Heading into the 2017 campaign, it seemed as though Matt Andriese’s grasp on a spot in the Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation was tenuous at best. The fifth starter, Andriese was likely in the rotation until one of the Rays top prospects, be it Jose De Leon, Brent Honeywell, or whoever, were deemed ready. Then, he would slot back into the bullpen, filling that long relief/spot starter role that he had over the past couple of years.
However, no one told Andriese that he was supposed to be a placeholder until the prospects were ready.