss at least a week of throwing as the Rays monitor his recovery. Right-hander Jesse Scholtens was recalled from Triple-A to fill Boyle’s spot on the 26-man roster.

Manager Kevin Cash confirmed the move and provided details from Boyle’s MRI, which showed a strain and some inflammation but no structural damage. “The plan is to shut him down from throwing for a week and hopefully we caught it early enough where we can start building back up,” Cash said. Boyle, who reported discomfort after his last start on Wednesday, downplayed the injury and said he is “not too worried about” the setback.

Boyle entered the season with a chance to solidify his role in the Rays’ rotation after Ryan Pepiot was placed on the injured list due to hip inflammation. In three starts, Boyle pitched 15 2/3 innings with a 5.17 ERA, striking out 24.2% of batters while walking 9.2%. While the walk rate improved from his 2024-25 numbers, his overall performance remained consistent with a 5.51 ERA and 25.2% strikeout rate over 99 2/3 innings with the Athletics and Rays.

Boyle’s velocity has dipped slightly this season, averaging 97.1 mph compared to 98.5 mph in 2025. The Rays may be trading a bit of velocity for better command, which could be beneficial in the long term. While some have speculated Boyle could thrive in a relief role, the Rays remain open to giving him more time as a starter.

The Rays’ rotation now includes Shane McLanahan, Steven Matz, Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen, and Scholtens. Pepiot, who recently completed his first live batting practice session, is expected to begin a minor league rehab assignment soon. His return to the majors is likely a few weeks away, keeping Scholtens in the rotation for now.

The Rays will host the Oakland Athletics in a three-game series starting Friday. Tampa Bay’s pitching staff will continue to monitor Boyle’s recovery while relying on Scholtens and others to fill in until Pepiot returns.