Chris Archer
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
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2015Vigilantes323211113120235.22069689209133.67
2016Vigilantes3333951780251.2200847526073.00
2017Vigilantes00000000.0000000.00
2018Vigilantes32324012150197.121513767209126.25
2019Vigilantes331003020.2251031744.35
2019Mudhens220001011.11377715.56
2020Mudhens14141028076.0112643664137.58
2021Manatees00000000.0000000.00
2023Neon882015053.055342835115.77
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Dec 4 2023Archer was present Monday at the MLB Winter Meetings after he recently joined the Dodgers' front office as a special assistant in baseball operations, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer never officially announced his retirement, but his move into Los Angeles' front office would seem to signal that his playing days are over. The 35-year-old didn't pitch anywhere in 2023 after collecting a 4.56 ERA over 25 starts for the Twins in 2022. While injuries and ineffectiveness plagued his last few seasons, Archer was one of the better pitchers in the American League for a five-year stretch from 2013 through 2017, posting a 3.60 ERA and 1008:303 K:BB over 937.2 innings. He made two All-Star teams and finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting in 2015.
Nov 7 2022The Twins declined their $10 million mutual option for 2023 on Archer's (pectoral) contract Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Minnesota's decision to move on from Archer comes as little surprise after the veteran right-hander turned in a pedestrian 4.56 ERA and 1.31 WHIP while failing to go more than five innings in any of his 25 starts for the team in 2022 before he was shut down in mid-September with pectoral tightness. Archer should be back to full strength for spring training, but his checkered medical history and dramatic downturn in performance since his 2017 All-Star season means that he's unlikely to garner anything more than a one-year, prove-it deal on the open market. Even if another team is willing to give the 34-year-old an MLB contract this offseason, he'll likely have to compete for a rotation spot next spring.
Sep 11 2022The Twins placed Archer (pectoral) on the 15-day injured list Sunday, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Josh Winder was called up from Triple-A St. Paul to take Tyler Mahle's (shoulder) turn in the rotation Sunday against the Guardians, but the Twins will now need to find a new starter to replace Archer, who exited his outing Saturday with right pectoral tightness. Aaron Sanchez, who worked 3.1 innings in long relief Friday, and Bailey Ober (groin), who completed a four-inning rehab start at Single-A Fort Myers on Tuesday, could be the top candidates to fill the vacancy in the rotation. According to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com, Archer said he's confident he'll be ready to return from the IL in the minimum 15 days, but he could have to settle for a relief role upon being activated. Through 25 outings this season, Archer had yet to turn in a quality start and had supplied a pedestrian 4.56 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 102.2 innings.
Sep 10 2022Archer left Saturday's start against the Guardians with right pectoral tightness, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander threw 40 pitches across two innings, allowing a two-run home run to Amed Rosario, before exiting the contest. Cole Sands replaced Archer and struggled initially on short notice, either walking or plunking six of the first seven batters he faced. Archer should be considered day-to-day and questionable for his next start until further notice.
Aug 30 2022Archer allowed four runs on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts over 4.1 innings against the Red Sox. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was not at his best for the second start in a row. After allowing five runs over four innings in his last start, he allowed four runs over four innings Tuesday but avoided taking the loss as the Twins wound up scoring 10 runs on the night. The veteran has now allowed 27 earned runs in his last 34 innings, which has ballooned his ERA to 4.52, up from 3.08 on June 30. He will hope to get back on track in his next start, which is lined up to be next week at the Yankees.
Aug 26 2022Archer (2-7) took the loss against Houston on Thursday, allowing five runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out two batters over four innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was knocked around in a rough first inning during which the Astros put up four runs on five hits, including a three-run home run off the bat of Trey Mancini. The Minnesota hurler allowed only one additional run and three additional hits, but the early damage was enough to send him to his seventh loss. This was the sixth time in Archer's past eight games in which he's failed to complete five innings, and he's 0-4 with a 6.35 ERA and 1.44 WHIP over that stretch.
Aug 20 2022Archer allowed a run on three hits and a walk with five strikeouts in five innings, taking a no-decision versus the Rangers on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer completed five frames for just the third time in his last eight starts, and it was with one of his sharpest outings this year. He threw 77 pitches (45 strikes), though he continues to operate on a limited workload as he has for much of the year. The 33-year-old righty now has a 4.02 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 76:42 K:BB across 87.1 innings while posting a 2-6 record through 21 starts. He's tentatively projected for a tough road start in Houston next week.
Aug 14 2022Archer (2-6) took the loss during Sunday's 4-2 loss to the Angels, allowing three runs on four hits and a walk with five strikeouts in four innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was provided a two-run lead before he took the mound but gave it back after surrendering three two-out baserunners in the third and fell in line for the loss when he permitted an additional run in the fourth. The 33-year-old has lost three straight decisions, during which he's allowed 17 runs in 21 innings across five turns. Archer has pitched to a decent 4.15 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 20 starts, though he's yet to eclipse five innings in any appearance. He'll look to get back in the win column next weekend against the Rangers.
Aug 7 2022Archer did not factor into the decision Sunday, allowing two runs on four hits and zero walks over five innings against the Blue Jays. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander was effective through five innings, as he held a strong Toronto offense to just two runs through five innings and did not walk a batter for the first time in 10 starts. Sunday's effort was also the first time that Archer has completed five innings since June 30, and he has only done so four times in 18 games this season, recording just two wins in the process. He looks to get back in the win column against a struggling Angels team next weekend.
Aug 2 2022Archer allowed two runs on two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts over 4.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Tigers on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer continues to operate on a reduced workload. He threw 77 pitches (49 strikes) in this contest, and he again ran out of steam in the fifth inning as he allowed the Tigers to tie the game at 2-2. Archer has yet to cover more than five innings in an appearance this year, which makes it difficult for him to qualify for wins. He owns a 4.05 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 62:40 K:BB across 73.1 innings in 18 starts overall. The right-hander is tentatively scheduled for a home start versus the Blue Jays this weekend.
Jul 28 2022Archer (2-5) took the loss Wednesday, surrendering six runs on three hits and six walks over three-plus innings as the Twins fell 10-4 to the Brewers. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander threw only 36 of 78 pitches for strikes before getting the hook after walking the bases loaded to begin the fourth inning, and Archer had to watch from the dugout as all three baserunners came around to score, blowing open a 3-3 tie. The 33-year-old has been tagged for 10 runs in 7.2 innings since coming off the IL right before the All-Star break, inflating his ERA by nearly a full run to 4.04. If the Twins add rotation depth at the trade deadline, Archer could be the one to lose his spot.
Jul 17 2022Archer (2-4) took the loss Sunday against the White Sox, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk while striking out five in 4.2 innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer pitched quite well through the first four innings, allowing just two singles and recording all five of his strikeouts. After retiring the first two batters of the fifth inning on two pitches, the wheels came off for the 33-year-old as he walked Seby Zavala on four pitches and then gave up hits to the next three batters before being removed. It was Archer's first start since June 30 after spending time on the injured list with left hip tightness. Despite the poor showing Sunday, it has been a solid first half for the veteran, as he's posted a 3.41 ERA through 66 innings and 16 starts.
Jul 16 2022Archer (hip) will return from the injured list to start Sunday against the White Sox, Aaron Gleeman of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Reports from earlier in the week indicated Archer was on track to pitch in Sunday's first-half finale, and that's indeed what will happen. He'll wind up missing only the minimum 15 days due to hip tightness. Prior to the injury, Archer posted a 3.08 ERA in 15 starts, though his poor 17.9 percent strikeout rate and 11.5 percent walk rate told a different story.
Jul 13 2022Archer appears on track to return from the 15-day injured list to start Sunday's game against the White Sox after the Twins optioned No. 5 starter Josh Winder to Triple-A St. Paul on Wednesday, Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After Archer completed a three-inning, 50-pitch simulated game Tuesday, manager Rocco Baldelli hinted the right-hander could be ready to start the Twins' final game before the All-Star break, and Winder's demotion makes that an even greater likelihood. Before Archer is confirmed to start Sunday, he'll likely throw a bullpen session Thursday or Friday as he looks to prove that he's fully recovered from his left hip injury.
Jul 12 2022Archer (hip) was spotted throwing on the field Tuesday prior to the Twins' game against the Brewers, John Shipley of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The activity is a sign that Archer isn't being shut down as a result of his tight left hip, which forced him to the injured list July 2. Though Archer will be eligible to return for the Twins' final game of the first half July 17 against the White Sox, he's unlikely to be activated before the All-Star break.
Jul 5 2022Archer was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to July 2 with left hip tightness Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was announced earlier in the day that Archer was scratched from Tuesday's start, and the reason for that move is now known. Archer will be eligible to be activated on the final day of the first half, and according to Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com, manager Rocco Baldelli is hopeful he will do so. Josh Winder will start in Archer's place Tuesday and is the favorite to remain in the rotation until Archer returns.
Jun 30 2022Archer allowed one earned run on one hit and six walks while striking out two across four innings Thursday against the Guardians. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer walked four consecutive batters in the second inning, and he also threw a wild pitch and hit a batter with a pitch during his outing. Despite throwing only 45 of his 90 pitches for strikes, he managed to escape relatively unscathed. Archer has allowed one or fewer earned runs in five of his last six starts, though he's failed to complete five frames on three occasions. Overall, he owns a 3.08 ERA and a 47:30 K:BB across 61.1 innings for the season.
Jun 26 2022Archer (2-3) earned the win against Colorado on Saturday, pitching five scoreless innings during which he allowed one hit and one walk while striking out five. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was another short start for Archer, as he tossed only 78 pitches. However, he was able to complete five innings for just the third time this season and was rewarded with his second win. Archer's lack of deep outings is more a product of a predetermined plan by Minnesota than ineffectiveness -- in fact, he's fared well with a 3.14 ERA and 1.22 WHIP on the campaign. He has been even better of late, posting a 1.57 ERA and 0.91 WHIP across 23 innings over his past five starts, though his 16:8 K:BB during that span is less inspiring.
Jun 19 2022Archer (1-3) took the loss Sunday versus the Diamondbacks. He allowed two runs on three hits and struck out three while walking none in four innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This was just the second time in his last seven outings that Archer has allowed multiple runs, but he's only completed five innings in two of those outings. The right-hander's rarely been used for long outings this season, which makes it difficult for him to pitch deep enough to qualify for wins or earn quality starts. He's logged a 3.44 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 40:23 K:BB in 52.1 innings across 13 starts. He's lined up for a home start versus the Rockies next weekend.
Jun 14 2022Archer didn't factor in the decision against Seattle on Monday, allowing one unearned run on four hits and two walks while striking out three over four innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer gave up only one run for the fifth time in his past six starts, and the tally against him Monday was unearned. Minnesota had a 2-1 lead after the fourth inning, but he wasn't allowed to come back out for the fifth and was thus denied a chance at a win. Short outings have been par for the course for Archer this season -- he's completed five frames only twice in 12 appearances despite a fine 3.35 ERA. It's clear that the brief starts are part of Minnesota's plan for the veteran after he logged just 19.1 big-league innings between 2020 and 2021 combined. That could help keep him healthy throughout the campaign, but it will prevent him from piling up enough counting stats to make him viable in most mixed fantasy formats.
Jun 8 2022Archer (1-2) earned the win Wednesday after he tossed five innings, giving up one run on two hits and four walks while striking out two against the Yankees. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer allowed an RBI single to Gio Urshela in the fourth inning, accounting for all the damage against him Wednesday. It was the second consecutive start where the right-hander reached five innings after not having done so in his first nine outings of the year, ultimately earning his first win of the campaign. Archer has surrendered two runs over 10 frames in his last two outings, lowering his ERA from 4.19 to 3.65 in 11 starts this season.
Jun 2 2022Archer allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out three across five innings Thursday against the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer completed at least five innings for the first time this season, though he still threw only 57 pitches. He's quietly allowed only one earned run in three of his last four outings, though his extremely limited volume hurts his ability to rack up both strikeouts and wins. Overall, Archer owns a 3.89 ERA and a 32:17 K:BB across 39.1 innings on the campaign.
May 28 2022Archer (0-2) was charged with the loss Saturday after he pitched four innings, allowing five runs (three earned) on seven hits while striking out one against the Royals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer surrendered one run in both the first and third innings before giving up three runs in the top of the fourth. He was once again unable to work deep into the game, failing to reach five innings pitched for the ninth consecutive start to begin the season. After giving up two runs over eight innings in his last two starts before Saturday, Archer allowed a season-high seven hits while being charged with three earned runs. His season-long numbers now stand at a 4.19 ERA and 1.43 WHIP with 29 punchouts over 34.1 innings in nine starts.
May 23 2022Archer pitched four innings, giving up one run on three hits and two walks while striking out four in Monday's win over the Tigers. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Once again Archer pitched well, but he didn't last long enough to qualify for a potential win. He has now pitched exactly four innings in four of his last five starts, giving up a total of five runs over 16 innings in those outings. The Twins seem satisfied limiting his innings, but Archer's success on the mound may force their hand and he could see deeper run as the season goes on. The 33-year-old now owns a 3.86 ERA and 1.38 WHIP with 28 punchouts in 30.1 innings over eight starts.
May 16 2022Archer tossed four innings against Oakland on Monday, allowing one run on two hits and two walks while striking out two. He did not factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was a solid outing for the right-hander, as he opened with three scoreless frames and allowed just one run overall. Pitch count wasn't an issue -- he threw a modest 62 pitches (37 for strikes) -- but Minnesota seems intent on keeping Archer from going too deep into games. He hasn't thrown more than 4.1 innings in any appearance this season despite holding opponents to two runs or fewer in all but one of his starts. That makes him very difficult to roster in most fantasy formats, and it's unclear if the team will allow Archer to start pitching deeper into outings at any point moving forward. He's a regular part of the rotation, however, and is lined up to make his next start at home against Detroit early next week.
May 12 2022Archer (0-1) took the loss after allowing four earned runs on five hits and three walks across three innings during Thursday's 11-3 loss to the Astros. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After a one-two-three first inning, Archer allowed back-to-back singles to start the second and both came around to score, though he was only charged for one those runs. Archer was rattled in third inning, allowing a leadoff solo shot to Jose Altuve before eventually walking the bases loaded. However, he was able to escape the jam with only one additional run coming home. Archer's next start is tentatively scheduled for Monday's matchup in Oakland.
May 5 2022Archer allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six in four innings in a 5-3 loss Thursday in Baltimore. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both runs against Archer came on solo home runs, one by Ryan Mountcastle in the second and the other by Cedric Mullins in the third. After only making two appearances in Spring Training, he has not made it out of the fifth inning or reached 80 pitches through five starts to begin the season. The righty has managed to put up decent numbers with a 3.26 ERA and 1.29 WHIP but has also allowed five home runs in his 19.1 innings. He'll likely make his next start early next week against Houston.
May 1 2022Archer didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 9-1 win over the Rays, allowing one run on two hits and three walks over four innings. He struck out four. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's tough to evaluate Archer's fantasy value right now. On the one hand, his 2.93 ERA over 15.1 innings is useful. On the other, his 5.53 FIP is alarming, and he has yet to complete five innings in any of his starts, preventing him from getting any wins even when he does receive plenty of run support. Archer will remain in the Twins rotation for now, but if his luck starts to run out, he could lose out once Sonny Gray (hamstring) gets healthy.
Apr 24 2022Archer allowed two runs on three hits and three walks over three innings in Sunday's win over the White Sox. He struck out two and did not factor in the decision. His short stint was by design, as the Twins planned to limit him to 60 pitches to keep him healthy, the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It was Archer's shortest outing of the 2022 season after going at least four innings in each of his first two appearances. Tim Anderson took him deep on the very first pitch of the game. He later allowed an RBI single to Andrew Vaughn in the third. After missing all of 2020 due to injury and making just six appearances last season, the Twins will work to manage his workload. The 33-year-old righty owns a 3.18 ERA with a 10:5 K:BB this season. He's expected to take the mound against his former team in Tampa Bay next week.
Apr 19 2022Archer struck out five in 4.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks in a 4-3 loss Tuesday in Kansas City. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer pitched well through the first four innings, allowing just a single, a walk and Salvador Perez's solo home run. After retiring the first batter of the fifth, the two-time All-Star allowed the next four batters to reach safely, including walking in a run, and was removed. Once thought of as one of the most promising young pitchers in the game, the 33-year-old has not had an ERA under 4.00 in a season since 2015. He has a 2.16 ERA through his first two starts but has yet to get out of the fifth inning. He is scheduled to make his next start Sunday against the White Sox.
Mar 31 2022Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said Thursday that he expects Archer to start the team's fifth game of the season April 12 against the Dodgers in Minnesota, Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer got off to a delayed start to spring training after he didn't sign with the Twins until Monday, but he was apparently able to build up his pitch count to some degree before reporting to Minnesota's big-league camp this week. He's slated to make what will be his lone Grapefruit League start Friday versus Atlanta, and the Twins will likely have him get further stretched out with another simulated game in the middle of next week before his first turn in the rotation comes up. Archer might still face a workload restriction in his regular-season debut, but it's not likely to be a significant one.
Mar 28 2022Archer (hip) signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Twins on Monday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer is guaranteed $3.5 million over the next year, though Passan states that he could earn up to $9.5 million in performance bonuses. He also has a $10 million mutual option in pay for 2023. The 33-year-old right-hander appeared in only six games during the 2021 campaign with Tampa Bay while recovering from thoracic outlet surgery and then suffering a completely different forearm injury before ultimately being shut down for the year due to a hip injury. In his limited action, he surrendered 10 runs while fanning 21 over 19.1 innings. Archer figures to slot in near the back of Minnesota's rotation and could slot into the fifth rotation slot, per Do-Hyoung Park of MLB.com.
Sep 20 2021Tampa Bay transferred Archer (hip) from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list Monday, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Rays had been cryptic about the recurrence of inflammation in Archer's left hip, but his move to the 60-day IL officially rules him out for 2021. Tampa Bay will use the open 40-man roster spot on top pitching prospect Shane Baz, who was recalled from Triple-A Durham ahead of his big-league debut Monday against the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field. Archer is set to become a free agent this winter, and after having another season torpedoed by injuries, he'll likely be forced to settle for a one-year, prove-it deal on the open market.
Sep 15 2021Archer (hip) was examined by team physician Dr. Koco Eaton on Tuesday and received confirmation that inflammation is the source of his discomfort, but the right-hander remains without a timeline for return, the team's official site reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer's frustrating campaign therefore continues, and he's naturally running out of time to get back before the end of the regular season. The veteran is slated to meet with his representatives and seek other medical opinions as well, so whether Archer has a chance to pitch at any point during the Rays' remaining 2021 season and postseason should become more evident in coming days.
Sep 12 2021The Rays placed Archer (hip) on the 10-day injured list Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It's unclear exactly what type of hip injury Archer is dealing with, but it was substantial enough to shorten his Saturday start to four innings and now keep him on the shelf for at least 10 days. A diagnosis of the injury, currently labeled "discomfort," should become available within the next couple days, as should a timeframe for his expected return.
Sep 11 2021Archer was removed from Saturday's game against the Tigers after the fourth inning due to left hip discomfort, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was relatively effective in Saturday's start and allowed one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two in four innings prior to his removal. The severity of the issue isn't yet clear, but the right-hander tentatively lines up to make his next start at home against the Tigers on Thursday if he's healthy enough to pitch.
Sep 10 2021Archer is scheduled to start Saturday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Rays initially planned to have Archer work as a primary pitcher behind either Michael Wacha on Friday or Luis Patino on Saturday, with the aim of limiting the workloads and generating better results from all three pitchers. However, with Shane McClanahan (back) heading to the injured list Friday, all of Wacha, Archer and Patino are now expected to draw traditional starts this weekend in Detroit. McClanahan is expected to miss only one turn through the rotation, so there's a chance Archer is deployed as a primary pitcher in his next appearance following Saturday's start.
Sep 8 2021Rays manager Kevin Cash said Archer would likely piggyback starter Michael Wacha in Friday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Both Wacha and Archer are viewed as back-end options in the Tampa Bay rotation, and Cash feels that both could deliver better results while handling lighter workloads as part of a tandem. The Rays will likely wait and see how the arrangement fares Friday before determining whether to proceed with the piggyback arrangement moving forward, but the setup would seem to favor Archer more than Wacha. Even if Wacha works longer of the two pitchers Friday, Archer would be better positioned to factor into any decision.
Sep 4 2021Archer (1-1) allowed four runs on four hits and four walks with three strikeouts through five innings, picking up the win in Saturday's 11-4 victory over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This wasn't Archer's finest outing, but with the Rays clobbering six home runs on the afternoon, the right-hander scored his first win of the season. Even with the victory, there are still some concerns with the two-time All-Star. The right-hander allowed home runs to Miguel Sano and Jorge Polanco while walking a season-high four batters and finding the zone with just 59 percent of his pitches. On a positive note, his five innings pitched is the deepest he's gone in a game this season. He'll try to build on this outing in his next start, which is tentatively scheduled for Saturday against Detroit.
Aug 30 2021Archer (hip) allowed two earned runs on four hits and a walk while recording six strikeouts over four innings in Sunday's win over the Orioles. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander was effective overall across 59 pitches, getting 41 of them into the strike zone and notching first-pitch strikes on 10 of the 17 batters he faced. Archer also recorded an impressive 14 swinging strikes while corroborating that his previously troublesome hip was apparently back to full health. Adam Berry of MLB.com reports Archer also encouragingly displayed improved velocity as the game went on, going from 88.4 mph on the first fastball he threw to a top-end speed of 95.2 mph on a fourth-inning offering to Jahmai Jones. Archer will look to build on Sunday's effort in his next start, which lines up against the Twins on Friday night.
