X-Rays Spex

A Below Average Rays Fan Blog

TNWN: Rays look to keep it rolling in Cleveland tonight

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  • Kevin Kiermaier hit one of four homers last night — a three-run inside the park home run to the left-center gap. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a 7-2 win over Cleveland on Thursday, the Tampa Bay Rays have a chance to win their third consecutive game tonight. The Rays have not won or lost any more than two consecutive games in the month of May with seven games left to play. They could also move to 12 games over .500 for the first time this season.

Tampa Bay has scored 15 runs in the past two games. Of note, Tommy Pham, Avisail Garcia, and Kevin Kiermaier homered in each of those contests and accounted for five of the seven runs last night.

Per Neil Solondz (Rays Radio), it’s the first time three Rays players have done that in back-to-back contests.

Willy Adames appears to be heating up. The shortstop has hit three homers in a 20-at-bat span and has batted .316 in the month of May with a .934 OPS.

The New What Next

The Rays will start Blake Snell (3-4, 3.31 ERA) tonight, pitching opposite of Shane Bieber (3-2, 3.22 ERA).

Blake Snell allowed one run on six hits and a walk across six innings in a no-decision against New York on Saturday. He struck out nine. Snell scattered six singles throughout his six-inning stint, pitching very well along the way. His only blemish: a third-inning run on two singles, a walk, and a wild pitch. Snell has a 3.31 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP this season

Shane Bieber was dominant in a complete game shutout against the Orioles, scattering five hits while fanning 15 on 107 pitches (75 strikes, 65% strike rate). The 23-year-old has allowed three-plus runs in four of his 10 starts, but he is still 3-2 with a 3.22 ERA. He has punched out 69 in 58-2/3 innings this season. Bieber relies primarily on a 94 mph four-seam fastball with added backspin and an 85 mph 12-6 slider, while also mixing in a whiffy 82 mph curveball with exceptional bite, and a firm 88 mph changeup with arm-side fade and natural sink. Key Matchups: Ji-Man Choi (3-6, 2 2B), Brandon Lowe (1-4, BB), Tommy Pham (2-8, 2B, RBI, BB)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Cleveland — a series preview

Rays 5/24/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Meadows DH
  2. Pham LF
  3. Choi 1B
  4. Garcia RF
  5. B. Lowe 2B
  6. Adames SS
  7. Kiermaier CF
  8. d’Arnaud C
  9. Velazquez 3B
  10. Snell LHP

Noteworthiness

— Next stop: St. Petersburg! Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) reports that two-way prospect Brendan McKay has been promoted to Triple-A, and will start on Tuesday for the Durham Bulls.

The 23-year-old tossed six shutout innings on Wednesday — bringing his scoreless streak to 20 innings — while fanning nine to give him 62 strikeouts in 41-2/3 innings of work (13.41 K/9). He is 3-0 with a 1.30 ERA in eight games.

With Brent Honeywell still working his way back from Tommy John surgery, McKay becomes the top healthy pitching prospect in the organization. And though he is still working on being a two-way player, he has hit just .167 with two extra-base hits and a .448 OPS thus far.

— With a win tonight, Kevin Cash will have a .500 record with Tampa Bay as a big league manager over four-plus seasons.

Rays look to split series with Dodgers; IL updates

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Hopefully you enjoyed the light show last night if not the outcome. (Photo Credit: X-Rays Spex)

After a 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday night, the Tampa Bay Rays look for a series split tonight. Tampa Bay is in the midst of a two-game losing streak, falling two games behind the Yankees in the American League East.

In the last two games, the Rays have allowed 14 walks and 20 runs. Compare that to the previous two contests, when they had the lowest walk percentage in the American League. Per Neil Solondz (Rays Radio), of the 20 runs allowed, 13 have come with two out.

For the second consecutive day, Yandy Diaz will be out of the lineup after being hit on the hand by a pitch in Sunday’s game in New York. Diaz was a late scratch last night because of discomfort in his injured hand.

His hand is still bothering him. He tried to swing; obviously, it hurt him enough to take him out of the lineup. It’s unfortunate.

— Kevin Cash

Rays manager Kevin Cash said the team has done “a good degree of testing” on the injury, and he doesn’t expect Diaz to go on the injured list (IL).

X-rays, CT scans, everything is negative. It just got him in that boxer’s area where you see a lot of broken bones, but it got him on the fatty part of the palm. It’s just really sore. It’s the bottom hand, [and] it pinched everything there with the knob and all that.

— Kevin Cash

Daniel Robertson will play in his place for the second straight day. More Rays IL news can be in Noteworthiness.

The New What Next

Ryne Stanek (0-1, 3.70 ERA) will open for the Rays, while Yonny Chirinos (5-1, 3.26 ERA) is expected to get the bulk of the work. They’ll be opposed by Rich Hill (1-1, 3.00 ERA)

Ryane Stanek struggled on Sunday in his last outing in relief. Yet, as an opener, he’s given up just four runs over 18-2/3 innings, allowing a run in just two of those 12 outings.

