Chris Archer bounces back in a huge way: Here's what it means for Rays

Chris Archer's first four starts were a bit concerning, but he bounced back in a huge way on Monday.

Chris Archer developed into a frontline starter during the past three seasons, notably with a huge bounce forward in 2015 that landed him fifth in the American League Cy Young voting. Through four starts in 2016, however, disaster: 0-4, 7.32 ERA, 2.09 WHIP. His strikeout rate was high, but he was walking far too many guys (11 in 19 2/3 innings) while getting knocked around the yard (four doubles and six homers allowed, helping push his opponents' line to .345/.418/.598).

Monday night, Archer was tasked with taking on the Orioles, who entered Monday third in the AL in runs, first in homers, second in average, first in OBP and first in slugging.

And Archer dominated.

In 6 2/3 innings of work, Archer kept the Orioles off the board in an eventual 2-0 victory for the Rays. He allowed only five hits, two doubles and three singles, while striking out 10 and not issuing a single walk.

Perhaps the best sign in this one was Archer's fastball command. He rarely missed spots -- a problem in earlier games -- and didn't fall behind very often. He walked three, two, three and three men in his previous outings, respectively, so the lack of a walk was also a good sign.

The Rays are a team built to win with pitching. The offense isn't strong, but the staff has the capability to keep them in contention. Drew Smyly has been great so far. Matt Moore has flashed some of his immense upside, Jake Odorizzi has had two very good outings and works fine as a fourth starter. And how about Blake Snell's great MLB debut on Saturday? He's since been sent back to the minors, but he'll be back. Alex Cobb should be ready to return sometime in August from Tommy John surgery as well.

The Rays have the potential to end the season with a top 10 rotation in all of baseball and that's probably what is needed to make the playoffs. It doesn't work that way without Archer pitching as an ace at the top, though. That's why his first four starts were concerning.

Several of Archer's peripheral (advanced) stats pointed to his issues soon going away, but it still actually needs to happen before the team would be encouraged. Archer insisted that he was feeling great and liked where his stuff was before Monday's start. The numbers he put up in this one suggest he wasn't just trying to convince himself.

Archer is still an ace. Monday's outing can now set the minds of Rays fans (and Archer fantasy baseball owners!) at ease.

Chris Archer is now "back," right? (USATSI)