MLB News: Optimism For Tampa Bay Rays As 'Electric' Pitcher's Debut Shows Massive Potential

After trading All-Star pitcher Blake Snell during the offseason, it was clear the Tampa Bay Rays entered the new MLB season facing more difficult challenges.

Entering Tuesday, the defending American League winners are only 11-12 in the AL East division.

If they progress at the same rate, it will be a far cry from the Rays' 40-20 finish last year where they made the World Series, eventually losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-2.

But if there is something to be optimistic about, it's that the debut of 21-year-old prospect Luis Patiño is already yielding oohs and aahs.

The Colombian right-hander showcased a scintillating performance in his first appearance for the Rays, albeit coming in a 1-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.

"Our pitching did everything possible to keep us right there with one run. We just came up a little short on the offense," manager Kevin Cash said, per MLB.

Acquired from the San Diego Padres as part of the blockbuster deal for Snell, Patiño started in the match and did not allow a hit or run.

Using a combination of fastballs and sliders, Patiño threw 42 pitches in the 2.2 innings he played--30 of them led to strikes.

In the very first inning, he walked Toronto's Cavan Biggio and retired the eight others straight to close it in impressive style.

"He's (Patiño) got a chance to really help us throughout the course of the season,” Cash added, per MLB.

Such performance sometimes makes people forget that Patiño is just 21.

Experts have noted the youngster is one of the top prospects--ranked No. 23 by MLB--and he surely showcased what he could bring to the Rays.

“I feel good, and I feel very happy with how I performed out there today,” Patiño shared through an interpreter, per MLB.

“It felt great also knowing that my parents were in the stands, so I felt very comfortable and I'm glad that the results came out like the way they did.”

Louis Head also made his debut on Sunday, and the 31-year-old leftie was also just as effective for Tampa Bay's pitching plans.

Together with Diego Castillo back from the injured list (recovering from COVID-19) and Chris Fleming, Patiño and Head could play key roles to turn the Rays' fortunes around.