Aug 25 2021Archer (hip) threw a successful bullpen session Wednesday and is scheduled to start Sunday against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has checked out alright after exiting last Sunday's start after 41 pitches due to a hip issue, so he won't end up missing a turn through the rotation. Archer was expected to be limited to about 75 pitches in his first start back from the injured list, and he'll likely face similar limitations Sunday since his previous outing was cut short.
Aug 23 2021Archer (hip) is expected to pitch Sunday in Baltimore, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer lasted just two innings Sunday against the White Sox in his first start since mid-April, leaving due to hip soreness. The latest issue evidently isn't a major one, however, as he isn't expected to miss a turn in the rotation.
Aug 22 2021Archer (forearm) was pulled after two innings in his start Sunday against the White Sox due to left hip tightness, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. He gave up one hit and one walk while striking out four over two scoreless innings and didn't factor into the decision in the Rays' 9-0 win. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being reinstated from the 60-day injured list Sunday following a four-plus-month absence, Archer was expected to be limited to around five innings or 75 pitches in his second start with the Rays on the season. Though Archer steered clear of an arm-related setback, he lasted just 41 pitches before succumbing to the hip issue, which previously bothered him during a minor-league rehab outing a few weeks ago. The Rays will likely send Archer in for additional tests before determining whether he'll be available to make his next turn through the rotation, which would likely come next weekend in Baltimore.
Aug 20 2021Archer (forearm) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list to start Sunday against the White Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been on the shelf with forearm tightness since early April, but he is now on the brink of returning to a big-league mound. Archer went 4.2 innings in his latest rehab outing with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, allowing three runs on one hit and two walks while punching out six. It's unclear if the Rays plan on adding Archer back to the starting rotation permanently, but that decision could ultimately depends on how he performs Sunday.
Aug 18 2021Manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that Archer (forearm) is expected to be activated from the 60-day injured list in the coming days to make his next appearance with the Rays, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay is still weighing whether to deploy Archer as a starter or reliever upon his return, but the club at least seems confident that he's healthy again after he made the sixth appearance of his rehab assignment Tuesday at Triple-A Durham. He built up to 4.2 innings in the outing, giving up three runs on one hit and two walks while striking out six. If the Rays do decide to move Archer into the rotation, Michael Wacha (11.57 ERA in 14 innings over his last three starts) would seem most at risk of losing his spot.
Aug 13 2021Archer (forearm) will make a rehab appearance for Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer has been out for over four months with a forearm injury. He's already made five rehab appearances, though his latest was cut short by soreness in his left hip. He wasn't shut down for long, however, and was able to throw three innings in a simulated game Thursday. It's unclear how many more rehab outings he'll need to make before he's cleared to return.
Aug 12 2021Archer (forearm) threw a three-inning simulated game Thursday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was scheduled to begin a rehab assignment in the rookie-level Florida Complex League on Thursday, but the game was canceled. However, the right-hander was still able to face hitters in a more controlled environment. If he feels good following Thursday's throwing session, Archer is expected to advance to Triple-A Durham for his next rehab appearance, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.
Aug 10 2021Archer (forearm/hip) will throw either three innings or 50 pitches Thursday in the Florida Complex League, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran righty is making nice progress in his latest rehab assignment after hip soreness sidelined him August 2. Archer has not pitched in the big leagues since April 10, but he appears to be a couple weeks from rejoining the Rays.
Aug 7 2021Archer (forearm/hip) will throw a bullpen session Monday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer resumed throwing when he played catch Friday, and he'll progress to mound work early next week. If he feels good after Monday's throwing session, the right-hander is expected to resume his rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham on Wednesday or Thursday. Archer made five rehab starts before he was shut down with left hip soreness, and it's not yet clear how much he'll have to build back up following his brief delay.
Aug 6 2021Archer (forearm) played catch Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was removed from his rehab start Sunday due to left hip soreness, but he was able to resume throwing less than a week later. The right-hander will throw a bullpen Sunday or Monday, and the Rays are hopeful that he'll return to game action afterward.
Aug 4 2021Archer (forearm/hip) is expected to resume throwing Friday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer's rehab start was cut short Sunday due to left hip soreness, but he recently underwent an MRI that came back clean. The right-hander received an injection, and manager Kevin Cash is hopeful that Archer will resume throwing following a brief period of rest. The Rays haven't yet announced when the 32-year-old will resume his rehab assignment, but he doesn't appear to be dealing with a serious setback.
Aug 2 2021Archer (forearm) was removed from rehab start Sunday with Triple-A Durham after one inning due to a sore left hip, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. He gave up three unearned runs on two hits and no walks before departing. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tampa Bay was planning on Archer to stretch out to five innings or 75 pitches in what was expected to be his fifth and final rehab start at Durham, but the hip injury foiled those plans. According to Topkin, the Rays described Archer's early exit as precautionary, but the right-hander will presumably need to make at least one more rehab start before he's cleared to return from the 60-day injured list. Archer hasn't pitched for the Rays since April 10 due to forearm tightness.
Jul 28 2021Archer (forearm) fired 3.2 scoreless innings in Triple-A Durham's loss to Norfolk on Tuesday, allowing a hit and a walk while recording four strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer worked up to 59 pitches during the stellar outing, essentially hitting his exact pre-set targets in terms of innings and pitch count. The right-hander now has a 2.79 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, 10.2 K/9 and 0.9 HR/9 across 9.2 innings over four rehab starts, and Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports Archer's next outing for the Bulls will come Sunday and feature a target count of 75-80 pitches.
Jul 25 2021Archer (forearm) is scheduled to cover four innings or 60 pitches in his upcoming rehab start Tuesday at Triple-A Durham, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Tuesday's start will mark Archer's third with Durham and the fourth overall of his rehab assignment after he was idle for nearly three months with right forearm tightness. The Rays will likely want Archer to push his pitch count up to the 75-to-90-pitch range before reinstating him from the 60-day injured list, so he'll likely require one more rehab start beyond Tuesday. Perhaps as a reflection of their confidence that Archer and Tyler Glasnow (elbow) will re-emerge as rotation options later in the second half of the season, the Rays dealt away some starting depth Friday, when Rich Hill was shipped to the Mets.
Jul 23 2021Archer (forearm) allowed an earned run on two hits over three innings while recording four strikeouts in Triple-A Durham's win over Charlotte on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer got his one big mistake out of the way early, surrendering a leadoff home run to the Knights' Zach Remillard. He was then impressive the rest of the way, ultimately firing 30 of 44 pitches into the strike zone. The veteran right-hander is likely to log at least two more rehab outings before being deemed ready for activation if the Rays remain steadfast in their intentions to reinsert him back into the rotation right away.
Jul 22 2021Archer (forearm) is scheduled to cover around three innings or 45 pitches in his rehab start Thursday at Triple-A Durham, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer will be making his third rehab appearance overall and his second straight at Durham after he tossed 1.2 innings and gave up two runs in his first outing for the affiliate July 17. The Rays will likely want to have Archer get stretched out to around 70 or 80 pitches in the minors before bringing him back from the 60-day injured list, so he'll presumably require at least one or two more rehab outings after Thursday.
Jul 18 2021Archer (forearm) allowed two earned runs on three hits over 1.2 innings in Triple-A Durham's win over Jacksonville on Saturday. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer threw 26 of 39 pitches for strikes, and although he did get tagged for a pair of runs, there were encouraging signs. The team's official site reports manager Kevin Cash was informed the right-hander displayed good velocity on his fastball and also flashed "the Chris Archer slider" during his time on the hill. Archer is likely to add an inning to his workload each time he takes the mound during his rehab assignment, with his next appearance for the Bulls likely to come in the later part of the week.
Jul 15 2021Archer (forearm) will make another rehab appearance Sunday for Triple-A Durham, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer made just two big-league appearances this season before being shut down in mid-April with a forearm injury. He made one brief rehab appearance for the Rays' complex league team, tossing 1.1 innings, and he'll now be set for a presumably longer outing at a much higher level. Given the length of his absence, he could need multiple more rehab starts before he's deemed ready to go, though the Rays could also have him work in shorter stints at the big-league level while he finishes stretching out.
Jul 14 2021Archer (forearm) fired 1.1 scoreless innings for the FCL Rays on Monday against the FCL Red Sox, allowing a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The hard-throwing right-hander got his first taste of game action since April 10 and generated reasonably favorable results without any physical setbacks. This could well have been Archer's only rehab outing at the FCL level, as the team's official site had previously reported the veteran would very likely move on to Triple-A Durham after easing into the process with the Florida Complex League affiliate.
Jul 11 2021Archer (forearm) is scheduled to make his first rehab start Monday with the Rays' Florida Complex League affiliate, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer will be making his first appearance at any level since April 10 after a right forearm injury has kept him on the shelf for the past three months. Due to the length of his shutdown, Archer will require multiple rehab starts before the Rays activate him from the 60-day injured list. If all goes well in Monday's outing, Archer could shift his rehab to Triple-A Durham next weekend.
Jul 9 2021Archer (forearm) is expected to throw one more live batting practice session before beginning a rehab assignment, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran right-hander has been sidelined by the forearm injury since making his second start of the season April 10, but he appears to be nearing the final stages of his recovery. Archer will need to make multiple rehab starts to get back up to speed given the length of his layoff.
Jul 2 2021Archer (forearm) threw a one-inning simulated game Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Friday's throwing session marked the first time that Archer had faced live hitters since April 10, and he's expected to increase his workload by throwing two innings in the coming days. The right-hander hasn't faced any setbacks recently, and he could begin a rehab assignment in the near future if he continues to progress well.
Jun 30 2021Archer (forearm) will throw to hitters on Friday, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been scheduled to throw to hitters at some point this week, and this report pins down the day. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed Tuesday that Archer has not suffered any setbacks, attributing the fact the pitcher didn't throw earlier into the week to "a little bit of a schedule change."
Jun 26 2021Archer (forearm) could face live hitters early this coming week, the team's official site reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been consistently throwing side sessions without setbacks, teeing up the next step of facing live hitters for the first time since April 10. If Archer tolerates that process well, he'll likely proceed to a rehab assignment shortly thereafter.
Jun 12 2021Archer (forearm) threw 10 pitches off a mound Saturday, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Recovery from thoracic outlet surgery was supposed to be the primary concern for Archer this season, but he wound up making just two appearances before being shut down with an entirely separate issue to his forearm. He's making progress again after a brief setback in late May and is expected to advance to live batting practice in late June or early July. That seemingly means he won't return to the active roster before the All-Star break, however.
Jun 9 2021Archer (forearm) is feeling good and is eyeing an early July return from the injured list, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer has been doing long toss and could begin mound work next week. The veteran righty landed on the IL on May 10 after just two early season appearances, one of which was a start.
May 29 2021Archer (forearm) said Saturday that his tendinitis is gone and that he's now focusing on building up his arm ahead of a return to game action, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was shut down earlier this week after he experienced some discomfort on the outside of his right forearm, but he has now moved past the issue and will be able to resume his throwing program. The right-hander didn't have a hard deadline to return from the 60-day injured list but said that he would be pleased to be back in early July.
May 26 2021Manager Kevin Cash said Wednesday that Archer had his throwing program shut down earlier this week after experiencing some discomfort on the outside of his right forearm, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer had been throwing off flat ground for about a week before experiencing renewed pain in his forearm. Cash didn't offer up a timeline for when Archer might be cleared to resume throwing again, but the setback could make it tough for him to return from the 60-day injured list when first eligible June 10.
May 15 2021Archer (forearm) began a throwing program Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer has been sidelined with forearm tightness since April 10. His injury was originally not expected to sideline him for an extended amount of time, but he was transferred to the 60-day injured list in early May. Archer will now continue to work at the team facility and is first eligible to be activated June 10.
May 8 2021Archer (forearm) was transferred to the 60-day injured list Saturday, Justice delos Santos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Kevin Cash said in late April that Archer was still several weeks away from returning to the mound, and he'll now be sidelined until at least June due to his forearm tightness. Archer had been throwing in April, but it's not clear where the right-hander is in his throwing progression following his placement on the 60-day IL.
Apr 23 2021Archer (forearm) continues to play catch but is at least a couple weeks away from returning to the rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer has already spent nearly two weeks on the injured list with forearm tightness. Previous reports indicated that he wouldn't be in line for a long absence, and the fact that he's been throwing for over a week is certainly a good sign, but it looks as though he'll wind up missing at least close to a month.
Apr 15 2021Archer (forearm) was able to play light catch Wednesday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: This development supports the notion of Archer making the quick recovery that was forecasted when the right-hander was first placed on the injured list. Manager Kevin Cash did note Archer still feels some forearm tightness when throwing, so whether he can return immediately upon being eligible remains an open question.
Apr 12 2021Archer (forearm) is expected to play catch within the next few days and may not be in for a long stay on the injured list, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer made just a pair of appearances this season before exiting his Saturday start due to forearm tightness. Forearm issues are sometimes the first sign of a very serious injury for a pitcher, but it looks as though that isn't the case with this particularly problem.
Apr 10 2021Archer (forearm) was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer suffered a right forearm injury during Saturday's start against the Yankees that forced him to be removed in the third inning. However, manager Kevin Cash said that Archer's injury isn't anything too serious and was optimistic that the right-hander would only be forced to miss one start. Brent Honeywell was recalled by the Rays in a corresponding move and will serve as the opener for Sunday's series finale against the Yankees.
Apr 4 2021Archer (0-1) came into Saturday's loss to the Marlins in the fifth inning following starter Rich Hill and surrendered four runs (three earned) on four hits and a walk over two innings. He struck out two and was charged with the loss. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer and Hill worked as tandem starters for their respective 2021 debuts, and both hurlers struggled against a revitalized Marlins offense that had been quieted in the first two games of the series. For his part, Archer was able to get first-pitch strikes on eight of the 11 batters he faced, but it still took him a robust 52 offerings to get just six outs. Adam Berry of MLB.com reports Archer will be utilized as a conventional starter in his next turn through the rotation, which lines up for either Friday or Saturday against the Yankees.
Mar 29 2021Archer threw 75 pitches in an intrasquad game Monday but is scheduled to pitch in tandem with Rich Hill in his first regular-season appearance Saturday versus the Marlins, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Kevin Cash added that he expects the two pitchers to each make a conventional start their second turn through the rotation, but the tandem arrangement will be followed for each veteran's season debut. As presently planned, Hill will open the game before giving way to Archer at some to-be-determined point in the contest, with a variety of factors including game flow naturally set to play a part. Manager Kevin Cash spoke highly of Archer's performance this spring, noting the team is "thrilled" with the right-hander's body of work throughout camp and Grapefruit League play (1.35 ERA across 6.2 innings).
Mar 25 2021Archer allowed an earned run on a solo home run and also issued a walk over 3.1 innings in a Grapefruit League win over the Twins on Wednesday. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Adam Berry of MLB.com reports Archer worked up to 51 pitches, 31 of which he threw for strikes. The right-hander's velocity was as high as 94-95 mph, and Archer also came away satisfied with the performance of his changeup. The veteran is due for approximately a 70-pitch outing in his final spring training appearance before opening the regular season as the projected No. 4 starter.
Mar 20 2021Archer, who entered Friday's Grapefruit League loss to the Red Sox in the fourth inning and fired a pair of clean frames with two strikeouts, is ready to be utilized as a bulk reliever after an opener whenever the situation might call for it this coming season, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer is still expected to be utilized as a conventional starter more often than not, but Berry notes some members of the rotation not named Tyler Glasnow may also be asked to log bulk-relief work on occasion. Archer last pitched out of the bullpen during the 2013 AL Division Series, but he emphasized Friday he's ready to help the team in whatever capacity necessary. "Not playing baseball for a long time, really, it humbled me," Archer said. "I've put my ego to the side and I'm more open-minded. It also helps that the guys that we'll be bringing in are really, really talented."
Mar 12 2021Archer said Friday that he has no doubts that he'll be ready to go when the regular season begins, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer is working his way back from thoracic outlet surgery, one of the riskiest surgeries for a pitcher to undergo. Reports have been good this spring, though, and he retired all four batters he faced in his spring debut Friday against Boston, so his optimism seems fairly well-founded. He may only throw four or five innings to start the year, though that would hardly make him unique among Rays pitchers.
Mar 6 2021Archer impressed with his performance in a simulated game Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "(Pitching coach Kyle Snyder) is really excited about the shape to the slider," manager Kevin Cash said. "It's as good as we've seen it, and we've seen it really good in the past. So that's encouraging." ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer has been ramping up well thus far after missing all of last season with the Pirates due to surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Once thought to have the talent of a legitimate staff ace, Archer has never quite been able to live up to that expectation over a full season; however, he's only being counted on as a No. 4 starter as he begins his second tour of duty in Tampa Bay, and early returns are positive. Topkin notes Archer's next step is likely his Grapefruit League debut, potentially Friday against the Red Sox.
Mar 4 2021Archer threw a light bullpen session Wednesday and appears on track to pitch either Saturday or Sunday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has been brought along at a relatively deliberate pace early in spring camp after missing all of last season, but Archer's ramp-up process has seemingly gone off without a hitch. Whenever his Grapefruit League debut does unfold, it will mark his first game action since Aug. 20, 2019.
Mar 2 2021Archer's velocity and slider were both where the Rays expected when the right-hander faced live hitters Sunday, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: There are plenty of eyes on the veteran in the nascent days of his return to the Rays, as Archer missed all of last season for the Pirates following surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome. Archer reported having added muscle this offseason and feeling back to full health overall, and manager Kevin Cash noted that the 32-year-old will throw one more session against live hitters before making his Grapefruit League debut.
Feb 21 2021Archer has been a full participant in the Rays' workouts for pitchers and catchers thus far and reported to spring training with 6 to 7 pounds of additional muscle, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-handed reclamation project is seemingly in a very good place both physically and mentally as he begins his second tour of duty with the Rays after missing all of 2020 due to neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. The surgery Archer underwent was a complete success, freeing him up to pack on some muscle onto his usually lithe frame this offseason and eclipse the 200-pound mark in bodyweight. Archer is throwing bullpen sessions without restrictions as he prepares to fill a spot in the back half of Tampa Bay's starting rotation.
Feb 9 2021Archer (shoulder) said Tuesday that he won't be throwing any two-seam fastballs this year, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer leaned heavily on the two-seamer early in his career, throwing it as often as 41.1 percent of the time in 2014. He then largely shelved it for the next three seasons before bringing it back and using it 9.4 percent of the time in 2018 and 2019 with mostly poor results. He seemingly needs a tweak to bounce back from his poor 2019 season, in which he struggled to a 5.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP, and it's possible this is it, though his health remains an even bigger question than his performance after he missed all of 2020 due to thoracic outlet surgery.
Feb 2 2021Archer (shoulder) signed a one-year, $6.5 million deal with the Rays on Tuesday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The veteran righty is set to return to the place where he first made his name. He recorded a 3.69 ERA and 1.23 WHIP over parts of seven seasons as a Ray. Things didn't go nearly as well for him over a year and a half in Pittsburgh since then, as he struggled to a mediocre 4.92 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. He missed all of 2020 due to thoracic outlet surgery, a procedure which has derailed the careers of many pitchers. Exactly what he has left in the tank heading into his age-32 season is something of a mystery, but the Rays have a well-earned reputation for getting the most out of their pitchers, so it's certainly possible he could have a bounceback campaign.
Oct 31 2020Archer (shoulder) had his $11 million club option for 2021 declined by the Pirates on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 32-year-old missed the shortened 2020 season after undergoing thoracic outlet surgery in June, and the Buccos opted to pay the $250,000 buyout rather than pick up next year's option. Archer was acquired from Tampa Bay ahead of the 2018 trade deadline and had a 4.92 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 203:73 K:BB over 172 innings across his season and a half in Pittsburgh, so he'll be entering free agency as somewhat of a reclamation project.
Aug 6 2020Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday that Archer (shoulder) remains at his offseason home in California and is focusing on regaining his range of motion and strength, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Pirates will continue to check in with Archer periodically over the next two months while he recovers from season-ending thoracic outlet syndrome, but he'll likely be on his own in the rehab process come November, when Pittsburgh will almost certainly decline his $11 million team option for 2021. Even if his recovery from surgery proceeds as anticipated, the two-time All-Star will likely have to settle for a low-cost, one- or two-year deal after posting a 5.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 2019.
Jun 29 2020Archer (shoulder) was placed on the 10-day injured list. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He will miss the entire season after undergoing surgery to relieve symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Archer will probably eventually be transferred to the 60-day IL. Chad Kuhl and Steven Brault (shoulder) appear to be the top two options to win the fifth starter's spot.
Jun 3 2020Archer underwent surgery Tuesday to relieve symptoms of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome and has been ruled out for the 2020 season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer wasn't known to be dealing with any physical concerns during spring training before MLB suspended its season in mid-March, so the assumption is that his thoracic outlet symptoms are related to the right shoulder discomfort he experienced last August. The Pirates are optimistic that Archer will make a full recovery from surgery before the 2021 season, but his rehab will be worth tracking throughout the winter and during spring training next year. It's possible that Archer could find himself in a different uniform next season, as his contract contains a pricey $11 million team option for 2021 that the Pirates could buy out for just $250,000.
Mar 6 2020Archer hurled two scoreless innings in his spring training debut Friday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out four against Toronto, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was not only encouraged by his results, but also by his health. "I felt really good about what I accomplished today," he said. "Most importantly, I walked away healthy. I'm really happy about that." The righty had previously been bothered by neck tightness. He's in competition with Joe Musgrove for the team's Opening Day assignment in Tampa Bay on March 26.
