Rays' Joe Boyle Unveils Dominant New Sweeper Pitch

The 6-foot-8 righty's revamped breaking ball has been one of the nastiest new pitches in MLB this season.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:07pm

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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Joe Boyle has emerged as a surprise contributor in the team's starting rotation to begin the 2026 season, thanks in large part to a newly developed sweeping breaking ball that has been generating significant swing-and-miss. After struggling with control and command issues in the past, Boyle has shown marked improvement in his first two starts, allowing only two earned runs in each outing while racking up a combined 13 strikeouts.

Why it matters

The Rays have long been known for their ability to develop quality pitching, and Boyle's breakout performance could solidify their rotation depth as they aim to compete in the tough AL East. His newfound pitch mix and improved control have made him a tough at-bat early on, potentially forcing the team's hand on keeping him in the majors even when injured starter Ryan Pepiot returns.

The details

Boyle abandoned his sweeping breaking ball last season as he worked to refine his mechanics, but he has brought the pitch back in 2026 with tremendous results. His sidearm delivery has given the offering sharp, 15-inch glove-side break while sitting around 85 mph. Through his first two starts, Boyle has allowed just four earned runs across 11.1 innings while striking out 13 batters.

  • Boyle made his season debut against the St. Louis Cardinals on April 1, 2026.
  • He made his second start against the Minnesota Twins on April 7, 2026.

The players

Joe Boyle

A 6-foot-8 right-handed pitcher in the Tampa Bay Rays organization who has emerged as a surprise contributor in the team's starting rotation to begin the 2026 season.

Ryan Pepiot

A Rays pitcher who is expected to return from injury soon, potentially creating a roster decision for the team regarding Boyle's status.

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What they’re saying

“So Boyle has brought it back this year as he tries to throw a larger pitch mix overall. The 6-foot-8 righty is getting a good mix of velocity and sharp movement on his 2026 sweeper, which is sitting at just over 85 mph with 15 inches of glove-side break.”

— David Adler, MLB.com writer

What’s next

It will be interesting to see what the Rays decide to do with Boyle when Pepiot returns from injury, as Boyle's strong start may make it difficult for the team to send him back down to the minors.

The takeaway

Boyle's emergence as a potential impact starter for the Rays showcases the team's continued ability to develop quality pitching, and his new sweeping breaking ball has been a key factor in his early-season success.