Oliver Drake

Oliver Drake

37-Year-Old PitcherP
 Free Agent  
2024 Fantasy Outlook
There was no outlook written for Oliver Drake in 2024. Check out the latest news below for more on his current fantasy value.
$Signed a one-year contract with the Rays in February of 2021. Released by the Rays in November of 2021.
Heads to free agency
PFree Agent  
Elbow
November 5, 2021
Drake (elbow/neck/back) elected free agency after refusing an outright assignment to the minors Friday, radio broadcaster Steve Carney reports.
ANALYSIS
Drake carried an elbow injury into last season and never wound up throwing a pitch in a game at any level, as he later developed neck and back issues in midseason. He was shut down from throwing late in the year, which may make him an unappealing option in free agency heading into his age-35 season.
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Pitching Stats
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2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2021 MLB Game Log
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2020 MLB Game Log
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2019 MLB Game Log
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2018 MLB Game Log
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2017 MLB Game Log
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Stats Vs Today's Lineup
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Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Oliver Drake See More
The Z Files: Changing Wins to Innings and Saves to Solds
February 26, 2021
Todd Zola examines the impact of new scoring categories on the pitching side, including the rise in value of top set-up men like Tyler Duffey.
MLB Betting: Championship Series Preview
October 10, 2020
The Astros were easy money in the first two rounds, but James Anderson thinks the Rays are an easy call to advance to the World Series, while there's less value to be had in the NL.
AL FAAB Factor: Waiver Pickups of the Week
August 30, 2020
Erik Siegrist reviews another week of closer turmoil in the American League and thinks it might be time for Josh Staumont to shine in Kansas City.
Dream11 Fantasy Baseball: Blue Jays at Rays
August 24, 2020
Juan Pablo Aravena breaks down Monday's Blue Jays at Rays game for Dream11 contests.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2021
2017
2016
Drake pitched for five teams in 2018 before finally finding a home with Tampa Bay. Whereas other teams did not see much future for a soft-tossing righty with a splitter whose delivery looked like someone swatting away a swarm of bees, the Rays gave him leverage situations the past two-and-a-half seasons. This past season was mostly a wash as Drake tried to pitch through injury, but first went down with bicep tendonitis, and then went down again with a right flexor tendon strain in the ALDS at which point the Rays designated him for assignment for the roster spot. Drake elected free agency, but the market for relievers with limitations and recent red-flag injuries cannot be a deep one. There is little reason to consider Drake on draft day and a team would need to be on to Plan E in the bullpen for him to become relevant.
Drake entered the 2016 season coming off an impressive campaign in which he saw time with both Triple-A Norfolk and Baltimore. He began the 2016 season with Norfolk and picked up where he'd left off. In 56.1 innings of relief, the 29-year-old posted a 2.72 ERA and 1.22 WHIP. While both of these figures are very solid, it was his 34.2 percent strikeout rate that signals the value he's capable of providing in a big league bullpen. The Orioles recognized the value and promoted him on multiple occasions to work out of their elite bullpen. He put together a 4.00 ERA, 28.4 percent strikeout rate and 9.5 percent walk rate in 10 big-league innings. Drake's ceiling is ultimately limited due to his relatively old age, but it would not be surprising if he continued to provide some effective innings in low-leverage situations for the Orioles as he shuttles between Triple-A and the majors.
Drake is enjoying a renaissance after being converted to a reliever in 2013. The Orioles promoted him to Triple-A to start 2015, where he delivered a 26-inning scoreless streak at one point, while punching his strikeout rate up to 13.5 K/9. The Orioles promoted him for a couple of stints, and he held his own in 13 MLB appearances. Drake mixes his fastball with a splitter that he throws in the low-80s. He does not have a third pitch, which may be a cause of concern for some. He has done pretty much all he needs to do in the minors, but the Orioles have taken it slow with him. Drake could break camp as a member of the bullpen, or he could continue to ride the shuttle back and forth between the Orioles and Triple-A Norfolk until a full-time role opens up.
More Fantasy News
Currently not throwing
PTampa Bay Rays  
Elbow
September 27, 2021
Drake (elbow/neck/back) has been completely shut down from throwing for the time being due to a neck/back issue, the team's official site reports.
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Done for season
PTampa Bay Rays  
Elbow
August 31, 2021
Drake (elbow) won't pitch again in 2021, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
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Throwing again
PTampa Bay Rays  
Elbow
August 11, 2021
Drake (elbow/neck/back) was recently cleared to resume a throwing program, but he remains without a clear target date for a return from the 60-day injured list, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.
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Suffers minor setback
PTampa Bay Rays  
Elbow
July 15, 2021
Drake (elbow) is dealing with neck and back soreness, which has delayed the start of his rehab assignment temporarily, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.
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Rehab assignment starting Tuesday
PTampa Bay Rays  
Elbow
July 11, 2021
Drake (elbow) is scheduled to make his first rehab appearance Tuesday with the Rays' Florida Complex League affiliate, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.
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