Mar 5 2020Archer (neck) is scheduled to make his spring debut Friday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: It has been nearly two weeks since Archer was scratched with a stiff neck, but he is now on the verge of taking the ball for the first time this spring. While he is a bit behind the rest of his fellow starting pitchers, the Pirates have not ruled him out for Opening Day.
Mar 4 2020The Pirates are expected to have a decision on how they are going to proceed with Archer (neck) on Thursday or Friday, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Derek Shelton gave no update on Archer following his throwing of live batting practice Monday. The team has already lost one potential starter, Steven Brault (shoulder), for an undetermined amount of time. Archer still has time to begin the season in the starting rotation, provided he returns within the next week.
Mar 1 2020Archer (neck) will throw live batting practice Monday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer was scratched from his scheduled start last Monday due to neck tightness, but his quick return to mound work indicates it's not a serious concern. A good showing Monday could have Grapefruit League games up next for the right-hander.
Feb 27 2020Archer (neck) played catch Wednesday and will likely throw a bullpen session over the weekend. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He's expected to continue playing catch for the next several days. Barring a setback, he'll then throw the bullpen session. Archer has plenty of incentive to rebound from a disastrous 2019. The better he pitches, the better the chance his value increases and he's dealt to a contender.
Feb 24 2020Archer was scratched from his start scheduled for Monday with neck tightness. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer had been scheduled to make his first start of the spring against the Yankees on Monday, but the Pirates will hold him back as a precaution after he experienced neck tightness. The issue doesn't sound too severe, but the right-hander could be limited over the next few days as a result. Archer missed the end of the 2019 season with a shoulder injury but didn't face any limitations during the offseason.
Dec 16 2019Archer (shoulder) is fully healthy and shouldn't have any limitations for offseason training, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander missed a sizeable portion of the second half of the season as a result of inflammation with his throwing shoulder, but the team said Monday that he should be "full systems go" for offseason training. Prior to the injury, Archer posted a career-worst 5.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 2019 and will look to bounce back in 2020 after having a normal offseason of work.
Nov 4 2019Archer (shoulder) will have his $8.25 million option picked up for the 2020 season, Nubyjas Wilborn of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The move was widely expected despite Archer's struggles in his injury-plagued 2019 season, as he posted a 5.19 ERA with a 143:55 K:BB over 119.2 innings. The 31-year-old's above-average strikeout rate props up his fantasy value, and he'll look to remain healthy and limit run production in 2020.
Oct 31 2019Archer will likely have his $8.25 million option picked up for the 2020 season, Jon Heyman of MLB Network reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 31-year-old had a down year in 2019 as he battled various injuries, posting a career-worst 5.19 ERA with a 1.41 WHIP over 23 starts. Still, Archer has an above-average fastball velocity and still was getting plenty of empty swings against him this past season. An official decision will need to be made by Monday.
Sep 17 2019Archer (shoulder) was transferred to the 60-day injured list, John Perrotto of DKPittsburghSports.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He has already been ruled out for the season, so this is simply a bookkeeping move to open up a spot on the 40-man roster. Archer showed some flashes prior to the injury, logging a 3.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 27 strikeouts in his final 18 innings, but his 5.19 ERA and 1.41 WHIP on the season should result in him being readily available late in drafts in 2020.
Sep 15 2019General manager Neal Huntington said Sunday that Archer (shoulder) has been shut down for the rest of the season, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After landing on the injured list Aug. 21 with right shoulder inflammation, Archer was cleared to resume a throwing program less than two weeks later. Since he started playing catch off flat ground earlier this month, Archer hasn't made enough progress to realistically build up to a starter's workload before season's end, making it an easy decision for the PIrates to shutter him. Archer will wrap up a highly disappointing campaign with a 5.19 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 143:55 K:BB across 119.2 innings, but the Pirates are still expected to pick up his affordable $8.25 million team option for 2020 and keep him in the fold as a member of the rotation.
Sep 4 2019Archer (shoulder) is playing catch on flat ground, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Archer has been down since experiencing shoulder soreness just over two weeks ago, but it appears he is feeling good enough to throw again. Archer still has a few steps to complete before he is ready for game action again, but he still has a chance to pitch again for the big club before the season comes to a close.
Aug 28 2019Director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk said Archer (shoulder) did some "one-arm plyometric throwing-like activities" Wednesday, Jason Mackey of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Aug 27 2019General manager Neal Huntington said Sunday that Archer recently received a second opinion on his right shoulder, which confirmed the original diagnosis of inflammation,
Aug 21 2019Archer was placed on the 10-day injured list Wednesday with right shoulder inflammation, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.
Aug 20 2019Archer was pulled from Tuesday's game versus the Nationals with right shoulder discomfort.
Aug 14 2019Archer (3-9) was charged with the loss at Angel Stadium on Wednesday, striking out 10 batters while surrendering four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks
Aug 9 2019Archer didn't factor into the decision in Friday's 6-2 loss to the Cardinals, allowing two runs on seven hits over six innings while striking out nine.
Aug 3 2019Archer allowed one run on five hits with two walks and six strikeouts across six innings during a no-decision against the Mets on Saturday.
Jul 28 2019Archer (3-8) allowed six runs (five earned) on five hits with four walks and four strikeouts across five innings while taking a loss against the Mets on Sunday.
Jul 23 2019Archer (3-7) allowed four runs on seven hits with two walks and six strikeouts across six innings while taking a loss against the Cardinals on Tuesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 17 2019Archer allowed three runs on five hits and two walks while recording eight strikeouts across six innings during a no-decision against the Cardinals on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 17 2019Archer allowed three runs on five hits with two walks and eight strikeouts across six innings during a no-decision against the Cardinals on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 12 2019Archer allowed three runs on three hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts across six innings during a no-decision against the Cubs on Friday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 3 2019Archer allowed three runs on five hits with three walks and eight strikeouts across five innings in a no-decision against the Cubs on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 2 2019Archer (hip) confirmed that he'll be ready to make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Cubs, Adam Berry of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 29 2019Archer still feels discomfort in his left hip and will be reevaluated Monday, John Perrotto of DKPittsburghSports.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 28 2019Archer was pulled as a precaution from Friday's game<\/a> against the Brewers with left hip discomfort. He gave up two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out six in four innings, and is on the hook for the loss.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 23 2019Archer won't start Thursday's game at Houston, Adam Berry of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 22 2019Archer allowed one run on two hits and three walks over five innings during Saturday's win over the Padres. He struck out five but did not factor in the decision.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 16 2019Archer allowed four runs on seven hits with eight strikeouts and three walks across five innings during a no-decision against the Marlins on Sunday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 11 2019Archer (3-6) allowed seven runs on eight hits with eight strikeouts and two walks across six innings while taking a loss during a rain-shortened defeat against the Braves on Tuesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 6 2019Archer (3-5) allowed one run on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks across six innings to earn a victory against the Braves on Thursday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 1 2019Archer allowed four runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks across seven innings to earn a victory against the Brewers on Friday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jun 1 2019Archer (2-5) allowed four runs on five hits with seven strikeouts and two walks across seven innings to earn a victory against the Brewers on Friday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 26 2019Archer gave up four earned runs on six hits and six walks in five innings of an 11-7 loss to the Dodgers on Sunday. He struck out three batters.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 21 2019Archer (1-4) allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits with three strikeouts and two walks across five innings during a loss against the Rockies on Tuesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 15 2019Archer (1-3) allowed seven runs (six earned) on four hits with five strikeouts and four walks across 3.2 innings while taking a loss against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 15 2019Archer (thumb) was activated from the 10-day injured list<\/a> ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 12 2019Archer (thumb) will be activated from the 10-day injured list to start Wednesday against the Diamondbacks, Adam Berry of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 10 2019Archer (thumb) felt good following a 60-pitch simulated game Friday, Bill Brink of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
May 8 2019Archer (thumb) is scheduled to throw a simulated game Friday in St. Louis, Adam Berry of MLB.com<\/a> reports.Subscribe now<\/a> to instantly reveal our take on this news.
Jul 22 2018Archer allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits while striking out 13 across six innings Sunday as he didn't factor into the decision against the Marlins.Archer got off the hook for the loss due to a five-run ninth inning after he exited the game with a three-run deficit in the sixth. He collected a season-high 13 strikeouts in his 16th outing of the year and now sits with a 99:29 K:BB over 90 innings. Archer will look to improve his 4.30 ERA heading into next Friday's start against the Orioles.
Jul 14 2018Archer lasted 4.1 innings Saturday, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out seven. He didn't factor into the decision during Tampa Bay's blowout win.The Rays delivered a deluge of runs in the later innings that locked up a victory long after Archer had exited. The erratic righty failed to finish five innings for the second straight assignment, laboring with just 59 strikes on 93 pitches. On the bright side, he induced 16 swinging strikes, allowing him to supplement his line via the K's column. This was also just his second start since returning from a stint on the disabled list due to an abdominal strain, so perhaps he's rusty. Archer will carry a 4.29 ERA into the second half yet still has hope for a notable turnaround if his 8.9 K/9 and 3.2 BB/9 can push him more toward his 3.79 FIP.
Jul 9 2018Archer (abdomen) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks across 3.1 innings in a no-decision Monday against the Tigers. He struck out three.Archer pitched relatively well considering it was his first in five weeks, throwing first-pitch strikes to 15 of 18 batters and inducing 11 swinging strikes in the short outing. He struggled in the third inning, when he allowed three runs on three hits in a walk, running up his pitch count before his removal with one out in the fourth. It wasn't the ideal return for Archer, but he can take some positives into his next scheduled turn this weekend against the Twins.
Jul 9 2018Archer (abdomen) was officially activated from the 10-day disabled list in advance of Monday's start against the Tigers, Juan Toribio of The Athletic Tampa Bay reports.He is set for a two-start week, with another start on tap this weekend in Minnesota. Archer logged four no-hit innings, striking out seven for High-A Charlotte in his lone rehab start. He only threw 54 pitches in that outing, so he will likely be on a pitch count in his first start back.
Jul 6 2018Archer (abdomen) will return from the disabled list to start Monday's game against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Manager Kevin Cash confirmed Archer for Monday's contest, and he will likely be limited to about 75 pitches. The 29-year-old has been on the disabled list since June 5 with an abdominal strain, and had a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 76.1 innings prior to the injury.
Jul 4 2018Archer (abdomen) tossed four innings during a rehab start with High-A Charlotte on Tuesday and may return to the Rays' rotation Monday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said that Archer felt good following the minor-league outing, during which the right-hander allowed just one baserunner on a walk and struck out seven over four scoreless frames. Looking ahead, tentatively plan on Archer taking the hill against Detroit on Monday, though he would likely be on some sort of restricted pitch count. Official confirmation on Archer's next step should come over the weekend.
Jun 29 2018Archer (abdomen) will throw four innings in a rehab start Wednesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.If all goes well after that rehab start, Archer may be ready to come off the disabled list. Assuming he gets a full four days of rest following the rehab appearance, he'd be on track to return June 9 against the Tigers.
Jun 28 2018Archer (abdomen) threw a 46-pitch simulated game Thursday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer will be re-evaluated Friday but the right-hander confirmed that everything went well during the three-inning sim game. If he checks out fine Friday morning, expect Archer to embark on a rehab assignment in the minors at some point next week.
Jun 25 2018Archer (abdomen) threw a bullpen session Monday without any apparent issue, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.The Rays figure to provide more details regarding Monday's session, but Archer was spotted bumping fists with staffers and also participating in other drills afterward, so it seems things went as expected.
Jun 25 2018Archer (abdomen) will throw a sim game Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer will head out on a rehab assignment after the sim game, provided he gets through it without issues. If he remains on track and needs just one rehab start, he could be lined up to return near the end of the first week of July.
Jun 23 2018Archer (abdomen) will toss another bullpen session Monday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer stated that he was "highly encouraged" by Friday's 20-pitch session and felt great Saturday morning. The right-hander remains optimistic that he will be able to return in early July, but that will depend on his progression over the next week. Look for Archer to begin a rehab assignment in the near future if all goes well during Monday's session.
Jun 22 2018Archer (abdomen) completed a 20-pitch bullpen session Friday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.Archer was limited to fastballs and will throw another session Monday if he avoiding any setbacks from Friday's session. The 29-year-old will likely require a multi-game rehab assignment as well and a return during the first week of July remains up in the air.
Jun 20 2018Archer (abdomen) threw from 120 feet on Wednesday at Tropicana Field, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.The right-hander continues to build toward resuming his bullpen sessions, with Friday the current restart date. Archer suffered a setback after a bullpen nine days ago, which short-circuited plans for him to pitch in a simulated game the following day. If Archer is able to get through Friday's session without setbacks, he could potentially begin what is expected to be a multi-game rehab assignment, but he's likely to need at least one more bullpen before taking that step.
Jun 18 2018Archer (abdominal) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer suffered a minor setback after a bullpen session last week, but the soreness he experienced has apparently subsided and he's ready to resume mound work. Even if Friday's bullpen is a success, however, manager Kevin Cash said the right-hander is still likely several weeks away from returning given he'll need to make multiple rehab starts.
Jun 15 2018Archer (abdomen) played catch at Tropicana Field with teammate Jake Faria (oblique) Friday and reported feeling good, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.It's a modest but positive step for Archer, who won't test himself off a mound again until the recent soreness he experienced after a bullpen session has completely abated. Archer's potential timeline for activation remains highly murky at present as a result of his limitations, but he'll continue throwing from flat ground at a minimum in order to keep his arm conditioned.
Jun 12 2018Archer (abdomen) downplayed the seriousness of the soreness he was feeling after his recent bullpen session, but he'll only engage in throwing from flat ground for the time being, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "I just came away from my bullpen [session] a little more sore the next day than I would have liked," said Archer, who has been on the disabled list since June 5. "So it just tells us I need to rest a little bit longer. "...Whenever I start to throw with no soreness, then it will start to progress."Manager Kevin Cash had deemed Archer's recent issues a "setback" on Monday, although he walked that assessment back a bit when speaking to reporters Tuesday. However, both Archer and the Rays skipper acknowledge that the right-hander is feeling too sore to throw off a mound for the moment, but not enough to prevent him from keeping his arm conditioned by doing some throwing from flat ground. Cash confirmed that Archer is slated for "a couple of days off" at minimum from any bullpens, after which his condition will likely be reevaluated.
Jun 11 2018Archer (abdomen) suffered a setback Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer has been feeling soreness for the last two days while recovering from his abdominal strain. He was set to throw a simulated game Monday, but that plan is now on hold. The extent of his setback has not yet been made clear.
Jun 9 2018Archer (abdomen) tossed a 20-pitch bullpen Saturday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer reportedly threw his fastball, slider and changeup without experiencing any pain. He's slated to throw live batting practice Tuesday, and it's possible that he could be activated from the disabled list in time for Tampa Bay's next road trip (starting June 14 against the Yankees) if all goes well, per Topkin. Another update on Archer's progress should become available following Tuesday's throwing session.
Jun 8 2018Archer (abdomen) played catch both Thursday and Friday and is set for a side session Saturday, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "If that goes good, on Tuesday we'll most likely set up some kind of [simulated] game, live [batting practice] for him to get some up-down work," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "It's tough to get too far advanced on Arch. We have to see how he responds after every box he checks."Cash added that he's hopeful of Archer being able to avoid a rehab assignment. The right-hander's level of activity thus far is encouraging, and if he can emerge from three consecutive days of work without setbacks, he may well be on his way to a just a minimum stay on the disabled list.
Jun 6 2018Archer (abdomen) is expected to resume a throwing program over the weekend but will likely miss two turns through the rotation, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "The main thing now is I need to rest...[It's] just wear and tear. I've been doing this for a long time without stopping," Archer said Tuesday, regarding his placement on the 10-day disabled list. "I think my body is just telling me maybe you need to slow down for 7-to-10 days and hopefully pick right back up where I left off.''Archer exited his previous start Saturday with what was initially diagnosed as a groin injury before an MRI on Monday revealed he sustained a left abdominal strain. The Rays shifted him to the DL a day later and appear prepared to proceed without him for slightly longer than the 10-day minimum, assuming Archer incurs no setbacks once he begins throwing again. To cover for Archer's absence, Wilmer Font is slated to start Friday's game against the Mariners, but long reliever Matt Andriese will piggyback him in the outing and is expected to cover the bulk of the innings in that contest.
Jun 5 2018Archer was placed on the 10-day disabled list Tuesday with a left abdominal strain, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer visited Dr. William Meyers on Monday, and after further evaluation, it was determined he'll require a stint on the disabled list. He was scheduled to make his next start over the weekend against Seattle, but Archer will be forced to miss at least one start, as the move is retroactive to Sunday. It's unclear if he'll be forced to miss more than the minimum. Diego Castillo has been recalled from Triple-A Durham to replace Tampa Bay's ace.
Jun 4 2018Archer (groin) was slated to visit with core muscle specialist Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia on Monday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.An update on the outcome of the evaluation may be available Tuesday, at which point Archer's chances of taking the mound for his next scheduled start against the Mariners would also become clearer. The right-hander's early exit from a start versus Seattle last Saturday due to groin tightness was cause for alarm, especially considering how integral the core muscles are to the effectiveness of a power pitcher such as Archer.
Jun 3 2018Archer (groin) said Sunday that it's "questionable" if he'll be able to make his next scheduled start in the Rays' series with the Mariners during the upcoming weekend, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer experienced groin tightness during his abbreviated start Saturday against the Mariners, lasting just five innings and surrendering two runs on seven hits and two walks to take the loss in the outing. With Archer reporting limited improvement a day after suffering the injury, it's not looking promising that he'll be able to take the hill on his normal rest. Before the Rays formally reach a decision on Archer's status, he'll meet with Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia on Monday for an MRI, which should shed more light on the extent of Archer's setback.
Jun 2 2018Archer was removed from Saturday's game against the Mariners after five innings with groin tightness, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.In his five innings of work, Archer allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out six en route to his fourth loss. Regarding the groin issue, manager Kevin Cash told the Times, "He'll probably get checked out here in the next day or two and see how it is. . . I'm not overly concerned just because of the way the ball was coming out of his hand, but it tightened up a bit." For now, consider Archer questionable for next week's turn at home against these same Mariners.
May 28 2018Archer threw six shutout innings and allowed just four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts but was left with a no-decision Monday against the Athletics.For the second straight start, Archer has been let down by his offense, as he has now allowed just one run over his past 12 innings with 13 strikeouts. Archer now has quality starts in five of his past six outings and has been pitching like an ace ever since the calendar flipped to May. His slider alone induced a whopping 13 swinging strikes Monday night. When Archer's slider is on point and paired with his upper-90s fastball, he's one of the most vicious pitchers in the majors. He'll top off a two-start week Saturday against the Mariners.
May 24 2018Archer allowed one run on four hits and three walks with six strikeouts through six innings Wednesday night against the Red Sox but was left with a no-decision.Archer was dueled blow-for-blow by Boston starter David Price. A strong May continues for Archer, who was horrible in March and April, with a 6.61 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in six starts in the season's first month and change. In five May starts, Archer now owns a 2.76 ERA with a 1.07 WHIP. The main difference has been his ability to keep the ball in the yard. Archer allowed a homer in each of his first six starts, but aside from his worst May start, in which he allowed three home runs against the Orioles on May 12, Archer hasn't allowed a home run all month. He'll look to keep things trending in the right direction when he takes the mound next Monday against Oakland.
May 17 2018Archer (3-3) got the win against the Angels on Thursday, throwing 6.2 shutout innings, allowing just two hits, striking out five and walking four as the Rays cruised to a 7-1 victory.After getting tagged for six earned runs despite going seven innings in his last start, Archer was able to bounce back with a strong outing and collect his third win of the season. It was his third quality start in his last four trips to the mound, but overall it's still been erratic start to the season for the right-hander, who sports an unsightly 5.01 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP through 59.1 innings. He also has a daunting matchup in his next start as he's scheduled to take the mound against a loaded Red Sox lineup next Wednesday.
May 12 2018Archer (2-3) was hit with the loss Saturday against the Orioles, allowing six runs on seven hits and three walks across seven innings. He struck out four.It was the second straight start Archer made it seven innings, though his line was less favorable Saturday thanks to the trio of long balls he conceded. The 29-year-old has now given up nine home runs through nine starts (1.5 HR/9); he served up a homer in each of his first six starts but had kept the ball in the yard in his previous two outings heading into Saturday. He also allowed Chance Sisco to steal home and saw another run score on a wild pitch. Archer now owns an unremarkable 5.64 ERA through nine starts (52.2 innings) despite his solid 52:15 K:BB. He'll look to bounce back in his next start, which will come on the road against the Angels.
May 6 2018Archer struck out six, walked none and scattered five hits over seven strong innings but didn't factor into the decision as Tampa Bay fell 2-1 to the Blue Jays on Sunday.Archer had been having a rough season coming into this contest, sporting a 6.05 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP, but he checked in with his best outing of the season in this start against Toronto, which also marked his second straight quality start and his third in his last four outings. His 5.32 ERA and 1.40 WHIP still aren't pretty and he hasn't been striking out batters at quite as prolific a rate as he has in the past, but hopefully the recent strong outings are a sign he's ready to move past his early season struggles and start to hack away at those ugly ratios.
May 1 2018Archer (2-2) allowed two runs on six hits and one walk across six innings while taking the loss Tuesday against the Tigers. He struck out six.Archer scattered baserunners for the most part, giving up single runs in the third and fifth innings en route to his second quality start of the season. He pitched well enough to win, but Matthew Boyd twirled a gem of his own on the other end and sunk him to his second loss. Archer was less than impressive over his first four outings, but he's gone at least six innings while allowing exactly two earned runs in two of his last three outings to lower his bloated ERA to 6.05. Somewhat concerningly, Archer has allowed 22 hits over his last 18 innings, and his 9.8 K/9 is his lowest since 2014.
