The Tampa Bay Rays celebrated manager Kevin Cash’s first win by hopping on a plane and heading south to Miami, for a three game set against the Marlins. Much like the Rays, the Marlins are coming off a disappointing start to the season. In contrast, however, the Rays won a game and were competitive, whereas Miami dropped its opening series, scored a grand total of three runs, and was outscored by 13 runs.
All told, the Rays have a good opportunity to get away with a few wins at the hands of the Marlins, yet that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. Take Dan Haren (who hasn’t faced Tampa Bay since 2012) for example. The 34-year-old won five of his last seven starts in 2014 and boasted a 2.70 ERA in September, finishing the season with 145 strikeouts in 186 innings. Haren is 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA in 13 career outings versus Tampa Bay. He also owns a 3.09 career ERA in April, his best of any month.
Scouting is one thing Tampa Bay does exceedingly well. It’s not uncommon for pitching coach Jim Hickey to focus the hurler’s attention to the weaknesses of the opposition. That said, don’t be surprised if slugger Giancarlo Stanton gets a little extra scrutiny this weekend. Even though Stanton has gone 1-for-8 with a single, four walks and five strikeouts thus far, the Marlins’ $325 MM man is still dangerous and the Rays would like nothing more than to keep him quiet at the plate.
Cash (or the brain trust) got creative with the starter in the series opener, announcing late Thursday that reliever Steve Geltz would make the first start of his eight-year pro career. In Geltz, there must be an advantage in the flexibility of going to the bullpen — and potentially the bench for a pinch-hitter — early in the National League-rules game. The two pitchers — Matt Andriese and Erasmo Ramirez, with whom one was originally expected to start, seem likely to see action. In 256 professional games he has worked, Geltz posted more than three innings only once — 3⅔ in 2009 — and hasn’t thrown over 47 pitches in a game in at least the last five years. Geltz will likely pitch two or three innings Friday.
Dan Haren: The Fastball/cutter/curve-ball/splitter throwing hurler is going to do whatever he can go get the Rays batters to pound the ball into the ground. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, only one non-injured player (Evan Longoria) has fared well against the righty. Key match-ups: Evan Longoria (2-7).
Jarred Cosart: While Cosart’s cutter has some pretty good depth and break, and his 12-6 curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch, his lack of fastball command doesn’t give him the opportunity to set up those pitches. He also features a low 80’s change-up, yet he only uses it against lefties. Key match-ups: Asdrubal Cabrera (2-5, 3B, 2 RBI, BB), David DeJesus (1-2, BB), Logan Forsythe (1-3), Brandon Guyer (2-3), Kevin Kiermaier (2-7, 2 2B, BB).
Henderson Alvarez: The 24 year-old RHP features a sinking 94 mph two-seam fastball (used to coax ground balls), a four-seam fastball, and a 90 mph power change-up (think Felix Hernandez). Alvarez put together a complete game shutout of Tampa Bay last season. Key match-ups: Desmond Jennings (4-11, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-4, 3B), Evan Longoria (7-13, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB), Bobby Wilson (2-8).
Noteworthiness
— Despite losing all four meetings with the Marlins in 2014, the Rays (historically) have fared well against that team from the south — positing a 25-13 record extending back to 2008.
— The Rays placed DH/OF John Jaso on the disabled list after sustaining a bruised left wrist. OF Mikie Mahtook has been recalled and will make his major-league debut. Jaso injured his wrist sliding headfirst into second Monday, and has the (less than) esteemed honor of being the ninth Ray on the disabled list. Mahtook got word of his promotion after playing in the Durham Bulls’ season opener on Thursday, at Gwinnett. In 2014 Mahtook slashed .292 BA/.82 OPS/12 HR/68 RBI/18 steals in 2014 with Durham.
— Kevin Kiermaier leads the Rays with nine total bases (2B, 3B, HR).
— Evan Longoria reached base in seven of his 12 plate appearances in the opening series against the Orioles.
— Drew Smyly threw two 1-2-3 innings in his first rehab start for the Charlotte Stone Crabs. All told, Smyly threw 23 pitches (15 strikes) and recorded one strikeout (swinging). Smyly was so efficient, he followed by throwing 12 more pitches in the bullpen.
Felt great. Better than I expected. So I was very encouraged, Smyly told the Tampa Bay Times. I threw a lot of strikes, and my arm felt the best it has felt. It was a great first step. You progress every day, so after my next start, I should know a lot more. But right now, I’m just looking to see how the next five days go.
He make at least one, and possibly two or three, more rehab starts, with the aim of rejoining the starting rotation by the end of the month.
— “After placing John Jaso on the disabled list,” writes RJ Anderson (Process Report), “the Rays added another rookie to the roster. Here’s what to expect from Mikie Mahtook.” RJ continued with an excellent preview of the newest Ray that’s definitely worth your while.
— While we’re at it, RJ also previewed Matt Andriese.