Yonny Chirinos allowed four hits and struck out two over 4-2/3 shutout innings Friday night. Chirinos did his part after Ryne Stanek tossed the first two frames, as he nearly blanked the Yankees for five innings. The right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in each of his past six appearances, allowing him to carry a 3.26 ERA with a 4.125 K/BB across 47 frames.

Rich Hill tossed six shutout innings while fanning 10 with no walks and two hits on Friday. The veteran southpaw needed just 84 pitches to record 18 outs, which is a pretty incredible seeing that 10 of those outs were punchouts. Through four starts, he is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA, with a 1.05 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts across 21 innings. Hill relies primarily on a whiffy 91 mph four-seam fastball and a 75 mph curveball with exceptional bite and sweeping glove-side movement. He is 2-0 with a 4.82 ERA in 11 career outings (two starts) against the Rays. Key Matchups: Travis d’Arnaud (1-3), Guillermo Heredia (1-2)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Dodgers — an Interleague series preview

Rays 5/22/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Garcia DH
  2. Pham LF
  3. Choi 1B
  4. Adames SS
  5. Robertson 3B
  6. Kiermaier CF
  7. d’Arnaud C
  8. Heredia RF
  9. Lowe 2B
  10. Stanek RHP

Noteworthiness

— Matt Duffy (hamstring, back) played seven innings last night for the Durham Bulls in left field, going 0-for-4. Duffy is eligible to come off the IL on Monday. He has played third base, shortstop and left field during his rehab assignment to add to his versatility.

He’s getting closer. I’m really encouraged by his last couple days in Port Charlotte. Starting to see the timing at the plate. [He] hit a home run, couple of singles; moving him all over the diamond and playing different spots.

He can’t come off until the 27th at the soonest. Get him a couple of games, get him some reps out there and see how he fits our roster when it’s time for him to come off (the IL).

— Kevin Cash

— Jose De Leon (Tommy John surgery) threw 2-2/3 scoreless innings in Durham last night, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out two. 28 of his 52 pitches went for strikes (54% strike rate).

— Joey Wendle (wrist fracture) received a follow-up X-Ray on his fractured right wrist this afternoon and received good news — the cast is off (and thrown away).

Free to move forward as I can tolerate.

— Joey Wendle

Wendle could start swinging soon.

— Though Tyler Glasnow (forearm strain) hasn’t thrown a baseball since landing on the IL May 11, he did progress to tossing a tennis ball. The right-hander told Juan Toribio (MLB.com) he feels like he has “progressed a lot faster than I thought it would.”

I feel really good. I’ve tested it and thrown a tennis ball. It feels really good. I’m thankful for the trainers. I’ve progressed really fast.

— Juan Toribio

Glasnow is expected to play catch next week, with another test in his recovery expected thereafter.

— Brent Honeywell (Tommy John surgery, nerve issue) was checked again by a team doctor and will rest another week. If all goes well, he will resume throwing next week. Honeywell has been idled since mid-April in his rehab from Tommy John surgery.

TNWN: Rays look for a series win on Sunday in the Bronx

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Reasons to celebrate: The Rays won their first extra-inning ballgame on Saturday, 2-1, and retook sole possession of first place in the AL East. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After moving back into first place in the AL East on Saturday, the Tampa Bay Rays (27-16) can push their lead to 1-1/2 games over the Yankees with a win this afternoon. A victory would also give the Rays a series win, and allow them to move 12 games over .500 for the first time this season.

Even though he didn’t have his best stuff on Saturday, Blake Snell allowed just one run on six hits and one walk over six innings. He struck out nine. Snell scattered six singles over the course of his outing, while the only blemish came on a third-inning run after he gave up two singles, a walk, and a wild pitch. The southpaw further lowered his ERA and FIP to 3.31 and 2.60 (respectively) and boasts a 1.00 WHIP thus far.

Snell credited 38-year-old journeyman catcher Erik Kratz on his cool, calm demeanor in yesterday’s contest.

For what I had, working with him, you could tell he’s a vet and knows what he’s doing. We talked every inning and were on the same page for the most part. It was fun to work with him, and I’m excited to work with him again. … He’s just very calm. … It was very mutual. … He’s very confident in what he’s doing and what he’s talking about.

— Blake Snell

Austin Meadows hit the decisive game-winning home run in the 11th inning.

Not only did he give the Rays the late advantage, but he also cut down Aaron Hicks at the plate as the outfielder got greedy and blew through a stop sign by the Yankees third-base coach.

All this one day after the revelation that New York’s paunchy southpaw, CC Sabathia, tried to intentionally hit Meadows with a pitch on Friday. Meadows initially didn’t think it was intentional, but when shown a video clip of Sabathia yelling toward his dugout saying, “I definitely was trying to hit his ass,” Meadows became utterly aware.

Seeing that afterward, obviously, he was trying to (hit me). You know CC, he’s been around a long time. He’s a competitor. He obviously wanted to take a shot there. … Obviously, we had a beef (between the teams) back and forth. It’s part of the game, honestly. Luckily, I didn’t get hit. But it is what it is.