Apr 26 2018Archer (2-1) allowed four earned runs on 11 hits while walking one and striking out seven across 5.1 innings to earn the win Thursday against the Orioles.Despite earning his second win of the season, it was another rough outing for Archer as he continued his undesirable streak of allowing a home run in each of his starts. On the positive side, he did earn his seven strikeouts with a prolific 19 swinging strikes, illustrating that he still has plenty of deception in his stuff. Both his BABIP and strand rate indicate that things will improve over time, but his current stat-line remains unsightly.
Apr 24 2018Archer's next scheduled start has been moved to Thursday against the Orioles, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer had been scheduled to start Wednesday's game against Baltimore. Although Archer will still face the Orioles, he'll have an extra day to rest with Tampa Bay bumping their rotation back a day following the postponement of Tuesday's game.
Apr 21 2018Archer (1-1) had to settle for a no-decision in Friday's extra-inning win over the Twins, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk over 6.2 innings while striking out five.It's his first quality start in five trips to the mound this season. Archer threw 62 of 92 pitches for strikes, and while his 6.59 ERA remains ugly, his 29:10 K:BB in 27.1 innings suggests it will come down soon enough. The right-hander's next start will come Wednesday on the road in Baltimore.
Apr 20 2018Archer, who'll start Friday night's game against the Twins, isn't a subject of concern for manager Kevin Cash despite sporting a 7.84 ERA and 1.69 WHIP over his first four starts, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.The same goes for Archer himself, who states that he's already "flushed" his disastrous outing against the Phillies last time out. The hard-throwing right-hander allowed seven earned runs over four innings in that start, but he commented that he felt much better over his last pair of frames and felt he was actually "getting into a groove" following a forgettable second inning. Meanwhile, Cash feels that there's isn't anything amiss physically or mechanically with his staff ace despite his struggles, and he also brushed off talk that Archer should resort to mixing more changeups into his repertoire. "I don't agree with that," Cash said. "He's a fastball-slider pitcher. He can use it as he wants. But I certainly don't agree with the fact that the changeup needs to be in place of his fastball or slider. And he doesn't either."
Apr 14 2018Archer (1-1) took the loss against the Phillies on Saturday, surrendering seven runs on eight hits and two walks over four innings while striking out two.Four of the hits off Archer went for extra bases, including two doubles by rookie Scott Kingery and a solo home run by J.P. Crawford. The right-hander has allowed at least four runs in each of his first four starts this season, saddling him with a 7.84 ERA despite a strong 24:9 K:BB in 20.2 innings. Archer will look to turn things around Friday at home against the Twins.
Apr 9 2018Archer (1-0) gave up four runs (three earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over 5.2 innings in Monday's 5-4 victory over the White Sox.For the second consecutive game, Archer struck out eight batters in less than six innings of work. Although the righty managed to earn his first win of the season, home runs remained an issue for Archer, as he gave up a two-run shot to Nicky Delmonico in the fifth inning. Over three games (16.2 innings) Archer has now surrendered three home runs. His next start projects to be Saturday when the Rays host the Phillies.
Apr 4 2018Archer's next scheduled start will be against the White Sox on Monday, Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer recently took the mound versus the Yankees on Tuesday, allowing four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out eight batters over five innings. The 29-year-old hasn't factored into either decision during his first two starts of the season, and instead of facing Boston for the second time in 2018, manager Kevin Cash decided to throw another "bullpen game" Sunday for the series finale.
Apr 4 2018Archer allowed four runs on six hits and three walks while striking out eight batters during Tuesday's 11-4 loss to the Yankees. He didn't factor into the decision.Archer also allowed four runs through six frames to the Red Sox in his season debut. The 29-year-old righty is one of the best and most reliable sources of strikeouts in the league, but his ratios and win totals haven't been a lot of help to fantasy owners over the past two seasons. With another start against Boston up next, there's potential for Archer's underwhelming start to 2018 to continue.
Apr 2 2018Rays skipper Kevin Cash indicated Archer would start Tuesday's series opener against the Yankees, Lindsey Adler of The Athletic New York reports.Following a postponement Monday, the Rays will be able to deploy Archer on his normal four days' rest Tuesday rather than having to wait until Wednesday to use him. The move up a day in the pitching schedule sets the ace up for a two-step this week, with another turn awaiting him Sunday in Boston. Blake Snell is also expected to move up a day and start Wednesday, which likely paves the way for Austin Pruitt to enter the four-man rotation and take the hill for the opener Thursday against the Red Sox.
Mar 29 2018Archer pitched six innings Thursday against the Red Sox, allowing four earned runs on six hits and one walk while striking out six.Archer's final line is an unfair reflection of the way he pitched Thursday, as two of his earned runs came on a routine fly ball that his defense misplayed resulting in an inside-the-park home run. Otherwise, Archer looked sharp, starting 17 of the 24 batters he faced with a strike. One thing to monitor going forward will be Archer's leash to pitch deep into games, as he was pulled after six innings despite throwing just 81 pitches. That may have been due to the fact that it was Opening Day and the Rays didn't want to push him in his first start, but they have shown the tendency to pull their starters early in the past.
Mar 26 2018Archer (forearm) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Monday, but reiterated a day earlier that he feels fine and doesn't view the session as any kind of test of his availability for Thursday's season opener against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer supported the notion that his bruised right forearm isn't a concern by playing catch Sunday without any restrictions. As a result, his bullpen session looks like it will be a fairly standard one, as Archer isn't expected to throw any more than he usually would to compensate for his abbreviated final start of the spring Friday. With Archer deeming himself good to go for Opening Day, it appears any limitations he might face with his workload would be performance-based.
Mar 24 2018Archer (forearm) reported feeling better Saturday and planned to go through his normal routine for a day after an outing, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "Still a little sore," Archer said. "Obviously, cause I got hit by a baseball. Swelling's down. The pain is almost completely gone. Just a little tight."A comebacker on the forearm Friday threw a scare into Archer and the Rays, but Saturday's report helps allay those fears to a large extent. Archer had already gone through one round of treatment by the time he spoke to reporters at the Charlotte Sports Complex on Saturday morning, and he planned on repeating the process again later in the day. The hard-throwing righty reiterated his confidence in being able to take the mound on Opening Day next Thursday without limitations, a prognosis that appears to be accurate if his current progress is any indication.
Mar 23 2018Archer was removed from a minor-league game Friday after being hit by a ground ball on the forearm, Steve Carney of 620 WDAE reports.This was scheduled to be the final tuneup prior to Archer's Opening Day start against the Red Sox on Thursday. The team hasn't released any information on his injury at this time but expect an update in the coming hours.
Mar 23 2018Archer (forearm) should be ready for Opening Day according to manager Kevin Cash, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.Archer was struck on the forearm by a groundball in a minor-league game Friday and was removed with a contusion. The issue doesn't appear to be serious. Barring setbacks, Archer will be good to go to start the season.
Mar 23 2018Archer sustained a right forearm contusion after being struck by a groundball in the fifth inning of Friday's minor-league outing. The Rays released a statement saying that his removal was precautionary and that the injury is "nothing serious," Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.There doesn't appear to be any concern that Archer's Opening Day start is in jeopardy, but he should be considered day-to-day for the time being until the club confirms that he will make the start against Boston on Thursday. In 2017, Archer posted a 4.07 ERA and 1.26 WHIP with a 249:60 K:BB over 201 innings.
Mar 20 2018Archer's final start of spring will be on a back field at the Charlotte Sports Complex on Friday, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.Archer was brilliant Sunday against the Tigers, and as it turns out, that start will mark the final time he faces major-league hitters in spring training. The hard-throwing right-hander and Opening Day starter will throw to minor leaguers with Wilson Ramos behind the dish on Friday. Seven innings or 105 pitches -- whichever comes first -- will serve as the benchmark for Archer, who'd previously expressed a desire to at least hit the century mark in pitch count before taking the mound to start the regular season.
Mar 19 2018Archer (1-0) fired 5.1 scoreless innings in Sunday's 10-5 Grapefruit League win over the Tigers, allowing two hits and recording four strikeouts.The Opening Day starter worked up to 74 pitches, 46 of which were strikes, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. Archer mentioned his overall efficiency and his changeups as two areas of focus during Sunday's outing, and he also emphasized he'd aim for 100 pitches on Friday against either an Orioles or Blue Jays split squad, citing his desire to avoid a scenario that unfolded in the 2017 opener against the Yankees. "Last year, the most I threw was like 5 2/3 [innings] and 88 pitches," Archer said. "And the first game of the season, I was in the seventh inning with the bases loaded with over 100 pitches. And I hadn't been there since the year prior. I wanted to avoid that. I'm giving myself extra rest as opposed to [having an outing where I throw less pitches]."
Mar 15 2018Archer will start the Rays' Opening Day tilt with the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer is the unquestioned ace of Tampa Bay's staff, so it comes as little surprise that he will take the ball for the season opener. The right-hander has struggled against the Red Sox recently, producing just a 4.48 ERA in 12 starts against them over the past three years. Boston also hit .262 off him in this span. At this point, it seems like Archer will face off against southpaw Chris Sale on Opening Day.
Mar 14 2018Archer recorded five strikeouts while allowing two earned runs on one hit and three walks over 4.1 innings in Tuesday's 6-3 Grapefruit League loss to the Phillies.It was the longest outing of spring for Archer, who stretched out to 81 pitches, throwing 47 for strikes. While he reported a couple of regrets -- a leadoff walk to the speedy Roman Quinn after being ahead 0-2 and the 3-0 fastball that Maikel Franco went deep on in the fourth -- Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports that the right-hander was pleased with his performance overall, especially his changeup. "Today, [the changeup] actually felt like a better pitch -- swing and miss -- in the strike zone than my slider," Archer said.
Mar 9 2018Archer allowed two earned runs on five hits and a walk over three innings in a 6-6 Grapefruit League tie with the Red Sox on Thursday. He also recorded a strikeout.The final line was far from sharp, but according to a report from Glenn Sattell of MLB.com, Archer was elated with his overall performance. "Today's the best I've felt all spring," said Archer. "I was able to face a really good team, get a lot of outs and get outs in ways I typically wouldn't. Lot of changeups, got a lot of good feedback. Not all of them were strikes, but high-quality pitches." The changeup was a particular source of pride for the hard-throwing right-hander, who noted that he was glad to see the official scorer often mistake it for a slider, an indication of how well-disguised it generally was. Archer stretched out to 47 pitches overall and was also pleased with the results his actual slider yielded, a pitch he was able to miss multiple bats with as well. Ramping up for a likely Opening Day turn, Archer will look to up his workload in a projected start against the Phillies next Tuesday.
Mar 4 2018Archer started Saturday's 7-4 Grapefruit League win over the Tigers and allowed two earned runs on two hits and two walks over 1.1 innings. He also recorded a strikeout.Archer surrendered a two-run home run to Nick Castellanos after issuing a two-out walk in the first, which served to sully his final line. The hard-throwing right-hander had looked much more efficient against the Blue Jays in his spring training debut last Monday, firing a pair of scoreless innings in which he'd allowed only one hit. Despite getting touched up Saturday, Archer walked away pleased with some aspects of his outing, as per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, as he was able to stick to a plan of exclusively throwing fastballs and changeups while staying away from his slider, which he's normally relied on as a bail-out pitch. He'll look to put together a better all-around performance while increasing his pitch count in his next start, which should transpire in the latter part of the coming week.
Mar 1 2018Archer will make his Grapefruit League debut Saturday against the Tigers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Trade winds have been swirling around Archer throughout the offseason, but he appears poised to stick with the Rays to begin the upcoming campaign. That sentiment was essentially supported by general manager Erik Neander, who said last week shortly after a string of Tampa Bay trades that it's "extremely unlikely" that the team continues dealing away core contributors, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The Rays could revisit dealing away Archer should they be out of contention for a playoff spot as the trade deadline approaches, but no matter which uniform he wears throughout 2018, the right-hander likely find himself among the league leaders in strikeouts if health prevails.
Sep 30 2017Archer (10-12) earned the win over the Orioles on Saturday, allowing just two hits and two walks over five scoreless innings. He struck out six.Archer came into the game having dropped five consecutive decisions, so it was good to see him end the season with a win. There was a forearm scare near the end of the campaign, but it proved minor, and Archer ultimately surpassed 200 innings for a third straight season. While his heavy slider usage could catch up to him eventually, Archer has been extremely durable to this point in his career.
Sep 24 2017Archer (9-12) allowed six runs -- five earned -- on eight hits and a walk while striking out two batters through just 3.2 innings to take the loss against Baltimore on Sunday.Archer has now lost five consecutive games with 21 runs allowed over just 16.2 innings. It's been a discouraging stretch to finish the season, and a potentially crippling one to fantasy owners that counted on the righty. Archer will look to right the ship in a repeat matchup against Baltimore at Tropicana Field in his final start of 2017.
Sep 19 2017Archer (9-11) gave up just two runs over six innings against the Cubs on Tuesday, but that was enough to land him in the loss column. He struck out six while allowing four hits and a walk.Considering that Archer's last three appearances had seen him give up 13 runs (11 earned) in a grand total of seven innings, this represents a big step forward for him even though it's his fourth consecutive loss. Archer's strikeout prowess is matched by few in the game, but his proneness to the long ball and occasionally suspect control have conspired to limit his fantasy value. The Rays' status as a sub-.500 team certainly isn't helping either.
Sep 13 2017Archer (9-10) gave up three runs on six hits and three walks while striking out five over four innings in a losing effort against the Yankees on Wednesday.Archer has struggled in two starts since his return from a bout of forearm tightness, allowing nine earned runs on 15 hits over seven innings. The Rays have not given any indication that the forearm is still an issue. Assuming nothing surfaces on that front in the coming days, Archer will toe the rubber next week against the Cubs, and most owners will want to keep him active even after this recent rough stretch.
Sep 8 2017Archer (forearm) is officially in the lineup card and starting Friday's game against Boston, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer was confirmed as the starter Wednesday, and will indeed be ready to go for the series opener following a premature exit from his previous outing Saturday, due to right lateral forearm tightness. The right-hander felt "great" after playing catch Tuesday, and avoided any structural damage in his pitching arm.
Sep 8 2017Archer (9-9) allowed eight runs, six of which were earned, on nine hits and one walk while striking out five across three innings to take the loss Friday against the Red Sox.Archer gave up a three-run homer to Mookie Betts in the first inning before getting tagged for five more runs before recording an out in the fourth inning. After suffering a forearm injury in his last outing, he certainly didn't have his typical type of performance, but if he checks out healthy, fantasy owners will hope that he gets on track quickly. He'll make his next start Wednesday against the Yankees.
Sep 6 2017Archer (forearm) will start Friday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.The plan had been for Austin Pruitt to start Friday with Archer moving back a day or two, but Pruitt was needed in relief Wednesday and Archer is now slated to remain on his normal schedule after all. Archer left his start last weekend after eight pitches due to tightness in his forearm, but no structural damage was found upon examination and he played catch Tuesday without any lingering discomfort.
Sep 5 2017Archer (forearm) will not start Friday's game against the Red Sox, though he said he's hoping to pitch Saturday or Sunday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer exited his last start in the first inning with lateral forearm tightness, and while the issue will slightly delay his next start, it isn't expected to sideline him for too long. X-rays came back clean, and Archer said he "felt great" after playing catch Tuesday, so if everything checks out when he ramps up his throwing Wednesday, the ace may be able to return to the Rays' rotation over the weekend. Austin Pruitt will start in his place Friday.
Sep 4 2017Archer had his forearm examined by team orthopedic surgeon Dr. Koco Eaton on Monday and received confirmation that there is no structural damage, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.This was the best-case scenario after Archer was forced from his start against the White Sox last Saturday in the first inning with lateral forearm tightness. The hard-throwing right-hander is scheduled to play catch Tuesday and then be reexamined. Manager Kevin Cash has said that the odds are against Archer making his next scheduled starter against the Red Sox on Friday, but the good news is that he apparently will pitch again this season.
Sep 3 2017Archer said Sunday that he's still dealing with some tightness in his forearm following his early departure from Saturday's game against the White Sox, but is optimistic that he's not dealing with anything serious and will be able to make his next start, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.According to Topkin, Archer, who was removed Saturday in the first inning without recording an out, will visit with a doctor early Monday to confirm that he's not dealing with any muscular injury. If that's indeed the case, Archer would play catch later that day before throwing his normal pre-start bullpen session, likely on Wednesday. That would put Archer on tap to take the hill Friday for the first contest of a three-game series in Boston over the weekend.
Sep 2 2017Archer left Saturday's game with an apparent injury.Archer gave up back-to-back homers to begin the game and was ultimately pulled after his eighth pitch with zero outs recorded in the frame. We'll await word from the team as to the exact nature and severity of the injury.
Sep 2 2017Archer left Saturday's game in the first inning with right lateral forearm tightness.Anything involving the forearm is scary, especially with a pitcher like Archer who throws so many sliders, but the Rays are saying that his removal was precautionary. That would suggest Archer could make his next scheduled start in Boston so long as he experiences no further issues in his between-starts bullpen session.
Aug 27 2017Archer didn't factor into the decision Sunday despite holding the Cardinals to one run on five hits with one walk and eight strikeouts over seven strong innings.The only blemish on Archer's ledger was a seventh-inning home run by Kolten Wong, but the bullpen promptly surrendered the tying run in the eighth to take away the starter's chance at nabbing his 10th win. While Archer's posted a tremendous 69:9 K:BB in 50.1 innings over his past seven starts, he has a mere 2-2 record to show for his efforts during that stretch. He'll have a great opportunity to get back in the win column Saturday against the lowly White Sox.
Aug 23 2017Archer (9-7) picked up the win after striking out 10 while allowing three runs -- one earned -- on four hits and a walk over six innings against the Blue Jays on Tuesday.A passed ball by Wilson Ramos on a fifth-inning strikeout led to a pair of unearned runs on Archer's ledger, but he got just enough support to hold on for the win despite a couple late runs allowed by Tampa's bullpen. Archer has now whiffed 10 in two straight starts (both against Toronto) and accumulated double-digit strikeouts nine times this season, contributing to his lofty total of 217 in 172.1 innings. The ERA and WHIP are still a bit too high for him to join the ranks of the game's elite pitchers, but only Chris Sale and Max Scherzer have more strikeouts this year.
Aug 17 2017Archer allowed three runs on five hits while striking out 10 batters during Thursday's loss to Toronto. He didn't factor into the decision.Despite allowing only 20 earned runs through his past eight starts, Archer has collected just a single win. He's up to an 11.2 K/9 for the season, and his 3.84 ERA and 1.22 WHIP are also strong marks, but he's been unlucky in the wins column with just eight victories for the campaign. Archer lines up to make his next start against the Blue Jays again, but this game will be at Tropicana Field.
Aug 12 2017Archer (8-7) allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out eight over 5.1 innings to take the loss Saturday against the Indians.Archer gave up single runs in the first, third and sixth innings, but the offense was unable to provide him any support, and as a result, he dropped his seventh decision of the season. He continues to be an excellent source of strikeouts, and he's consistently kept his ERA just below four over the past month and a half. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Blue Jays.
Aug 6 2017Archer (8-6) tossed six innings of one-run ball with three hits, two walks and seven strikeouts during Sunday's 2-1 win over the Brewers.Archer was in command of his repertoire Sunday as he mowed down Brewers hitters in the first five frames, allowing just one walk and one hit in the process. His only real mistake came on the solo shot he allowed to Orlando Arcia in the sixth inning which spoiled the ace's shot at earning the win. Nonetheless, it was an encouraging outing for Archer, who had given up a combined seven earned runs over his previous two starts against the Astros and Yankees. He'll take a 3.80 ERA into his upcoming scheduled start against the Indians on Saturday.
Aug 2 2017Archer (8-6) gave up four earned runs on six hits over six-plus innings in Tuesday's 6-4 win over the Astros. He struck out five.The hard-throwing right-hander was mostly cruising until the fifth, when Carlos Beltran and Alex Bregman got to him for solo home runs. The pair would be responsible for the other two runs on Archer's ledger as well, but the early lead the Rays had built against Mike Fiers was enough to give Archer his first victory since July 4. His strikeout total was his lowest since June 29, as he notched just seven swinging strikes overall. While he continues to pitch to plenty of contact, his 1.24 WHIP is identical to last season's, while his current 3.89 ERA is a modest improvement on last year's 4.02. He'll look to string together consecutive victories for the first time since late June when he takes on the Brewers next Sunday.
Jul 27 2017Archer allowed three runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters through six innings during Thursday's loss to the Yankees. He didn't factor into the decision.Archer has now allowed just six earned runs over 19 innings through his three starts following the All-Star break. He continues to pile up strikeouts in bunches and sports a solid 3.80 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 11.2 K/9 for the year. Archer's punchout upside also makes him a matchup-proof option in the majority of settings. He lines up for a difficult matchup against the Astros at Minute Maid Park in his next start.
Jul 22 2017Archer (7-6) allowed four runs, one of which was earned, on four hits and one walk while striking out 11 across seven innings to take the loss Saturday against the Rangers.Archer entered the sixth inning with a 3-1 lead, but his defense let him down, allowing the Rangers to take the lead and causing him to drop his sixth decision of the year. He's fanned at least eight batters in each of his June and July starts while posting a respectable 3.77 ERA on the year, making him a fairly reliable fantasy option. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Yankees.
