TAMPA — In a way, it’s a matter of semantics. You certainly could look at Taj Bradley’s work in Tuesday’s 3-1 loss to the Royals and see all the good, worthy of backslaps and congrats.

Tampa Bay rookie Taj Bradley got thrown into the fire earlier than planned this season when injuries decimated the Rays' starting rotation. He's done well so far, posting a 4-2 record in seven starts.

The night they came to Tropicana Field to see the Rays win for the 12th consecutive time to begin the 2023 season, and the night Taj Bradley began his big-league journey.

Bradley’s more veteran teammates also rave about his progress from his up-and-down 2023 rookie performance (5-8, 5.59) to now (2-4, 4.23). “Taj’s grown so much," said top starter Zach Eflin.

Bradley, by contrast, has largely pitched like a back-of-the-rotation starter in his career with a 4.70 ERA in 346 1/3 innings despite his status as a former top propsect.

Rays manager Kevin Cash knows Taj Bradley's recent struggles aren't reflective of who he is. Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles will provide a chance for the right-hander to get back on ...

As for the 22-year-old Bradley, our R.J. Anderson ranked him as the Rays' No. 2 prospect coming into this season. Here's his write-up of Bradley: ...

Bradley made 21 starts last season after his early call-up to the big leagues. His numbers, quite frankly, weren’t pretty, with a 5.59 earned run average.

Bradley made 21 starts for Tampa Bay last season, going 5-8 with a 5.59 ERA. He's currently slated to face the Red Sox on the road in his next outing, which will likely fall Wednesday.

Taj Bradley says he has a better sense of how to handle his struggles, in part by understanding that it is part of the ebb and flow of the game.© Luis Santana/Tampa Bay Times/TNS ...

The Rays called top prospect Taj Bradley back up from Triple-A Durham and plan for him to stick in the rotation. Read more at MLB Trade Rumors.

Rays manager Kevin Cash didn’t need to see much in person from 22-year-old righthander Taj Bradley during spring training to confirm why he ranked as the top pitching prospect in their organization.