Armstrong will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Wednesday's game against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong will draw his third "start" of the season, but he hasn't recorded more than six outs in any of his eight appearances and is unlikely to work more than once through the batting order, if that. Manager Kevin Cash hasn't outlined his plans for once Armstrong exits the game, but Tyler Alexander is available on his standard four days' rest and will presumably operate as a bulk reliever after tossing 5.1 scoreless innings in his last start Friday against the Yankees.

Armstrong will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Sunday's game against the Giants, Ryan Bass of Bally Sports Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong isn't expected to work more than an inning or two before turning the game over to Tyler Alexander, who is slated to work as a bulk reliever. Through four appearances (one start) this season, Armstrong has covered 6.1 innings while striking out five and allowing four earned runs on six hits and four walks.

Armstrong pitched two innings, allowing one run on a hit and a walk while striking out one batter and securing a save in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Rockies.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong was called upon to protect a 3-1 lead in the bottom of the eighth frame, entering the game with no outs and the bases loaded. He was able to escape the inning unscathed before surrendering a run in the bottom of the ninth frame, but he was able to secure his first save of the 2024 campaign. Armstrong has been shaky at best so far this season, giving up five runs (four earned) over 6.1 innings in four appearances with Tampa Bay.

Armstrong (0-1) picked up the loss Sunday, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk over one inning. He struck out one.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong served as the opener for the Rays Sunday, allowing two runs to cross in his one inning of work. While he allowed the first three batters to reach base, leading to the first run of the game on a Justin Turner single, the second run was set up by a passed ball and is the reason Armstrong ended up as the pitcher of record.

Armstrong will be used as an opener in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's not an unfamiliar role for Armstrong, who has been an opener on nine occasions for the Rays over the last two seasons. Tyler Alexander is poised to follow Armstrong as the bulk reliever.

The Rays and Armstrong avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $2.05 million contract Thursday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong was eligible for arbitration for a third time. The right-handed reliever was fantastic for Tampa Bay in 2023, collecting a 1.38 ERA and 54:11 K:BB across 52 frames. He's slated for middle relief with the Rays again in 2024.

Armstrong will serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Saturday's game against the Blue Jays, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Saturday would have been Zack Littell's turn in the rotation, but he ended up covering 1.1 innings in relief in Friday's 11-4 loss. The Rays also deployed another starting pitcher in Taj Bradley for one inning in relief Friday, likely in a deliberate attempt by manager Kevin Cash to keep all of his rotation options available for a possible wild-card round matchup with this same Blue Jays squad. As a result, the Rays look poised to lean on a melange of relievers to cover the final two games of the regular season, with Armstrong leading off Saturday's contest. Armstrong hasn't covered more than three innings in any of his appearances in the majors or minors this season, so he's unlikely to work deep into Saturday's game to qualify for a win.

Armstrong did not factor into the decision Thursday, allowing two hits over two scoreless innings against Colorado while striking out two.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong allowed two hits in the first inning but managed to pitch his way out of it before going 1-2-3 through the second frame. The 32-year-old reliever has not allowed a run over his last five outings, racking up 12 strikeouts to only one walk over that stretch (8.2 innings). He has, however, surrendered multiple hits in three of his last six appearances.

Armstrong is scheduled to serve as the Rays' opening pitcher for Thursday's game against the Rockies, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

He'll draw a starting assignment for the fifth time this season but likely won't be asked to cover more than few innings before exiting the contest. The Rays haven't named a designated bulk reliever to work behind Armstrong, but Erasmo Ramirez is available on five days' rest and looks like the Tampa Bay bullpen arm most likely to work the longest during Thursday's contest.

Armstrong did not factor into the decision Saturday, allowing two hits and one walk over two scoreless innings against Cleveland. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

Armstrong managed to keep the Guardians at bay for the first two innings, though he threw 28 pitches in the second frame. He was then relieved by Erasmo Ramirez after recording three strikeouts for the second straight outing. Armstrong has allowed just two runs since June 27, posting a 24:4 K:BB over that stretch (spanning 20.1 innings). He's also allowed just one home run all season.