Jul 16 2017Archer allowed two runs on five hits with five walks and nine strikeouts in Sunday's no-decision against the Angels.Archer issued no more than three free passes in any of his previous 10 starts, but was able to successfully pitch around his control problems for the most part. Despite logging his fourth consecutive quality start, the right-hander was positioned to take the loss until Logan Morrison tied the game with a two-run homer in the seventh. Archer will look to snap a streak of 12 consecutive outings with at least two runs allowed Saturday against the Rangers.
Jul 9 2017Archer allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks across 6.2 innings in Sunday's no-decision against the Red Sox. He struck out eight.Archer was quite solid for much of the afternoon, but a leadoff home run from Mookie Betts and a two-run shot from Dustin Pedroia in the seventh inning bookended his performance, costing him a shot at his eighth win of the season. Despite the long ball issues, he missed bats at a high rate once again and will carry a career-high 10.8 K/9 into the All-Star break. Archer has failed to produce as many shutdown performances in 2017 as we are accustomed to, which his 3.91 ERA reflects, but he has already posted 12 quality starts and will look to bring some additional consistency after the All-Star break.
Jul 7 2017Archer, who is scheduled to start Sunday's game against the Red Sox, has been selected as an All-Star Game replacement, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer is confident he'll be able to pitch an inning in Tuesday's Midsummer Classic if needed despite taking the ball just two days earlier. The hard-throwing right-hander has had an uneven first half while producing a 7-5 record and 3.95 ERA, but his 139 strikeouts rank second in the American League, while his 116.1 innings are the third-most of any AL hurler.
Jul 4 2017Archer (7-5) allowed three runs on eight hits and three walks across six innings in Tuesday's win over the Cubs. He struck out eight.Archer put an uncomfortable number of men on base in this one, but he escaped several jams to mitigate the damage against him, which amounted to a run in the second inning and two more in the fifth. He labored through 116 pitches over six frames, but he threw an impressive 69 percent for strikes, including 24 in swinging fashion. Archer hasn't enjoyed many stellar performances of late, but he has gone at least six innings in nine straight starts and has won three of his last four. He will carry a 3.95 ERA into Sunday's start against the Red Sox.
Jun 29 2017Archer (6-5) allowed three runs on eight hits while striking out five batters through six innings during Thursday's loss to Pittsburgh.Archer entered the outing with a 3-3 record and 4.76 ERA over his previous eight outings. He has continued to pile up strikeouts and sports an elite 10.7 K/9 for the campaign, but his game-to-game inconsistency caps his upside, as he's now allowed four runs or more in five of his past nine games. There is talk that Tampa Bay plans to start Archer twice before the All-Star break, which means he'll probably face the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Tuesday.
Jun 28 2017Archer, who'll start Thursday's series finale versus the Pirates, may have his next start moved up to Tuesday to get him an extra start before the All-Star break, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.That development would entail Archer going on three days' rest on July 4 against the Cubs, which would then afford him the chance to start the Rays' final game before the All-Star break on Sunday, July 9 versus the Red Sox. The hard-throwing right-hander is still trying to find a measure of consistency after giving up four earned runs in three of his last five starts, as well as issuing multiple walks in 10 of his 16 outings this season.
Jun 28 2017Archer, who'll pitch Thursday's series finale versus the Pirates, may have his following start moved up to Tuesday to get him an extra turn before the All-Star break, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.That development would entail Archer going on three days' rest on July 4 against the Cubs, which would then afford him the chance to start the Rays' final game before the All-Star break on Sunday, July 9 versus the Red Sox. The hard-throwing right-hander is still trying to find a measure of consistency after giving up four earned runs in three of his last five starts, as well as issuing multiple walks in 10 of his 16 outings this season.
Jun 23 2017Archer (6-4) allowed five runs on eight hits and two walks while striking out four across six innings to earn the win Friday against the Orioles.Archer was provided 14 runs of offensive support before leaving the contest, enabling him to win his sixth game of the season despite a fairly ineffective outing. He's failed to post quality starts in two of his last three outings, but his best fantasy value comes from the fact that he strikes out more than a batter per inning. He'll make his next start Thursday against the Pirates.
Jun 17 2017Archer (5-4) allowed two runs on six hits and one walk through six innings in Saturday's win over the Tigers. He whiffed eight batters.After struggling through his last outing (four runs across six innings), Archer rebounded to notch his fourth quality start in six tries. While he has been somewhat inconsistent as of late, the 28-year-old boasts a solid 3.75 ERA to go with his impressive 11.4 K/9 through 15 starts (96.1 innings) this season. Archer's next scheduled start will come Friday against the Orioles, who tagged him for five runs in 6.2 innings of work earlier in the year.
Jun 11 2017Archer allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks across six innings in a no-decision Sunday against the A's. He struck out eight.Archer allowed a constant stream of baserunners in this one and failed to work around them as he was scored upon in the second, fourth and sixth innings. He reached three walks for the first time in five starts and saw his pitch count elevate further due to 29 foul balls by a pesky Oakland lineup, which ended his day after just six frames. Archer's results have been a mixed bag of late, as he has now allowed four or more runs in three of his last six outings, posting a 4.84 ERA during that span. A positive has been his impressive K/9, which now sits at 11.1 for the season, and he will look to get back on track Saturday against the Tigers.
Jun 6 2017Archer (4-4) allowed two runs on five hits with no walks across seven innings in Tuesday's loss to the White Sox. He struck out 11.Archer pitched masterfully at times in this one, but he bookended his night with a pair of solo home runs, which doomed him to a defeat thanks to a lean night from his own offense. He went without a walk for the second time this season and reached double-digit strikeouts for the third time in his last four starts to push his K:BB to an outstanding 41:5 during that span. The decisions aren't currently going Archer's way, but he is throwing the ball quite well of late and will look to exploit a favorable home matchup with the Athletics on Sunday.
May 31 2017Archer allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out seven over seven innings in Wednesday's no-decision against Texas.The Rangers just chipped away at him steadily, scoring exactly one run against Archer in four separate innings. He's had a couple stumbles, but Archer's plentiful strikeouts have helped him craft a 3.74 ERA and 1.18 WHIP, and he has the upside to improve upon those stats if he can rein in his walks consistently.
May 27 2017Archer (4-3) allowed two runs on five hits and a walk over 7.2 innings Friday while striking out 11 in a 5-2 win over the Twins.The right-hander has now recorded double-digit strikeouts in four of his last five starts, posting a 3.82 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 51:10 K:BB in 33 innings over that stretch. Archer will try to keep his run of dominance going in his next outing Wednesday on the road against the Rangers.
May 21 2017Archer (3-3) racked up a season-high 12 strikeouts over 6.1 innings in Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Yankees and gave up three earned runs on six hits and two walks.Archer was the epitome of a tough-luck loser, as a win somehow evaded him despite the fact he notched a whopping 22 swinging strikes. The Rays ace's two biggest mistakes came in the second in the form of an RBI single surrendered to Didi Gregorious and a two-run home run by Brett Gardner two batters later. It was Archer's third game with double-digit strikeouts this season, with all having come over his four May starts. Despite the disappointing outcome, it was a solid bounce-back for the 28-year-old right-hander after giving up seven runs (six earned) to the Indians last Monday. He'll look to get back into the win column on the road versus the Twins next Friday.
May 15 2017Archer (3-2) allowed seven runs (six earned) on five hits and six walks across five innings in Monday's loss to the Indians. He struck out six.Archer was undone by a nightmare first inning in which he allowed three runs on three walks and just a pair of hits -- the latter of the two being a three-run home run by Lonnie Chisenhall. He settled down a bit from then on but still struggled with his control en route to a new season high in walks, and was removed with an elevated pitch count after five frames. Archer had lowered his season ERA to 3.04 with a gem in his previous outing, but Monday's fiasco nullified any momentum that was building and he will try to bounce back Sunday against the Yankees.
May 11 2017Archer (3-1) scattered five hits over eight scoreless innings while striking out 11 in Wednesday's 12-1 rout of the Royals.Kansas City couldn't even get a runner to second base until the seventh inning, when the right-hander hit Salvador Perez with a pitch to move Lorenzo Cain into scoring position with one out. Five pitches later -- all strikes -- and Archer was out of the jam. He's now posted back-to-back starts with 11 Ks, and will take that momentum into his next trip to the mound Monday in Cleveland.
May 6 2017Archer didn't factor into the decision against the Blue Jays on Friday but racked up 11 strikeouts and gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk over six-plus innings.Archer was tagged by old nemesis Kendrys Morales for a two-run home run in the seventh that led to his exit, but he was otherwise dominant. He notched 13 swinging strikes on his way to a season-high 11 whiffs. The Rays' ace now has one loss and three no-decisions over his last four trips to the mound despite a pair of quality starts and 30 strikeouts over the 25 innings encompassing that stretch. He'll look to get back in the win column at home against the Royals on Wednesday.
Apr 30 2017Archer allowed just one run on four hits and two walks across 7.1 innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Blue Jays. He struck out five.Archer pounded the strike zone at a 66 percent clip and didn't surrender a run during his time on the mound, though one was charged to his ledger after Alex Colome allowed an inherited runner to score in the eighth inning. He recorded exactly five strikeouts for the fourth time in six starts, pushing his K/9 for the year down to 8.5. Despite the lower strikeout rate than we are used to seeing from Archer, this was an excellent bounce-back performance for after he had allowed nine earned runs in his previous 11.2 innings, and he will carry a solid 3.43 ERA into a home matchup with this same Toronto team on Friday.
Apr 24 2017Archer (2-1) allowed five runs on six hits and five walks across 6.2 innings in Monday's loss to the Orioles. He struck out five.Archer struggled with his command at times, issuing a season high in walks, but he was done in by the long ball as he got deeper into the game. Having allowed just one run through five-plus innings, he allowed back-to-back solo homers in the sixth before Adam Jones added a two-run shot in the seventh shortly before his removal. This was a somewhat uncharacteristic start for Archer, as the home runs were the first he had allowed this season and he entered with a respectable 2.8 BB/9. He will try to move past this disappointing outing Sunday against the Blue Jays.
Apr 20 2017Archer (2-0) allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out nine over five innings but didn't factor into the decision in Wednesday's 8-7 win over the Tigers.The right-hander needed 104 pitches (67 strikes) to get through his five frames, as the Tigers routinely pushed Archer deep into the count. He's still enjoying a strong start to 2017 with a 3.20 ERA and 27:8 K:BB through 25.1 innings. He'll next take the mound Monday in Baltimore.
Apr 15 2017Archer (2-0) struck out five and gave up one earned run on six hits and two walks over 5.2 innings in a 10-5 win over the Red Sox on Friday.Archer ran his pitch count up with some control issues, firing 102 pitches over his time on the mound. The Rays ace didn't miss as many bats as usual -- notching a modest nine swinging strikes -- but limited the damage to an RBI single in the sixth. The 2017 campaign has gotten off to an excellent start overall for the 28-year-old righty after a 4-12 first half last season. He'll look to continue the positive momentum in a Wednesday home start against the Tigers.
Apr 9 2017Archer didn't factor into the decision Saturday versus the Blue Jays but racked up eight strikeouts and surrendered just two earned runs on five hits and three walks over 7.2 innings.Archer put in an effort worthy of a victory, but as was the case on many occasions last season, the Rays failed to give him adequate run support to notch a win. However, the hard-throwing right-hander's performance over the first two games of the season certainly provides reason for optimism, as Archer has now generated a 2.45 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 13:4 K:BB over the 14.2 innings covering his first two starts.
Apr 2 2017Archer allowed just two runs on seven hits and one walk across seven strong innings Sunday against the Yankees. He struck out five en route to his first win of the season.Archer ran into a bit of trouble in the second inning when he yielded two runs after three straight batters reached base, but he settled down and allowed just one hit through the next 15 batters. He loaded the bases on three soft hits in the seventh but was allowed to remain in the game and finished out his day by getting Gary Sanchez to ground out. Archer closed out the 2016 season strong after a rough first half and looks to have picked up where he left off, with his next outing scheduled for Saturday against the Blue Jays.
Mar 29 2017Archer struck out four and gave up just a hit and a walk over three scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League loss to the Twins.Archer looked fully prepped for Opening Day and if his overall spring performance is any indication, he seems likely to get off to a much better start in 2017 than he did last season. The right-hander allowed only three earned runs in 13.2 innings while notching 17 strikeouts in his spring starts with the Rays, in addition to firing four scoreless frames for Team USA in his one World Baseball Classic appearance. According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, manager Kevin Cash feels this has been Archer's best spring during Cash's three seasons as manager, offering further reason to believe the hard-throwing 28-year-old will bounce back from last season's career-high 19 losses.
Mar 23 2017Archer was named the Rays' Opening Day starter Thursday, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Times reports.For the third consecutive year, Archer will take the mound on Opening Day as Tampa Bay's ace. Archer got off to a rocky start last season, notching a 4.66 ERA with 18 home runs allowed in the first half of the year before settling down with a 3.25 ERA and 1.01 WHIP after the All-Star break. He has looked sharp this spring, striking out 13 batters over 10.2 innings. Archer and the Rays will host the Yankees to start the season.
Mar 23 2017Archer struck out six but gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits and two walks over 5.2 innings in Wednesday's 7-4 Grapefruit League loss to the Orioles.Although he allowed his first three runs of spring, including a two-run home run to Chris Johnson, Archer was pleased with several aspects of his performance. He threw only six sliders as he continued focusing on honing his fastball command and went the deepest into a game he's gone so far this spring. He finished on a positive note as well, striking out the last two batters he faced. "It was different pitching into the sixth inning because I haven't done that yet, but my body felt good," he said. "I was able to repeat my mechanics. That last inning was probably my best inning."
Mar 17 2017Archer pitched in a minor-league game Thursday against Double-A Chattanooga and was solid over 4.2 innings, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.The Rays ace allowed just two hits and two walks over his time on the mound while recording seven strikeouts. He threw a total of 74 pitches, 48 of which found the strike zone. The outing was intended to keep Archer on his regular pitching schedule after he pitched for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic last Friday. After working in that high-stakes environment, Archer welcomed the opportunity to work on different aspects of his game Thursday. "It was nice I was able to some different things I wouldn't have been able to do in the Classic,'' he said. "The Classic is basically do or die, so you want to stick with what feels good that day. Today, (C Jesus) Sucre did a good job of forcing me to do some different things and I found a new confidence in a couple areas that I didn't necessarily have in spring training yet.''
Mar 13 2017Archer, who tossed four perfect innings for Team USA against Team Colombia in Friday's World Baseball Classic opener, is scheduled to rejoin the Rays this week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Team USA failed to win its group, so Archer, who needs to pitch Thursday in order to remain on a normal schedule for an April 2 Opening Day start, is likely to throw in a minor league game on that day as the Rays also happen to have an off day. However, the possibility exists that Team USA officials may persuade the Rays to instead push Archer's start back by one day and instead let him pitch on Friday in the second round of WBC play.
Mar 10 2017Archer took a no-decision but was sharp in Friday's World Baseball Classic opening start against Colombia, as he didn't allow a baserunner and struck out three batters over four innings.Archer was limited to just 41 pitches but looked like he was in midseason form Friday night. The Colombian lineup features only a few major leaguers, but still, Archer was efficient in mowing them down. He has been sharp in every appearance yet this spring, a good sign for those hoping for improvement over Archer's disappointing 2016 campaign.
Mar 10 2017Archer will start Team USA's game against Colombia to begin their World Baseball Classic campaign.The 28-year-old will toe the rubber opposite Colombian starter Jose Quintana with the hopes of kicking off America's WBC time on a positive note. Archer posted a 4.02 ERA with a 10.4 K/9 last season and will look to build off those numbers throughout the tournament and during the regular season.
Mar 4 2017Archer pitched three scoreless innings in his second spring start, a 1-0 Grapefruit League loss to the Orioles. He struck out five.Archer and the Rays couldn't have asked for a better tune-up for his participation in the World Baseball Classic, as he as he averaged 95-96 mph on his fastball and went as high as 97. He also appeared to be experimenting with a new wrinkle, namely, a slight pause at the top of his delivery, which Archer explains is a means of "getting to a strong balance point" at the top of his delivery. The Rays ace was especially pleased with the fact he was able to throw all of his pitches with equal success. "I felt really good," Archer said. "The way everything was coming out of my hand. Changeup, fastball, breaking ball, everything felt good. ... I was full-intensity. Under control, but full-intensity today."
Feb 26 2017Archer, who fired two scoreless innings in Sunday's 7-3 Grapefruit League win over the Red Sox, was very pleased with his performance, Bill Chastain and Corey Long of MLB.com report. "I felt good. I accomplished what I wanted to accomplish," Archer said. "Just out there having fun, it was really fun to be out there in the spectrum with the umpire, the fans, the batter. It was fun."Archer closed out his outing with a 95 mph fastball that disposed of Bryce Bentz, an exclamation point on what was a dominant outing overall. The 28-year-old ace of the Rays staff is looking to bounce back from a career-worst campaign in 2016, and the fact that he was immediately able to build on what have been impressive bullpen and batting practice sessions was certainly an encouraging sign. Sunday, Archer was able to keep his fastball consistently in the 93-95 mph range and threw 28 pitches overall. Archer is slated for one more start before joining Team USA for the first round of the WBC.
Feb 22 2017Archer, who threw a 30-pitch live batting practice session Tuesday, was very satisfied with the results, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "I was happy overall," Archer said. "First time facing hitters. First time working with Sucre. It was overall a really, really good day."The Rays' ace took a slightly different approach to his session, sitting halfway through his 30-pitch tally so as to simulate a break between innings and then returning to throw his final 15 pitches. Archer is readying himself for both his first action of the spring and his participation in the first round of the World Baseball Classic as a designated pitcher for Team USA.
Feb 16 2017Archer, who'll pitch for Team USA in the first round of the World Baseball Classic, states that his spring training regimen won't be affected by his participation, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports. "I've known I was going to play for six months now. When I initially got asked, I said, 'I'm going to play, but we're going to have to make it work.' Just because the pitch count is 65, I don't have to throw 65 pitches. It's just wherever I'm at. However, I'm feeling, we'll get close to that, maybe not all the way to [that count]."Archer is slated to throw four innings and a maximum of 60 pitches in the tournament's opening round, but confirms that the advance notice he received helped insure that it wouldn't alter his normal spring preparation for the regular season. The 28-year-old right-hander was honored by his selection to Team USA, but is also heading into a pivotal campaign following a career-high 19 losses in 2016. While he's happy for Archer's opportunity, manager Kevin Cash is realistic about the impact that participation in the high-intensity environment of the WBC can have, especially given the competitive nature of players the caliber of Archer. "You just worry that they're competing against All-Stars all over the country, all over the world. And it's very tough to tell committed pitchers or athletes to control yourself in those settings. Because that [World Baseball Classic] will be talked about. It will probably take away from Spring Training because it's such a hyped event. So you worry about that."
Feb 9 2017Archer will play for Team USA in the WBC, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.The hard-throwing righty, who logged a team-high 201.1 innings last season, thus figures to get some extra work in heading into what he and the Rays hope will be a resurgent 2017 campaign. Archer's forgettable 2016 first half included a 4-12 record and 4.66 ERA, but he bounced back to generate a 5-7 tally and 3.25 ERA after the All-Star break, along with 103 whiffs over 91.1 innings. Archer will join a talented Team USA pitcher pool that includes the Royals' Danny Duffy and the Nationals' Tanner Roark-- who are already the squad's two designated pitchers for the first round -- as well as the Athletics' Sonny Gray and the Blue Jays' Marcus Stroman and J.A. Happ.
Dec 6 2016Archer has reportedly been the subject of interest of several teams at the MLB winter meetings, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.The 28-year-old right-hander might be coming off the worst season of his career statistically, but his relative youth and blistering fastball still make him an appealing candidate for teams looking to upgrade their starting rotation. Additionally, although he tallied a career-high 19 losses in 2016, Archer finished the season on a strong note, posting a solid 3.25 ERA and .215 average against while recording 103 whiffs over 91.1 second-half innings. As per Topkin's report, the Astros, Braves and Cubs have been the teams most linked to a possible Archer trade. While it's unclear what he could fetch in a trade, the Rays are looking for a catcher, relievers and an outfielder/DH this offseason.
Sep 30 2016Archer not only avoided becoming the majors' first 20-loss pitcher since 2003 with a Thursday victory over the White Sox, he also reached the 200-inning milestone for the second straight season, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer fired a solid 6.2 innings, giving up three earned runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five. The hard-throwing righty narrowly missed the dubious distinction of becoming the first pitcher to hit the 20-loss mark since the Tigers' Mark Maroth in 2003 and by eclipsing 200 innings for the second straight season, he joined James Shields, David Price and Matt Garza as the only pitchers in team history to accomplish the feat. That, more than avoiding the aforementioned ignominious benchmark, served as the pitcher's primary motivation in trying to close out a difficult season on a high note. "That was nice because more than anything else I'm trying to make every start, I'm trying to pitch 200 innings. That's my No. 1 priority,'' he said. "So the first half of the season was up and down, but to accomplish that feat was really nice for me personally. But there's still a lot of room to improve.''
Sep 24 2016Archer (8-19) gave up two earned runs on seven hits and two walks over six innings in Friday's 2-1 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out seven.In what has become a nightmarish version of Groundhog Day in the second half of the season, Archer once again posted a strong effort that nevertheless put yet another mark in the loss column. The hard-throwing righty notched 14 swinging strikes and first-pitch strikes on 20 of 27 hitters, but was once again done in by a complete lack of run support. Archer has managed the unlikely and dubious feat of tossing five straight quality starts and only deriving a sole victory from that stretch of outings, and has now also lowered his ERA in each of his last seven trips to the mound. At minimum, he's been able to restore his confidence after a first half of the season in which he posted a 4-12 record and 4.66 ERA. He'll look to avoid the ignominy of a 20th loss when he wraps up the season against the White Sox next Wednesday.
