Rays reliever Bryan Baker exits ninth inning due to dehydration in 7-6 win
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 4:20 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
Major league saves leader Bryan Baker exited in the ninth inning of Friday's 7-6 victory over the Texas Rangers in Arlington. The Tampa Bay closer struggled with a noticeable drop in fastball velocity while walking the first two hitters he faced. Manager Kevin Cash and training staff checked on Baker, who was replaced by Tyler Wells after the walks to Jake Burger and Evan Carter. Baker, who has 39 saves this season, attributed his performance to dehydration after battling an illness for two days. Wells secured his sixth save of the year to preserve the Tampa Bay lead, despite allowing a sacrifice fly to Elias Díaz that narrowed the score. The AL East-leading Rays remain in the postseason race as the club manages its bullpen rotation.
- •Bryan Baker recorded 39 saves this season before exiting Friday's game.
- •Fastball velocity dropped from 95 mph to 91 mph during Baker's appearance.
- •Tyler Wells replaced Baker and secured his sixth save for the Rays.
- •Tampa Bay finished with a 7-6 victory over the Texas Rangers.
- •Baker stated his exit was caused by dehydration and expects to recover shortly.
- 4:20 AMYahoo Sports — Dehydrated MLB saves leader Bryan Baker leaves in 9th as Rays win anyway and he says he's OK
"Major league saves leader Bryan Baker said he felt good enough to pitch even as the Tampa Bay closer dealt with an illness over the past couple of days. A significant drop in velocity during a 7-6 win over the Texas Rangers on Friday night said otherwise. The big right-hander was replaced by Tyler Wells after walking the first two hitters of the ninth inning, and Wells finished for his sixth save for the AL East-leading Rays.
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