Joey Wendle was one of 40 Rays’ players to arrive at camp early. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

On Monday, 40 Tampa Bay Rays’ players arrived at camp in Port Charlotte — two days before the first official workout of Spring Training. Among those who arrived early were catchers Mike Zunino and Michael Perez; infielders Willy Adames, Joey Wendle, and Matt Duffy; outfielder Avisail Garcia; and pitchers Brent Honeywell Jr., Jalen Beeks, Colin Poche, and Tyler Cloyd.

Both Wendle and Duffy bulked up over the offseason. Duffy added 23 pounds to increase his strength and flexibility, while Wendle told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) this is nothing unusual — the utility infielder typically comes in a little heavier and stronger and then loses weight as the season progresses.

After being sidelined from late August to the end of the season with a severe left hamstring strain, Perez said he is ready to go, “100 percent.” The catcher is slated to platoon with Zunino, who reportedly looks like former Ray Brad Miller and put on quite the show in batting practice.

Garcia took some swings in the batting cage. He “is bigger and more muscular up close than you think,” writes Topkin.

Cloyd, a late acquisition by the Rays, showed up on Monday. The 31-year-old right-hander has big-league experience with the Phillies (2012-13), Mariners (2017) and Marlins (2018). Cloyd posted a solid 3.78 K/BB ratio across 85-1/3 innings with Triple-A New Orleans in 2018. He, however, has a susceptibility to the long ball which he paired with a low strand rate and a 5.17 ERA overall with the Marlins’ top affiliate.

(Photo Credit: Marc Topkin)

Honeywell added the Jr. to his jersey in honor of his father, Brent Lee Honeywell, who was a minor league hurler.

Not many people can have Jr. on the back of their jersey, Honeywell said. This is a gift my dad gave me — he taught me how to pitch growing up. It adds some flair. I’m not really a flashy person. All the good ones did it, like Griffey.

Noteworthiness

— Soft announcement: X-Rays Spex will be partnering with our buddies, Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli, on March 23rd — the weekend before Rays Opening Day — for the release of our newest shirt titled “Oh Boston, Up Yours.” The shirts will be available for sale (and preorder pickup) then, and you can expect some great raffle prizes among other things.

Pencil it in, more information is to come.

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