Sep 17 2016Archer didn't factor into the decision against the Orioles on Friday, giving up three earned runs on seven hits and a walk over 6.1 innings. He struck out four.The hard-throwing righty once again walked away without a win despite a quality start. Archer was taken deep by Pedro Alvarez and Chris Davis in the second and fourth innings, respectively, the second consecutive start in which he's been touched up for a pair of homers. Archer now has four straight quality starts, but has only one victory over that span. Despite a career-high 18 losses in 2016, Archer is at least building some momentum heading into the offseason with a solid 3.20 ERA, .208 average against and 91 whiffs over 78.2 innings in the second half of the season. He'll look to get back in the win column against the Red Sox next Friday.
Sep 10 2016Archer (8-18) gave up three earned runs on four hits and a walk over seven innings in Saturday's 5-1 loss to the Yankees. He struck out six.The fireballer was a tough-luck loser, putting together one of his most efficient outings of the season but still getting the short end of the stick. Archer got 72 of his 102 offerings into the strike zone, while recording first-pitch strikes on 23 of the 27 hitters he faced. He also notched 12 swinging strikes overall and has now tallied six strikeouts or more in 11 consecutive starts. The 27-year-old also has three straight quality starts overall, but primarily due to poor run support, he's managed only one victory over that span. He'll look to get back in the win column when he takes on the Orioles next Friday.
Sep 4 2016Archer (8-17) gave up two runs on five hits and a walk over 6.1 innings while striking out nine Sunday, but came away with a no-decision in a 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays.He left the game in the seventh with a 3-1 lead and a runner on first base, but Brad Boxberger promptly allowed Toronto to tie the game and spoil the win for Archer. He's put his first half struggles firmly behind him, posting a 3.38 ERA in July and a 3.03 ERA in August before kicking September off with another quality start. He'll next take the mound Saturday in Yankee Stadium.
Aug 28 2016Archer (8-17) allowed three runs on four hits and two walks while striking out 10 over seven innings to earn the win Sunday against the Astros.Archer's allowed three or fewer runs in five of his six August starts to lower his ERA from 4.42 to 4.10. In addition, he passed the 200 strikeout mark, and he has a fair chance of posting at least 250 punch-outs in back-to-back seasons. He'll make his next start Friday against the Blue Jays.
Aug 23 2016Archer (7-17) pitched five innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and two walks while striking out six Red Sox in Tuesday's loss.Archer's 109 pitches after five frames ended his night early, as Tuesday marked his shortest outing since May 22. Despite the slight disappointment, the right-hander continued to pitch much better since the All-Star break, now owning a 2.94 ERA with 61 strikeouts over 53 innings since the Midsummer Classic. Archer's logged five quality starts in his last seven game, while lowering his ERA to 4.11, it best mark since Opening Day.
Aug 17 2016Archer (7-16) pitched 7.1 shutout innings, allowing just four hits, striking out nine and walking one in a 2-0 victory over the Padres on Wednesday.This is the Archer we have been waiting for all season. He threw 70 of his 107 pitches for strikes and induced 20 swing-and-misses. Archer now has 18 strikeouts and just one walk in his last 13.1 frames. He also recorded nine punchouts in his last outing but allowed five runs. This is definitely something Archer can build upon in his next start, which will be Tuesday against Boston.
Aug 13 2016Archer (6-16) mowed down nine Yankees in Friday's 6-3 loss, but also gave up five earned runs on seven hits over six innings.The hard-throwing righty continues to endure the worst season of his career. Archer wasn't necessarily bad Friday, but the Yankees continued to chip away at him throughout his time on the mound. The retiring Alex Rodriguez touched him up for an RBI double in the first, and Starlin Castro followed with a clutch two-run single in the fourth. Castro then came back with a 417-foot two-run shot to left center, giving the Yankees a 5-3 lead they wouldn't relinquish. Archer will look to notch his seventh win of the season when he faces the Padres next Wednesday.
Aug 7 2016Archer (6-15) mowed down seven Twins while giving up an earned run on three hits and three walks over six innings in Saturday's 7-3 victory.The hard-throwing right-hander put together his fourth straight quality start and notched his second victory over that span. Despite the unsightly record, Archer has undoubtedly settled into much more of a groove since the All-Star break, giving up 13 runs (11 earned) on 24 hits and seven walks in the 33.2 innings encompassing his five second-half starts. He's also whiffed 38 over that span, while lowering his ERA from 4.66 to its current figure of 4.26. He'll look to continue his winning ways when he takes on the Yankees next Friday.
Aug 1 2016Archer (5-15) allowed three runs on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts over 7.1 innings in a loss Monday to the Royals.Archer entered Monday's start with the 11th-worst run support in the American League, and that lack of support continued, as Danny Duffy shut out the Rays for eight innings. On the bright side, Archer now has thrown three straight quality starts with an excellent 25:3 K:BB over 20.1 innings in that span. His ERA is now down to 4.38, its lowest mark since May 17.
Jul 26 2016Archer (5-14) allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits over seven innings, taking the loss Tuesday against the Dodgers despite striking out eight without a walk.Archer has demonstrated better control of late, walking two or fewer hitters in each of his last four starts after accomplishing that feat just four times in his previous 11 outings. The 27-year-old's dismal 1-7 record in his last nine starts stems in part from pitching for a Rays team that struggles to score runs, so his stock could get a boost should a trade to a contender come to fruition. If Archer remains a member of the Rays, look for him to next take the mound Monday against the Royals.
Jul 26 2016Archer is one of several Rays pitchers drawing strong trade interest around the majors, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.The 27-year-old has endured the most difficult season of his career, matching his career high in losses (13) while giving up five or more runs in six starts. Archer has certainly shown flashes, however, and has actually enjoyed his best month of the season in July, during which he's generated a respectable 3.96 ERA over four starts. There's plenty of firepower in his arm as well, with his 147 whiffs over 123.1 innings ranking at the top of the AL and fifth in the majors. Given Archer's considerable potential and velocity, he might shape up as the most tantalizing among the three Rays starters (along with Matt Moore and Jake Odorizzi) to other clubs despite his current struggles.
Jul 20 2016Archer pitched six strong innings at Coors Field on Wednesday, allowing four hits and no home runs while striking out 11 and walking just two en route to his fifth win of the season.Archer has been somewhat of a disappointment for fantasy owners this season, but rewarded patience with his splendid outing Wednesday in a tough matchup pitching in Colorado. While his ERA still sits at 4.60 and he has just five wins, Archer has struck out a whopping 147 batters, good for best in the AL. While his 51 walks don't look terrible when compared to all those strikeouts, they too are the most for any pitcher in the AL this season, and are a major reason for Archer's struggles. He'll hope to continue the form he found Wednesday when he takes the mound against the Dodgers next Tuesday.
Jul 16 2016Archer (4-13) gave up four earned runs on seven hits and a walk over 7.1 innings in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Orioles. He struck out six.The hard-throwing righty may ironically have had his best stuff of the season Friday, but was still saddled with a 13th loss, equaling the career-worst figure in that category that he posted in 2015. Archer notched a whopping 22 swinging strikes, and found the strike zone on 71 of his 105 pitches overall. Staked to a 3-1 victory after three innings, the 27-year-old brought about his own demise by allowing an RBI double to Pedro Alvarez in the fifth, a fielder's choice to Matt Wieters in the sixth, and an eighth-inning, 406-foot solo shot to Jonathan Schoop that gave the Orioles a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Archer will try to put an end to his six-start losing streak against the Rockies next Wednesday.
Jul 9 2016Archer (4-12) gave up five earned runs on seven hits and two walks in Friday's 6-5 loss to the Red Sox. He struck out three.The hard-throwing right-hander's nightmare season continues, as he dropped a fifth straight decision, including his second to the Red Sox over his last three starts. Archer fell behind frequently Friday, a recipe for disaster against a patient and lethal Boston lineup. The 27-year-old was able to notch first-pitch strikes on only nine of the 26 hitters he faced, and induced a modest 10 swinging strikes over 116 pitches. Archer is now one loss away from equaling the career-high mark that he set last season, and his four wins currently rank as his lowest total in that category since his first-year cup of coffee in 2012 when he fired only 29.1 innings. He'll look to gather himself over the All-Star break and salvage his season in the second half.
Jul 3 2016Archer (4-11) came away with a no-decision despite striking out 10 over 5,2 scoreless innings in Sunday's loss to the Tigers. He allowed three hits and three walks.He left the game with a 1-0 lead, but the Rays' bullpen coughed up five runs in the final two innings. Archer wasn't terribly efficient, needing 115 pitches to record just 17 outs and starting just eight batters off with first-pitch strikes, but he did generate 18 swinging strikes along the way. He'll have a tough matchup in his next start Friday in Boston.
Jun 24 2016Archer feels that his struggles this season stem mainly from his performance in small stretches within games, and that he is still throwing the ball well overall, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Despite a major league-worst 10 losses, as well as a 4.70 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, the young right-hander remains confident in his ability to turn the season around. Archer is trying to remain focused on his process more so than the results, and in executing enough of his pitches to give his team a chance to win each time he takes the mound. While some of the 27-year-old's metrics appear to corroborate his belief that he's firing away as effectively as ever-- such as a 10.57 K/9 rate that is the second highest of his career-- his BB/9 and HR/9 figures, along with the aforementioned loss, ERA and WHIP numbers, are either on pace to be or are currently the worst he's ever generated in those respective categories. Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey doesn't necessarily disagree with Archer's assessment, but also seems to feel that a thoroughly frank self-appraisal is needed at this point in the season. "But the process has not been good overall either. You may walk a guy leading off an inning you have no business walking and he ends up coming around and scoring, that is not a good process," said Hickey. "I guess you have to identify what the process is and be a good, solid, honest evaluator of whether or not you actually executed what it is you set out to do. I think wins and losses, they count very much, especially at the end of the day."
Jun 22 2016Archer fell to 4-10 after allowing four runs on six hits and a pair of walks in six innings Wednesday against Cleveland. He struck out five.The first inning did him in, as Archer gave up a two-run homer to Jason Kipnis and then an RBI single to Jose Ramirez before settling down and limiting the Indians to one run over his remaining five frames. Unfortunately, there seems to always be something with Archer -- it's been more than seven weeks, dating back to May 6, since he had a scoreless outing. Worse, he's given up four or more runs in six of his last nine outings. The strikeouts are still typically there, but the walks remain an issue and the long balls an even bigger one -- he's averaging a homer per start over his first 16 outings, and a date with the Red Sox next week doesn't promise to help in that regard.
Jun 11 2016Archer (4-8) pitched very well but was tagged with a loss in the 4-3 defeat against the Astros on Saturday. Archer allowed three runs on six hits, struck out eight and walked none in 7.2 innings.It's been a tough season for Archer. He's allowed two or fewer runs seven times and struck out at least seven hitters on six occasions, but he's just 4-8 with a 4.61 ERA. Part of the problem is Archer has also yielded at least six runs in three of his outings. Home runs have been an issue too, as he's given up a homer in 10 of his last 13 appearances. Archer will be looking to get back on track in his next start Friday against the Giants.
Jun 7 2016Archer (4-7) struck out 12 and allowed three runs on five hits and three walks over six innings in a win Monday over Arizona.Archer recorded his first quality start in his past four appearances, but even his good starts this season haven't been without their blemishes. He was touched up for a pair of home runs, including one by his pitching counterpart Robbie Ray. The swing-and-miss stuff is still there, as Archer has a fantastic 10.3 K/9, but he has already given up 12 home runs in just 66.1 innings -- the same number of homers he allowed over 194.2 innings back in 2014, when he recorded a 3.33 ERA. His groundball rate hasn't changed, so that's not the problem, but if Archer can't figure out whatever it is that's ailing him in the home run department, his ERA isn't going to get much lower than its current mark of 4.75.
Jun 2 2016Archer (3-7) continued struggling Wednesday, as he allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits over six innings in a loss to the Royals. He struck out four and walked two.That's three consecutive losses for Archer, and he's allowed at least four runs in all of them. The good news is that his BABIP and HR/FB rates are both primed for positive regression, so Archer should ultimately cut down on the hits and long balls, but it's also worth noting that his fastball velocity is down a full tick from last season and his slider hasn't been the same sort of weapon as before. It's not impossible that he's pitching through an injury, but there's been no indication from the team in that vein.
May 27 2016Archer allowed four runs (one earned) on four hits, walking three and striking out seven over eight innings of a 4-1 loss to the Yankees on Friday night.Archer (3-6) was locked in a classic pitcher's duel with Masahiro Tanaka until things unraveled for him in the sixth inning. A walk, followed by two errors - one his own throwing error - led to the first Yankees' run, before Alex Rodriguez launched a 440 ft. bomb to straight-away centerfield. Unfortunately, struggles following poorly located pitches or sloppy fielding are somewhat problematic for Archer. It's easy to see his enormous upside, so hopefully he can get and stay focused going forward.
May 23 2016Archer (3-5) last just three innings Sunday, giving up six runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out four in a 9-4 loss to the Tigers.Just when it looked like Archer might be turning things around a bit, posting a 3.18 ERA through his first three starts in May, he turns in another clunker. Sunday's outing was his shortest of the season and while his 11.18 K/9 rate is a career high, so are his 4.47 BB/9 and 1.72 HR/9 rates. Archer will again try to figure things out Friday against a Yankees offense that has struggled on the road this season.
May 17 2016Archer (3-4) allowed two runs on four hits and four walks with seven strikeouts over six innings in Tuesday's win over the Blue JaysAfter serving up a two-run homer to Jose Bautista in the first inning, Archer settled down and shut out the Blue Jays for the next five frames. He was wild -- he managed just 12 first-pitch strikes to 25 batters and needed 105 pitches to get through six innings -- but he induced 10 swinging strikes and got four of his seven strikeouts with runners on base. Archer now has four quality starts in his last five appearances and has dropped his ERA from 7.32 to 4.23 in that span.
May 6 2016Archer (2-4) tossed six shutout innings, allowing only five hits while striking out six and walking two in a 5-2 victory over the Angels on Friday.He now has 49 strikeouts in 38.1 frames. After two rough starts in the middle of April, Archer has looked a lot more like himself lately. He has allowed just two runs in his last 18.2 innings. His next scheduled start is Wednesday after the Mariners.
May 6 2016Archer is committed to keeping the same mind-set each time he takes the mound, regardless of opponent, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports. "I feel like every time we have a pre-game (meeting), we're talking about a good lineup," Archer said. "There's nothing to change or do anything different.After his first four starts netted an 0-4 record and 7.32 ERA, the Rays' All-Star has allowed just two runs on six hits over his last 12.2 innings against the Orioles and Blue Jays, while fanning 14. Archer describes a third-inning homer he gave up to the Blue Jays' Jose Bautista in his last start as at turning point of sorts, as he switched to a more aggressive approach and retired the following 11 hitters. He plans on utilizing the same strategy in Friday's tilt against a potentially dangerous Angels lineup. "I definitely think however many outs I get, however many pitches I throw, I want to have that aggressive mentality," he said. "I don't want it have to be a run scored or a home run or whatever. I plan on doing it from Pitch 1 and not from Pitch 30 or 40 this time."
May 1 2016Archer didn't factor into the decision Saturday versus the Blue Jays despite pitching one-hit ball over six innings. He surrendered two earned runs and four walks, while also striking out four.The old adage of "if it's not one thing, it's another" certainly seems to apply to Archer's season so far, as he's found wins extremely hard to come by. It was his own ineffectiveness at play in his first few starts of the season, but Archer was primarily the victim of one mistake against Toronto. The sole hit he gave up was a two-run homer to Jose Bautista, although he also struggled considerably with his control. He did largely stymie a Toronto team he's historically done very well against, but has yet to still reach the seventh inning in any of his six starts this season.
Apr 25 2016Archer (1-4) finally earned his first win of 2016 behind 6.2 shutout innings in Monday's victory over the Orioles. He struck out 10, didn't walk a batter, and allowed just five hits.After walking five batters per nine innings in his first four starts, Archer finally found his control, and his All-Star form returned with it as well. Baltimore entered the night with a league-leading 128 OPS+ (.275/.339/.475) and an AL-best 27 home runs, and Archer absolutely shut them down. He induced 13 swinging strikes and threw 65 strikes in just 93 pitches. Archer finally rewarded fantasy owners who have stuck with him through his slow start. He knocked nearly two full runs off his ERA, now down from 7.32 to 5.47.
Apr 20 2016Archer (0-4) was torched for six runs in just 4.1 innings of work during Wednesday's 7-3 loss to the Red Sox.Tampa's ace is still winless on the young season and has yet to pitch past the fifth inning of any game. Wednesday marked the second time in three starts that he allowed six runs. With an ERA of 7.32, Archer has performed well below the expectations of his fantasy owners. He has the talent to turn things around, but the slow start, coupled with a struggling Rays team, makes it difficult to put much trust in him at this point.
Apr 15 2016Archer (0-3) surrendered seven hits, three runs (two earned) and three walks in Thursday's 6-0 loss to the Indians. He struck out six.The Rays' ace early-season malaise continues, but Archer's effort was certainly enough to secure a win had he gotten any appreciable run support. The fireballer threw 67 of 105 pitches for strikes, and induced 15 swings-and-misses along the way. He did surrender a two-run blast to left-center by Marlon Byrd in the sixth inning, which followed a leadoff single by Jose Ramirez to open the frame. The Indians were able to generally stay patient enough to drive Archer's pitch count up, causing the relatively early exit. Archer has not won a start since last Aug. 31 in Baltimore, going 0-6 with a 5.83 ERA in nine subsequent trips to the mound. His next opportunity to right the ship and put an end to the dubious streak should come either next Tuesday or Wednesday in Boston.
Apr 8 2016Archer was torched for six runs on 10 hits, walking two and striking out five while lasting just five innings in a 6-1 loss to Baltimore on Friday night.Archer (0-2, 7.20 ERA) has notched 17 strikeouts in just 10 innings, but he has also allowed nine runs (eight earned) over that same span. In this one it was the long ball that did him in - he served up four homers. He has a lot of talent, but his pitches can straighten out at times, and he has to hit his spots to be effective. He'll try to right the ship at home against Cleveland next time out.
Apr 3 2016Archer surrendered five hits, three runs (two earned) and three walks over five innings in Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Blue Jays. He struck out 12.The Rays ace dug himself a hole in a 34-pitch first inning, during which he surrendered two hits, two walks and a wild pitch. He was sharp otherwise, with 66 of his 107 offerings hitting the strike zone. He became the first pitcher to fan 12 batters on Opening Day since Felix Hernandez accomplished the feat in 2007, and certainly wasn't helped by the ineptitude of the Tampa bats versus Blue Jays starter Marcus Stroman. Archer will attempt to regroup in his next start, which will come Friday night in Baltimore.
Mar 30 2016Archer is fine after being knocked down by a line drive Tuesday in an intrasquad game, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.The Rays ace was felled by a shot off the bat of catcher Rene Rivera, with the ball initially deflecting off Archer's glove before making contact with his right hip. "In my mind, I was fine. I wasn't worried," Archer said. "But given the circumstance five days before the season starts, I think people were a little nervous. I knew because I'd been hit a lot, it didn't get me square, and it didn't get me in a spot where I would have to come out." Archer was throwing in the intrasquad game after his scheduled Triple-A start against the Twins was scratched due to weather concerns for that contest. He surrendered six hits over four innings and 63 pitches to his teammates, in what served as a final tune-up for his Opening Day matchup versus the Blue Jays this coming Sunday.
Mar 29 2016Gott is competing with Blake Treinen and Sean Burnett for one or possibly two spots in the Nationals' Opening Day bullpen, Jamal Collier of MLB.com reports.Acquired from the Angels in the offseason, it was assumed that Gott would be a lock for a middle relief or setup role with the Nats, but the club's decision to add non-roster invitee Matt Belisle to the 25-man roster could put Gott's spot in jeopardy. Gott and Treinen both have minor league options remaining, which may become a factor if Burnett, another non-roster invitee, also gets a job. Gott's 3.86 ERA and 5:1 K:BB in seven spring innings are solid, though, and he at least hasn't done anything in camp to cost himself a roster spot.
Mar 27 2016Archer will make his final spring appearance in a Triple-A game on Tuesday in Fort Myers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Given manager Kevin Cash's protocol of having his starters avoid division opponents that they figure to see plenty of in the regular season, the announcement was almost expected. The big-league club's opponent Tuesday happens to be the Blue Jays, which Archer will already face off against on Opening Day. The Rays ace is expected to have a significantly abbreviated workload in a final tune-up for the regular season.
Mar 25 2016Archer allowed five hits and a run over 6.1 innings versus Twins minor leaguers Thursday, Andrew Astleford of MLB.com reports. He also surrendered two walks and struck out nine.Both Archer and manager Kevin Cash were highly pleased with the outing, in which the Rays ace found the strike zone with 72 of his 106 pitches."I thought it was a really good work day," Archer said. "They put the ball in play a lot, and I had to make some pitches with people on base. It was a really nice outing considering when I threw in the cage last time, there was no pressure." Cash opted to have Archer take his regularly scheduled turn versus lesser competition as opposed to the Yankees, who served as the big-league club's opponent on the night, because he will face them multiple times during the regular season. "My thinking is, 'Keep him out of it,'" Cash added about Archer not playing in Tampa. "They see Chris Archer plenty. When it makes sense for us to do that, why not do it?" Archer is scheduled to make one more abbreviated appearance during the exhibition slate in anticipation of his Opening Day start versus the Blue Jays.
Mar 19 2016Archer threw over 90 pitches in the bullpen following Saturday's rainout of the Rays-Orioles game, Bill Chastain of MLB.com reports.Archer was only able to throw six pitches to Orioles hitters before the game was called, meaning he had to get the rest of his work done away from the elements. Manager Kevin Cash remarked that his ace "threw the ball really well", as he continues to prepare for an Opening Day start. The 27-year-old fireballer echoed his manager's sentiments, emphasizing that he mirrored the mindset he would have had on the mound. "The effort and the intensity was the exact same, Archer said. "And I made sure that I stepped on it a little bit, and mentally put myself in certain situations that I'm going to have during the regular season." The five-year veteran is scheduled to throw seven innings and 105 pitches in his next outing, before making an abbreviated appearance prior to the end of spring training.
Mar 15 2016Archer (0-2) surrendered four hits, two runs (one earned) and two walks over 4.2 innings in Monday's 5-0 exhibition loss to the Braves. He struck out two.Named the Opening Day starter earlier in the day Monday, Archer struggled through a 29-pitch first inning that he was fortunate to surrender only one run in. The 23-year-old fireballer also yielded an unearned run in the third inning after a misplayed fly ball on the part of outfielder Jaff Decker. Archer has given up seven hits over nine frames in his trio of spring training starts, while fanning seven and handing out four free passes. He's notably held opposing hitters to a .194 average and has yet to surrender a homer.
Mar 14 2016Manager Kevin Cash announced Monday that Archer will be the Rays' Opening Day starter, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer will kick off the Rays' season Sunday, Apr. 3 against the Blue Jays. While the Blue Jays' offense will again be formidable in 2016, Archer had their number a year ago, posting a 3.11 ERA, 37:11 K:BB ratio, and .197 BAA in 37.2 innings over six starts.
Sep 26 2015Archer got hammered by the Blue Jays on Saturday, coughing up nine runs on 10 hits and five walks over 3.2 innings while striking out three.The Jays launched two homers off him en route to a five-run first inning, setting the tone for a wild 10-8 win for Toronto. Archer will get a shot at revenge next Saturday when the Rays host the Jays in the final game of the regular season.
Sep 21 2015Archer allowed a run on three hits and five walks in five innings in a no decision Monday against Boston. He struck out three.Archer couldn't get the Red Sox to whiff, as he induced just six swinging strikes and issued a season high five walks despite throwing first-pitch strikes to 16 of the 22 batters he faced. Archer needed 99 pitches to get through the five innings and didn't look his sharpest, but his ERA is still pretty at 2.92.
Sep 17 2015Archer (12-12) gave up two runs on four hits in six innings against the Yankees on Wednesday, but took the loss. He struck out seven and walked four.Archer was outdueled by Yankees rookie Luis Severino, who allowed just a single run in his 5.2 innings. He wasn't quite as sharp as the quality start would suggest, though, with the four walks plus a wild pitch. Archer looked like a stud in the first half (2.74 ERA, 1.02 WHIP), but has been markedly less dominant in the second half, with a 3.29 ERA and 1.15 WHIP. It's still quality work, but not top-line-starter material, and an uptick in his walk date has been the biggest culprit.
Sep 11 2015Archer allowed three runs on five hits, walking two and striking out eight over five-plus innings, coming away with a no-decision in the Rays' 8-4 win over the Red Sox on Friday night.Archer continues to baffle both opposing hitters and his fantasy owners. He holds an outstanding 2.95 ERA, and can be dominant at times. He struck out eight in this one, including seven in a row at one point, but he also needed 108 pitches (69 for strikes) and didn't retire a batter in the sixth inning. Archer is young and very talented, but he needs to find ways to get deeper into games even if it softens his strikeout rate.
Sep 11 2015Archer didn't factor into the decision Friday, giving up three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight in the Rays' win over the Red Sox.Batters have struggled putting the ball in play against the young ace, his 11.04 K/9 ratio ranking third among starters this season. He is, however, struggling with his command as of late, hurting his other metrics. After tossing 2.10 BB/9 through August, Archer has a 3.20 BB/9 ratio since. He's still striking out batters at an uncanny pace, but don't count on Archer to be quite as stellar as he was earlier this season.
Aug 20 2015Archer (11-9) was spectacular on Thursday night, allowing just one hit and a walk while striking out 11 in a complete game shutout over the Astros.Archer was sharp and efficient as he drew 19 swinging strikes and needed only 98 pitches to complete the nine frames. He had allowed 12 earned runs over his previous three starts, so it's mice to see him pitch so well against a potent offense in Houston. Archer is proving to be one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball as he eclipsed the 200 mark for the first time in his career. He should be in line for another fanatic start when he hosts Minnesota next Wednesday.
Aug 16 2015Archer took a rough loss against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing seven earned runs and 11 hits in 5.1 innings.While Archer looked like a bona fide ace as the All-Star break neared, he's registered a 4.87 ERA since July 8. The strikeout stuff is still there with 53 batters fanned in 44.1 innings, he's just having trouble with luck and a slightly higher number of baserunners allowed than usual, with a 1.33 WHIP in that span.
Aug 9 2015Archer allowed three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out ten on Sunday against the Mets, but received no decision.Archer struggled with location early, as he allowed all of his walks in the first three innings, and once his pitch count ran to 116, his day was over early. Despite a stellar 2.62 ERA and 1.00 WHIP, he's only won once in his last eight starts. His next start will be Saturday at Texas.
Jul 30 2015Archer struck out 11 and allowed a pair of unearned runs on three hits over seven innings in a losing effort Wednesday.After carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning, Archer was struck with the loss as the Rays' offense couldn't figure out Justin Verlander on Wednesday afternoon outside of a solo homer courtesy of Asdrubal Cabrera. Archer had an impressive 24 swinging strikes in Wednesday's outing (101 pitches, 67 strikes), and an error made by Cabrera in the top of the seventh inning ultimately prevented Archer from having a shot at the victory. He'll face the White Sox at The Cell on Tuesday in his next scheduled start.
Jul 24 2015Archer allowed one run on five hits, walking two and striking out nine over six innings, but came away with a no-decision in the Rays' 3-1 win over Baltimore on Friday night.He was overpowering, striking out nine, but he wasn't very efficient, needing 110 pitches (72 for strikes) to cover the six innings. Now riding a very snappy 2.67 ERA, Archer has been a true force in the American League, and other than one very rough outing just before the All-Star break, he has been just about as steady as they come all year.
Jul 20 2015Archer (9-7) took a tough loss Sunday after surrendering just two runs on five hits while striking out six in seven innings against the Blue Jays.While this was Archer's third loss in his last four starts, he's clearly moved past his disastrous nine-run start before the All-Star break. His next start should be Saturday against the Orioles, baseball's sixth-highest-scoring offense.
Jul 20 2015Archer took a tough loss Sunday as he surrendered two earned runs in 7.0 innings along with six strikeouts.While this was Archer's third loss in his last four starts, he at least put up strong enough peripherals to think he's moved past his disastrous nine-run start before the All-Star break. His next start should be Saturday against the Orioles, an offense tied for sixth in the majors in runs.
Jul 8 2015Archer (9-6) surrendered nine runs and 12 hits while striking out six and walking two over six innings in Wednesday's loss to the Royals.The nine runs were a career-high for Archer, who had only given up four runs total in seven road starts this season. Despite the nine runs, for the season, the 26-year-old All-Star has a superb 2.74 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 147:30 K:BB ratio in 121.2 innings this season.
Jul 3 2015Archer was dazzling Friday night, tossing 6.2 shutout innings while allowing three hits and three walks to go with eight strikeouts. Unfortunately, the bullpen let him down, and he came away with a no-decision in a game the Yankees would win 7-5 in 12 innings.After running off an impressive string of magnificent starts, Archer struggled a bit last time out, allowing five runs, including three long balls, against the Red Sox. That outing was just a memory as he lowered his ERA to 2.18 and continued his 2015 dominance. Obvioyusly, he remains a consistently strong performer in all fantasy formats.
Jun 29 2015Archer gave up three homers in Sunday's loss to the Red Sox, leading him towards allowing five runs over six innings.The outing wasn't a complete loss for Archer's owners, though, as he struck out 10 and allowed just six baserunners. The first of those three homers was about as short as possible, a line drive down the left field line by Pablo Sandoval. Archer faces the Yankees in New York in his next start Friday.
Jun 23 2015Archer gave up two runs (one earned) on three hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in eight innings Tuesday against the Blue Jays.Archer now has a career-best six-start winning streak. The Blue Jays may lead the major leagues in runs scored by a wide margin, but Archer seems unphased by their daunting lineup. Archer is 3-0 this season against Toronto and 6-1 in 12 starts for his career. He will look to continue to push his candidacy for the AL Cy Young award in Sunday's start against the Red Sox.
Jun 18 2015Archer (8-4) put 10 men on base (eight hits and two walks) and struck out just three in just five innings Thursday against Washington, but limited the damage to three runs and came away with the win.It's nice that Archer can win even when he's not at his best, and he certainly wasn't in this one -- he posted his second-shortest outing and lowest strikeout total of the season. He gets a tough one Tuesday against Toronto, but will have the benefit of being at home.
Jun 13 2015Archer allowed three runs on five hits over seven innings Saturday against the White Sox. He struck out five and walked one in the no-decision.A decent start, but in the context of Archer's recent work, it almost qualifies as a disappointment -- after all, he gave up as many runs Saturday as he had in his prior five starts combined, and he snapped his streak of three consecutive double-digit-strikeout games. But of course, if this is what passes for a subpar Archer start, we're in for a Cy Young-caliber year. He'll draw a home gig against the Nationals his next time out.
Jun 7 2015Archer continued his stretch of dominance Sunday against the Mariners, striking out 11 over seven shutout innings to earn his seventh win of the season.The 26-year-old has been phenomenal over his past three starts, allowing just one earned run while striking out a whopping 38 batters in 23 innings pitched. Archer draws a soft matchup with the low-scoring White Sox in his next start Saturday.
Jun 3 2015Archer lit up the Angels on Tuesday, throwing 8.0 innings of one-run ball and registering a career-high 15 strikeouts.With Tuesday's elite performance, Archer is pretty easily in the No. 1 starter conversation at this point. He has excellent stats across the board, with a 2.01 ERA and 2.28 FIP to back it up, 11.49 K/9 (third among all MLB starters), and a stable 50.3 percent groundball rate. He could go deeper into his starts (6.33 innings per start), but the Rays will almost certainly take what he's offering right now.
May 27 2015Archer matched zeroes with opposing starter Felix Hernandez for eight innings while striking out a dozen Mariners on Wednesday, but ended up with no decision.Archer gave up just a single and a double, and despite racking up the huge strikeout total, he only needed 95 pitches. Unfortunately, Brad Boxberger got lit up in the ninth inning to break the scoreless tie. This was Archer's second double-digit-strikeout performance this year -- pushing him into a tie for third place in whiffs, just one behind co-leaders Clayton Kershaw and Corey Kluber -- and he's allowed just two runs in his last 19.1 innings. He'll draw the Angels on Tuesday.
May 23 2015Archer (5-4) gained a win against the A's on Friday, tossing 5.1 innings with eight strikeouts while allowing one earned run, six hits and four walks.Archer has allowed two earned runs or fewer in his last three starts, with 20 strikeouts in that span. With the rest of the Rays' top of the rotation facing serious injuries, he's shined when they've needed him the most.
May 17 2015Archer gave up one earned run on four hits over six innings in a win over Minnesota, evening his record at 4-4.Archer walked just one batter and struck out four in another impressive performance Sunday. He'll take a 2.47 ERA into his next start against the A's this week.
May 12 2015Archer gave up two earned runs on seven hits and one walk while punching out eight in Tuesday's win over the Yankees.He got into some trouble early, but was able to settle down and ended up retiring 15 of the final 16 batters he faced over his final five innings. Archer threw 74 of his 105 pitches for strikes and continues to look the part of a frontline starter.
May 7 2015Archer lasted only 3.1 innings, allowing five runs on four hits and four walks to go with eight strikeouts against the Rangers on Thursday.Archer struggled again Thursday, giving up five runs in 3.1 innings. He entered the game third in ERA in the American League with a 1.64 ERA. It is now 2.59. He'll look to bounce back in his next scheduled start Tuesday against the Yankees.
May 3 2015Archer's streak of four consecutive scoreless starts came to an end Saturday when he allowed four earned runs in six innings with five strikeouts.The streak had to come to an end eventually, and it was pretty ugly when it did, given Archer's four walks. His ERA is now "up" to 1.64, but he also leads the league in strikeouts and should be a strong option going forward.
May 3 2015Archer's four-scoreless start streak came to an end, allowing four earned runs in 6.0 innings with five strikeouts.The streak had to come an end sometime, and it was pretty ugly when it did given Archer's four walks. His ERA is now "up" to 1.64, but he also leads the league in strikeouts and should be a very strong option going forward.
Apr 27 2015Archer struck out seven and allowed just two hits and no runs across seven innings, getting the win against the Blue Jays.After his unimpressive first start, Archer has lowered his ERA in every start since. He's now down to an 0.84 ERA, but that could go down in the near future given his 2.31 FIP (which is really good, but still implies regression).
Apr 22 2015Archer struck out nine and walked one while allowing an unearned run over 5.2 innings against the Red Sox on Tuesday night.He scattered seven hits, but Archer pitched well in a difficult matchup Tuesday. Unfortunately for Archer, the Rays' offense failed to plate any runs, saddling the young right-hander with the loss. Archer will face the Blue Jays at home on Sunday in his next scheduled start.
Apr 16 2015Archer struck out 11 in seven shutout innings, giving up only two hits and two walks in Thursday's win over the Blue Jays.Archer hit Russell Martin with a pitch in the second inning then drilled Edwin Encarnacion on the left elbow in the seventh. Besides that, Archer had his second consecutive seven-inning shutout win as he lowered his ERA to 1.37. Archer's next start will be against Boston.
Mar 26 2015Archer has been named the Opening Day starter by manager Kevin Cash.With Alex Cobb (elbow) dealing with an elbow injury, Archer will get the call against the Orioles on April 6. Archer made 32 starts lats season, going 10-9 with a 3.33 ERA across 194.2 total innings.
Sep 26 2014Archer posted another strong outing, allowing just one run on three hits while walking two and striking out six over 7.2 innings of a 1-0 loss to Cleveland on Friday night.Archer (10-9, 3.33 ERA) made just one mistake, a solo home run off the bat of Jose Ramirez in the first inning, but his mates couldn't dent the scoreboard against Indian's ace Corey Kluber. He suffered through a few brief rough stretches in 2014, but has recently built a lot of positive momentum heading into the off-season.
Sep 21 2014Archer pitched scoreless ball through 6.1 innings, giving up only two hits and four walks while striking out three in a win over the White Sox on Saturday.In his last three starts, Archer is 2-0 with a 1.83 ERA. His next start is on Friday at Cleveland, and he'll look to finish the season strong in his final start of the season.
Sep 14 2014Archer tossed seven strong innings versus the Blue Jays on Sunday, allowing just one run on three hits and three walks while racking up nine strikeouts.After a three-start skid that saw him surrender 16 earned runs on 27 hits across 16.1 innings, Archer got back on track Sunday afternoon. The young righty turned in six scoreless frames against the Blue Jays before giving up a solo homer to Edwin Encarnacion in the seventh. The Rays' bullpen squandered Archer's bid for his 10th victory of the season, but he is slated to get another attempt Saturday versus the White Sox.
Sep 9 2014Archer (9-8) beat the Yankees on Tuesday, tossing 6.1 innings of three-run, seven-hit ball. He also struck out three and didn't issue a walk.This was a solid road outing for the third-year big leaguer, who showed a lot of resiliency in not issuing any free passes despite getting behind more than half (13-of-25) batters with first-pitch balls. Archer's ERA is now at 3.63 to go with a 63:155 BB:K this season, numbers he'll look to build upon further when he squares off against the Blue Jays in his next start Sunday.
Sep 3 2014Archer struggled on Wednesday night, allowing six runs on 10 hits, walking one and striking out two over six innings of a 7-4 loss to Toronto.That's back-to-back rough outings for Archer (8-8, 3.60 ERA) as he again fought to consistently command the strike zone. He needed 102 pitches (a respectable 73 for strikes) to cover the six innings, but wasn't spotting his pitches particularly well and the Jays took advantage. He's capable of providing quality innings when everything is in synch, but that hasn't been the case of late. He'll attempt to get back on track against the Yankees in New York his next time out.
Aug 29 2014Archer was blasted for eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits, walking two and striking out three over just four innings of an 8-4 loss to Boston on Friday night.Archer (8-7, 3.40 ERA) allowed three in the first, then five more in the second, highlighted by a Mookie Betts grand slam. After a string of dominating performances, he has been battered in two of his last three outings. He'll try to get back on track in his next start at home against the struggling Blue Jays.
Aug 24 2014Archer allowed one run on six hits, walking one and striking out six over seven innings, but came away with a no-decision against Toronto on Sunday afternoon.He had a string of five straight quality starts snapped in his last outing (allowing four runs, just one earned over 5.2 innings), but was back on point in this one. Archer has high quality stuff when his command serves him, and his recent performances suggest he is fairly locked in. He'll try to keep it going against Boston in his next scheduled start.
Aug 19 2014Archer gave up four runs (one earned) over 5.2 innings in Tuesday's loss to the Tigers. He struck out six but yielded five hits and five walks while taking a no-decision.All of the damage against Archer came in the sixth inning, as the right-hander ultimately squandered a 4-0 lead. The outing snapped a streak of five straight quality starts for Archer, and was a poor follow-up to his previous turn, in which he whiffed 12 batters over seven innings. Given his general reliability over the last few weeks, Archer can still probably be rolled with confidence in his subsequent outings, in spite of Tuesday's uninspiring performance.
Aug 13 2014Archer (8-6) struck out a career-high 12 batters Wednesday, allowing a run on four hits en route to a 10-1 victory over the Rangers.It was Archer's fifth quality start in a row. The 26-year-old is 2-0 with a 2.37 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 27:5 K:BB ratio over 19 August innings. Archer will face the Tigers at home Tuesday.
Aug 8 2014Archer tossed six strong innings Friday afternoon versus the Cubs, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and one walk while recording six strikeouts.Archer continues to put up solid results here in the second half. Over four starts since the All-Star break, the young right-hander has posted a 2.96 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 8.1 K/9 across 24.1 innings. With the David Price era now a thing of the past in Tampa Bay, the Rays are certainly relying on Archer to continue performing at this level. He will attempt to keep it going Wednesday against the Rangers.
Aug 3 2014Archer struck out nine and walked two while allowing three runs on six hits over six innings to earn his seventh win of the season Saturday night.On a night where the Rays chased C.J. Wilson in the second inning, Archer benefited an early 6-0 lead Saturday. He threw 70 of his 109 pitches for strikes, and generated a swing-and-miss on 16 occasions. Archer will make his next start Friday on the road against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Jul 20 2014Archer turned in a solid 6.1 innings Sunday afternoon, allowing three runs (one earned) on six hits and two walks while striking out four in a 5-3 win over the Twins.Archer continues his strong work for the Rays over the past couple of months. The 25-year-old hurler appeared to be headed for a so-called sophomore slump as his ERA through eight outings this season stood at a lofty 5.16. However, Archer has turned things around in a big way and is on an impressive 12-start streak that dates back to May 16. Over that span, he has posted a 2.18 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 8.4 K/9 across 74.1 innings. Fantasy owners who were patient with the hard-throwing righty have obviously been rewarded.
Jul 11 2014Archer struck out seven and walked three while giving up five runs on six hits over five innings Friday night.He was able to get off the hook for the loss, however, as the Rays' offense rallied to tie the game in the seventh inning. Archer was rolling over his previous 10 starts prior to Friday night (1.71 ERA, 8.3 K/9), but he'll enter the break with a 3.41 ERA and 8.0 K/9, with the latter mark serving as a significant improvement from last season (7.1 K/9).
Jul 5 2014Archer tossed a strong 8.1 innings Saturday afternoon versus the Tigers, allowing two runs on six hits and four walks while striking out four en route to his fifth win of the season.Bringing his record for the season to an even 5-5, Archer continued his run of strong work with Saturday's victory against the Tigers. Over his past 10 starts, the Rays' right-hander has posted a sensational 1.71 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 8.3 K/9 across 63 innings. Archer is next slated to take the mound Friday versus the Blue Jays.
Jul 1 2014Archer tossed seven strong innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four versus the Yankees on Monday.Following some mid-April to early-May struggles, Archer has really buckled down and is putting together a solid season for the Rays. Over his last nine starts, the 25-year-old hurler has posted an outstanding 1.65 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 8.9 K/9 across 54.2 innings. Archer is next slated to take the mound versus the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.
Jun 24 2014Archer gave up five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in seven innings Tuesday, taking the loss against the Pirates.Archer had only given up four earned runs over 40.2 innings in his last seven starts, so he's certainly proven to be a better pitcher than he was Tuesday. Archer will make his next start in Yankee Stadium on Monday, a venue where he has a 0.60 ERA and two wins in two career starts.
Jun 19 2014Archer scattered three hits over 6.2 scoreless innings to earn the win against Houston on Thursday. He issued two walks and struck out eight.Archer was pulled after just three innings in his last start at Houston, so he bounced back nicely Thursday. The win was his first since May 16, although he's pitched effectively during that period, other than the aforementioned dud against the Astros. It was also encouraging to see Archer strike out over a batter per inning, as he had a total of just four Ks in his previous two outings. He'll face the Pirates at home in his next start.
Jun 14 2014Archer had his shortest outing in 14 starts this season, lasting just three innings while giving up one earned run on six hits and walking three in a loss to the Astros.Archer actually got through the game's first seven batters without issue before having a third-inning meltdown that saw him give up a double, unleash a wild pitch, make an error, hit a batter, then issue back-to-back walks before serving up a three-run double to Matt Dominguez. The third-year big leaguer is now 3-4 with a 3.40 ERA and 1.37 WHIP through 79.1 innings this season. Although he hasn't won since his six-inning shutout performance against Boston on May 23, his ERA has continually improved since then and he also hasn't served up a home run since May 11.
Jun 8 2014Archer tossed 6.1 scoreless innings Sunday afternoon, surrendering just five hits and a walk while striking out two versus the Mariners.Archer stretched his strong streak of starts to five games with this performance. Though two his strikeouts were well below his recent rate, the 25-year-old hurler still sports a 9.6 K/9 across 31 innings during this current run as well as an outstanding 0.87 ERA and 1.16 WHIP. Archer will look to keep it going next weekend against the Astros.
Jun 3 2014Archer was good Tuesday, giving up just a single run on five hits while fanning eight and walking two in seven innings against the Marlins. Unfortunately for him, Henderson Alvarez tossed a complete-game shutout for the home team, handing him his third loss of the season.The strikeouts just keep piling up for the 25-year-old, who's sat down an impressive 26 batters in his last three starts and 67 on the year. It was also nice to see Archer walk just two in this one, since he's had some control issues this season as evidenced by his 28 walks. The righty will face the Mariners in his next start Sunday at The Trop.
May 23 2014Archer worked six scoreless frames Friday night, racking up 11 strikeouts while allowing four hits and four walks versus the Red Sox.Archer was not credited with the win in the Rays' 1-0 victory over the Red Sox Friday night, but that takes nothing away from what is now his most dominant performance of 2014. Mostly scuffling through late-April and early-May, the young right-hander has now put up back-to-back scoreless performances, totaling 11.2 innings across those two outings.
May 17 2014Archer picked up his third win of the season over five plus innings pitched, while giving up no runs on two hits.It seems like a great start for Archer as he only gave up two hits, but he was a bit lucky on the night. Archer gave away five free passes, as he struggled to get ahead with only 11 first-pitch strikes to the hitters he faced. Chalk up the win to a bit of luck and untimely hitting by the Angels.
May 6 2014Archer tossed five innings, giving up three earned runs on seven hits with six strikeouts versus the Orioles Tuesday night.Another short outing for Archer, as the young hurler has worked just 15.2 innings over his last three starts. During that stretch, he has struggled to a 6.89 ERA and 1.60 WHIP. Archer is so far not living up to the preseason hype that surrounded him.
May 2 2014Archer was wild in the second half of Thursday's doubleheader against Boston, walking five batters and throwing two wild pitches en route to allowing five runs in 4.2 innings. He struck out three and allowed three hits.Control issues are unusual for Archer, who'd only walked five batters in his first five starts put together. Unfortunately, he's been struggling regardless, having allowed 17 runs in 22.1 innings over his last four starts.
Apr 30 2014Archer will indeed take the mound in one of the two games of the Rays' doubleheader Thursday, but it has not been decided whether he will pitch the first or second game, the Tampa Tribune reports.Cesar Ramos will get the nod in the other half of the doubleheader against the Red Sox. Make sure Archer remains in your lineup Thursday.
Apr 30 2014Archer will start the second half of Thursday's doubleheader against the Red Sox, the Boston Globe's Pete Abraham reports.The Rays were originally disputing the doubleheader Thursday, due to expected poor weather conditions again, but the dispute was settled. Cesar Ramos will take the mound in the first half of the twin bill.
Apr 30 2014Archer's scheduled nod Wednesday at Boston has been postponed, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.A stalwart member of the rotation, Archer will likely be pushed to Thursday, which could turn into a doubleheader. In his sole career start at Fenway Park, he allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and five walks, while striking out five in 4.2 innings.
Apr 25 2014Archer allowed four runs on nine hits, he did not walk a batter, and struck out four over six innings while earning a no-decision against the White Sox on Friday night.It's been an on-and-off season so far for Archer who will carry a modest 4.11 ERA into his next start, a potentially tough match-up against the Red Sox in Boston.
Apr 19 2014Archer bounced back nicely Saturday, tossing 6.2 innings of three-hit, one-run ball while striking out four in a 16-1 beatdown of the Yankees at Tropicana Field.He also didn't allow a walk for the first time in four starts, and looked much better after being shelled for 12 hits five days prior to the Orioles. Archer is now 2-1 with 21 K's and a 3.65 ERA in just under 25 innings of work this season.
Apr 14 2014Archer had a rough day Monday, surrendering seven runs in five innings of work in a losing effort.Archer managed six strikeouts in his five innings, but allowed 12 hits. He had only allowed two runs in his first 13 innings before collapsing Monday. He'll try to right the ship his next time out when he faces the Yankees this weekend.
Apr 8 2014Archer threw seven shutout innings Tuesday, surviving eight base-runners while striking out four Royals.He wasn't as dazzling as the Royals' Yordano Ventura, but he was just as effective, and 60 of his 91 pitches were thrown for strikes. Unfortunately he got a no-decision as a run wasn't scored in this game until the ninth inning.
Apr 3 2014Archer tossed six strong innings to earn the win against Toronto on Thursday, allowing two runs and four hits with seven strikeouts.Archer gave up a couple of runs in the fourth inning, but was otherwise effective and efficient. He's one of the best young pitchers in baseball, and should post strong numbers this season.
Apr 2 2014Archer agreed to a six-year contract worth about $25 million with the Rays on Wednesday, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reports. The new contract will kick in this season and includes team options for 2020 and 2021.Archer showed enough in 23 starts last season -- a 3.22 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and 101:38 K:BB ratio over 128.2 innings -- to convince the Rays to lock him up without even a full season under his belt. Archer is scheduled to make his 2014 debut Thursday against the Blue Jays.
Mar 4 2014Archer allowed just one hit over two scoreless innings in Tuesday's Grapefruit League game against the Red Sox.Archer is entering and enjoying his first spring training in which he does not have to compete for a spot in the starting rotation, as that is locked up. He has been focusing on refining his command and improving his changeup to mix in with his nasty slider. Archer will have the chance for his first full season in the majors and has a high ceiling of potential heading into 2014.
Sep 28 2013Archer gave up one earned run on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts in just 2.1 innings (64 pitches) Saturday against the Blue Jays.He has a 4.78 ERA in his last six starts, and manager Joe Maddon must have thought Archer was primed to continue giving up runs if he left him in. The panic pull didn't work out, as the Rays bullpen gave up six earned runs. He finishes the season with a 3.22 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 128.2 innings.
Sep 23 2013Archer did not record a decision Monday against the Orioles as he pitched 4.1 innings and allowed four runs, five hits and two walks to go along with seven strikeouts.Although Archer didn't pitch very well Monday, he did strike out at least six batters for the third straight start. He has been excellent this season with a 3.21 ERA and 1.10 WHIP as the Rays continue to produce excellent starting pitching.
Sep 18 2013Archer pitched six innings allowing two runs on four hits in a no-decision Wednesday against the Rangers.Archer was sharp for the second straight start, adding six strikeouts in the outing. The extra rest prior to his previous start seems to have helped him to re-energize for the final stretch as the Rays try to grab a playoff spot. His next start will be in a pivotal matchup Monday against the Orioles.
Sep 14 2013Archer pitched six innings of shutout ball and allowed just three hits with no walks and seven strikeouts against the Twins on Friday.It was a nice outing for the young right-hander who had allowed seven runs over his last 7.2 innings (two starts) after tossing three consecutive quality starts just prior to close out the month of August. The Rays are going to need more of this the rest of the way as they try to hold onto their playoff spot, especially for his next outing when they face a desperate Texas team that has recently lost its hold on the AL West.
Sep 2 2013Archer gave up five runs over 3.2 innings in Monday's 11-2 loss to the Angels.Archer fell to 8-6 on the season and lost his streak of three consecutive quality starts. He still owns an impressive 3.14 ERA, 0.93 HR/9, and 2.80 BB/9, but his 6.37 K/9 mark, along with his nondescript batted ball profile, indicate that Archer is probably a bit lucky to have a sub-3.50 ERA. It also doesn't hurt that he's thrown 64 innings at pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field and just 42 innings on the road. Archer's next start brings a friendly matchup, as he's scheduled to pitch in Seattle on Sunday.
Aug 28 2013Archer twirled seven innings of one-run ball only allowing five hits and notching five strikeouts Wednesday against the Angels.Archer was sharp again Wednesday for the Rays as he needed only 92 pitches to cruise through seven innings. Though he hasn't racked up the strikeouts in his starts, he has been efficient on the mound pitching to contact and has established himself in the Rays' rotation. He will look to keep rolling in his next start which is expected to be against the Angels again Monday.
Aug 23 2013Archer allowed two runs on four hits, walking two and striking out four over seven innings as Tampa Bay defeated the Yankees 7-2 Friday night.He has settled in nicely to the Rays rotation, and is now 7-5 with a very shiny 2.93 ERA so he should have plenty of job security as the Rays make their playoff push. He threw 109 pitches in this one (69 for strikes) and they are unlikely to overwork their young starter, but he should be a good option for his fantasy owners going forward.
Aug 19 2013Archer returned to form in a no-decision against the Blue Jays on Sunday, throwing seven innings and allowing one run on four hits and striking out five.Archer bounced back Sunday and appeared to be over the tightness in his forearm that hampered him earlier in the month. It was his first quality start of August after posting one in all five of his starts in July. With Matt Moore approaching a return from the DL, Archer has done well in anchoring his spot in the rotation as the Rays make a push for the postseason.
Aug 13 2013Archer (6-5) allowed five runs on nine hits in five innings Tuesday, striking out five in a loss to Seattle.He was pulled with forearm tightness in his last outing, but while he started this one on schedule, Archer certainly didn't look very good. The situation bears monitoring, but apparently Archer wasn't limited by the injury Tuesday.
Aug 9 2013Archer (forearm) said "everything felt normal" while playing catch Friday, and he is expected to make his next scheduled start Tuesday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer's early exit Wednesday provided fantasy owners with a bit of a scare, but he said Thursday that he would make his next start and Friday's workout simply reinforced that belief. He'll toe the rubber in the opener against Seattle.
Aug 8 2013Archer (forearm) expects to make his next start Tuesday against the Mariners, the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer was pulled from Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks with tightness in his right forearm mostly as a precautionary measure. The Rays have been working with a four-man rotation since Matt Moore was placed on the DL, but off-days Thursday and Monday will give him some extra time and barring any setbacks, he should be fine for his start Tuesday.
Aug 7 2013Archer left Wednesday's start in the second inning with left forearm tightness, the Tampa Tribune reports.Although the injury wasn't immediately apparent while he was on the mound, Archer left the game after an extended conversation with manager Joe Maddon, leaving the game with a 3-1 lead. The Rays have said his removal was precautionary in nature, so it doesn't sound like it's a particularly worrisome injury for the promising right-hander.
Aug 2 2013Archer allowed four runs on seven hits, walking three and striking out four over seven innings of a 4-1 loss to San Francisco on Friday night.He's now 6-4 on the season with a nifty 2.65 ERA, but he has been exceptional of late, allowing just three earned runs in his last 37 innings prior to this one. Tampa Bay has a knack for bringing out the best in talented young arms, and he is just the latest in a long list of productive pitchers coming out of their system.
Jul 27 2013Archer tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout against Yankees on Saturday. He did not issue a walk and struck out six.It's the second time in his last three outings that Archer has gone the distance, and after a not-so-stellar month of June (4.40 ERA), the 24-year-old is now sporting a 0.73 ERA since the beginning of July (37.0 innings). His emergence gives the AL East-leading Rays a very dangerous weapon at the back end of the rotation.
Jul 14 2013Archer tossed a complete game shutout Sunday against the Astros. He only allowed five hits and struck out eight batters.The complete game shutout was the first of Archer's big league career. It is especially impressive for the young pitcher, considering seven innings was the longest he had pitched in a major league game previous to Sunday. He improved to 4-3 on the season and lowered his ERA to 2.96. If he continues to excel on the mound, he may hold on to a rotation spot with the Rays, even with Alex Cobb possibly returning sometime in August.
Jul 9 2013Archer limited the Twins to one unearned run on three hits in six innings Tuesday, while walking none and striking out two.Archer has quietly given up three or fewer runs in each of his last seven starts, and while he was only able to pitch deep enough to log a quality start in four of those games, efficiency was not an issue Tuesday, as he issued no walks for the first time in eight starts this season. He's a solid option in deeper leagues or for spot-starting purposes in shallower formats, and his last start before the All-Star break is an appealing home start Sunday against the Astros.
Jul 4 2013Archer struck out five batters and held the Astros to two runs over six innings in a 7-5 11-inning win Thursday.Archer has given up five home runs and 21 walks over 36.2 innings but seems to be benefiting from quite a bit of luck and thus owns a respectable 4.17 ERA. His opponents' BAbip of .252 should be a red flag given that his batted ball profile is what you'd expect from a pitcher with that mark around .300 or higher. His 76.6 percent strand rate is another indicator of impending regression, and it all adds up to an unsavory 5.08 FIP. Of course, all that being said, Archer is a talented 24-year-old with limited experience, so perhaps an improvement in his pitching will make up for the expectation that his good luck will run out. It also helps that he gets to pitch in a favorable stadium with a strong defense, and his next start is scheduled for Tuesday at home against the Twins.
Jun 30 2013Archer took a no-decision Saturday against the Tigers after throwing five innings and allowing three runs on five hits.Archer walked three but also struck out three in the outing and all of the runs he allowed came in the third inning. Coming off a solid win at Yankee Stadium on June 23, he was at least able to keep the game in check for the Rays. His next start is scheduled for Thursday on the road against the Astros.
Jun 18 2013Archer took the loss in a rain-delayed Game 1 of a doubleheader on Tuesday against the Red Sox. He pitched 4.2 innings allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits and five walks and added five strikeouts.Archer was still pitching and was facing the bases loaded when rain delayed the game for nearly three hours in the fifth inning and he did not return after the delay. He likely would have been pulled shortly in the jam as he already had thrown 109 pitches to that point and Josh Lueke made the out to avoid further damage. Archer has had a tough time throwing deep into games since he has been called up throwing only one outing longer than five innings. With David Price and Alex Cobb out for a little while still, Archer still should be in the rotation temporarily. If the Rays' rotation schedule remains in order, Archer would make his next start on Sunday against the Yankees on the road.
Jun 16 2013Archer will start one of the two games scheduled against the Red Sox on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Times reports.The Rays haven't formally specified which game of the doubleheader Archer will pitch, but it looks like he is locked in for one of the starting nods with the other still up in the air. Archer had been expected to lose his rotation spot once David Price returns from the DL, but could have some more security if it turns out that Alex Cobb is forced to miss extended time after taking a vicious liner to the head during his start Saturday.
Jun 12 2013Archer lasted just four innings Wednesday, as he gave up two earned runs on four his, but walked four, and had seven strikeouts.It was an odd outing for Archer as he needed 103 pitches to get through just four innings. He needs to be more economical if he's going to have success at this level obviously, and after pitching seven innings against Baltimore in his last start, we were hoping for a different outing tonight. It remains to be seen when he'll get another crack at a start.
Jun 7 2013Archer allowed just one run on two hits, walking two and striking out two over seven innings of a 2-1 win over Baltimore on Friday night.Archer was making just his second start of the season for the Rays, and after being knocked around the first time out, he looked solid in this one. He is filling in for the inured David Price who is making progress towards his return, but Archer should get at least one more start - his next turn would be at home against Boston - and has the upside to be a factor in the Rays rotation long term if the opportunity presents itself. Tampa Bay is unlikely to rush him, but current starter Roberto Hernandez is not the most promising option over the long term.
Jun 1 2013Archer took the loss in his first major league start of the season Saturday.Archer started strong but allowed seven hits, two home runs and five earned runs over four innings. Despite the rough outing, he remains a very promising prospect and will likely see another start at the big league level this week with David Price on the DL.
Jun 1 2013Archer has been called up for his start Saturday against Cleveland, Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.With David Price on the disabled list, Archer has a temporary spot in the rotation that could become a permanent one if he pitches well and one of the other Rays' starters succumbs to an injury, or if he outperforms Roberto Hernandez during his callup.
May 30 2013Archer will likely be called up by the Rays to start Saturday's game against the Indians, the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer was passed up in favor of Jake Odorizzi for a few starts in place of the injured David Price. With Odorizzi struggling in those two starts and Price likely needing longer to recover, Archer could slide into the rotation on Saturday to face Ubaldo Jimenez and the Indians. In four May starts at Triple-A Durham, Archer has gone 1-2 with a 3.79 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 19 innings pitched. A top pitching prospect for the Rays like Odorizzi, it will be interesting to see how he performs in his second career stint in the majors. Don't expect him to throw deep into games as he has only thrown more than five innings twice in 10 starts this season.
May 30 2013Archer will be called up to start Saturday against the Indians, the Tampa Bay Times reports.With Jake Odorizzi being demoted on Tuesday after two rough starts for the Rays, Archer will slide into David Price's rotation spot. He will face a tough opponent in the Indians' potent offense. An official transaction will likely come after Friday's game or on Saturday.
May 23 2013Archer pitched six innings and allowed one earned runs on three hits and one walk while striking out six and earning the win for Triple-A Durham on Tuesday.Archer had been nursing a calf contusion that caused him to miss a start and may have led to Jake Odorizzi getting the call to the majors ahead of him to replace the injured David Price for a few starts. Archer put together a dominant performance on Tuesday and was able to pitch six innings for the second time this season. He has a 5-2 record with a 4.00 ERA on the season for Triple-A Durham and may see a call-up later in the season in the case of injuries or help needed with the Rays.
May 6 2013Archer was scratched from his scheduled start for Triple-A Durham on Monday due to a minor calf contusion suffered in his last start, Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times reports.It sounds like the injury is just a minor bruise, but consider Archer day-to-day until he takes the hill for his next outing. In six starts with Durham so far this season, the right-hander has posted a 4.06 ERA with a 35:12 K/BB ratio.
Apr 5 2013Archer made his season debut with Triple-A Durham, earning the win against Norfolk by allowing one run over five innings while surrendering three hits and one walk with five strikeouts. He allowed the lone run on an RBI double in the first inning and never faced more than four batters after the opening frame.It was a nice debut but there just isn't room in the Rays' rotation at the current time and Archer will continue to pitch at Triple-A until an injury or ineffectiveness with a Tampa Bay starter grants him an opportunity with the big league club.
Mar 12 2013Archer was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Tuesday, the Tampa Tribune reports.Archer pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up one run and three walks while striking out five, over three outings in the Grapefruit League. The Rays' top-notch rotation, though, does not afford room for him, meaning he'll begin the season in the minors yet again.
Mar 8 2013Archer struck out three and walked two while tossing three scoreless innings in Thursday's outing against the Pirates.Archer has pitched very well through seven innings this spring, giving up one hit and striking out five while walking three and going without allowing a run to this point. With minor league options remaining, Archer is likely headed to Triple-A to begin the season unless an injury or trade frees up a place in the rotation for him before Opening Day.
Feb 26 2013Archer is in a battle for the final spot of the Rays' rotation in spring training, according to MLB.com.Archer will be battling Jeff Niemann, Roberto Hernandez, and youngster Jake Odorizzi for the fifth spot in the rotation. Still a top pitching prospect for the Rays, he did well in his first spring training start throwing one shutout inning with a strikeout and only nine pitches. Niemann and Hernandez seem to be the early front-runners in the competition, but even if Archer starts the season at Triple-A he still has a bright future with the team and could be called on during the season if injuries occur.
Sep 29 2012Archer pitched three innings of long relief in Saturday's win, picking up a save despite being tagged for four runs.All of Archer's damage came off a pinch-hit grand slam from Orlando Hudson, though it mattered little with the Rays holding a commanding 10-0 lead prior to the blast. Archer should continue to see long relief work before getting a chance to crack the rotation in 2013.
Sep 19 2012Archer (1-3) didn't pitch particularly well Wednesday, allowing three runs and nine baserunners in five innings, but he got plenty of offensive support for his first major-league win, a 13-3 blowout of the Red Sox.After walking just seven in his first 22.1 innings in the bigs, Archer issued four free passes on Wednesday, and they were big reasons for his mediocre start. But hey, he won, and he was due to get some help, as the Rays had scored precisely two runs in each of his first three big-league starts.
Sep 17 2012Archer will start Wednesday against the Red Sox, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.He pitched great in his last spot start against the Rangers, and has a 3.38 ERA with a 25/4 K.BB over 18.2 innings with the Rays.
Sep 8 2012Archer will start for the Rays Saturday against the Rangers, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.Archer, the Rays top pitching prospect, went 0-2 with a 3.86 ERA in two June starts with the Rays. He's been hot of late, going 3-1 with a 1.92 ERA in his last 11 starts with Durham.
Sep 8 2012Archer allowed two runs over seven innings and did not factor in the decision Saturday against the Rangers.He gave up four hits while walking two and striking out 11. A great outing from Archer, but unfortunately for him opposing starter Yu Darvish was great as well as the two basically matched each other for seven innings. Through his first three MLB starts, Archer has allowed seven earned runs over 18.2 innings while recording 25 strikeouts to just four walks.
Jun 26 2012Archer lost again in his second start but was solid, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits over 5.2 innings.Archer struck out seven against just one walk for the second straight start, and it looks like his stuff is ready for the show. However, with Jeremy Hellickson back Saturday, Archer is likely to head back to Triple-A before his next turn in the rotation. Still, he's worth a look in keeper leagues where owners can afford long-term stashes.