— Austin Meadows

At the end of the day, Jośe Alvarado had a nice bounce-back performance as the Rays collected their first extra-inning win of the season — and moved back into first place by 1/2 game. They also improved to 3-8 in one-run games.

The New What Next

Charlie Morton (4-0, 2.32 ERA) will get the start for the Rays, pitching opposite of opener Chad Green (0-2, 13.97 ERA) on the one-year anniversary of Tampa Bay starting the new pitching strategy.

Charlie Morton pitched six shutout innings, scattering three hits while striking out five to earn the win in a 4-0 victory over the Marlins. The right-hander had one of his cleanest performances of the season Tuesday and got enough support to take the win. Morton has 61 punchouts over 50-1/3 innings (nine starts) this season and owns a 2.32 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Morton is 2-1 with a 4.10 ERA in four career starts against the Yankees, and 1-1 with a 5.30 ERA in three starts at Yankee Stadium.

Chad Green allowed two runs in the eighth inning on Friday (one earned). In his prior appearance against the Rays, Green struck out the side. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (1-3, BB), Brandon Lowe (1-2, 2B, RBI), Daniel Roberts (1-2, 2B)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Yankees — a series preview, part two

Rays 5/19/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Meadows DH
  2. Pham LF
  3. Choi 1B
  4. Diaz 3B
  5. B. Lowe RF
  6. d’Arnaud C
  7. Kiermaier CF
  8. Adames SS
  9. Robertson 2B
  10. Morton RHP

Noteworthiness

— Matt Duffy (hamstring, back) played shortstop with the Class A Stone Crabs in Clearwater on Saturday. That opens the possibility Duffy could get some reps at short when he returns, given the lag in production from Willy Adames and Daniel Robertson.

— Whatcha got going on this afternoon?

TNWN: Rays look for a series sweep after a 4-0 win over Miami

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  • RHP Charlie Morton threw six efficient shutout innings against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a 4-0 combined shutout against the Marlins on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays will for the sweep tonight. Tampa Bay enters the day a game ahead of New York in the AL East and is 13-5 on the road this season — an MLB best.

If we had to name two heroes from last night’s contest, Charlie Morton and Avisail Garcia would easily make the cut.

Charlie Morton pitched six shutout innings, scattering three hits while striking out five to earn the win in a 4-0 victory over the Marlins. The right-hander had one of his cleanest performances of the season Tuesday and got enough support to take the win. Morton has 61 punchouts over 50-1/3 innings (nine starts) this season and owns a 2.32 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Morton is scheduled to face New York on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Garcia had three hits and three runs batted in on Tuesday night. His first hit, RBI, and run came on a massive 471 solo blast to center field in the second inning.

Garcia’s blast was the furthest ball hit by an opponent in Marlins Park.

Ever the conspiracy theorist, Kevin Kiermaier feels the ball traveled even further than that, and in all honesty, he has a point:

The outfielder drove in a second run in the sixth inning against reliever Nick Anderson with a base hit to left and capped the scoring with a bases-loaded infield hit against Tyler Kinley.

All told, the Rays went 2-for-7 wRISP (.286 BA) and scored a pair of two-out runs.

The New What Next

Ryne Stanek (0-1, 2.57 ERA) will open for the Rays tonight, with Jalen Beeks (2-0, 2.48 ERA) likely to be the bulk pitcher. They’ll be opposed by Jose Urena (1-5, 4.82 ERA).

Ryne Stanek will open for the 11th time this season. So far he’s allowed just one run 15.2/3 innings (10 opens, 3 ER, 1.72 ERA).

Jalen Beeks allowed one run on three hits over 3-1/3 innings against the Diamondbacks on Tuesday. He fanned three and walked none. The southpaw followed Ryne Stanek and continues to pitch well when utilized as a bulk reliever. With the loss of Tyler Glasnow to the IL, there is the potential for Beeks to temporarily join the starting rotation. He has a 2.48 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and a 2.9 K/BB across 21 innings to begin the season.

Jose Urena allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks while striking out three over seven innings on Wednesday. Urena allowed eight baserunners, although he was able to escape trouble most of the night. After giving four combined home runs in his last two starts, Urena kept the ball in the yard and generated 75% groundballs. He has a 1-5 record with a 4.82 ERA and 6.2 K/9 over eight starts this season. Urena is 0-0 with a 0.84 in seven games (one start) against the Rays. He relies primarily on a worm-killer 96 mph four-seam fastball with obvious tail and an 86 mph 12-6 slider while also mixing in a whiffy 91 mph changeup with slight arm-side fade. Key Matchups: Travis d’Arnaud (2-5, RBI, BB), Daniel Robertson (1-3)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs. Marlins — an Interleague series preview

Rays 5/15/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Meadows RF
  2. Pham LF
  3. Choi 1B
  4. Lowe 2B
  5. Diaz 3B
  6. Kiermaier CF
  7. Adames SS
  8. Bemboom C
  9. Stanek RHP

Noteworthiness

— The Rays have an MLB-best 2.88 ERA. Meanwhile, the Marlins have scored just 105 runs (2.62 per contest) so far this year.

— The Marlins are averaging just 2.62 runs per game.

— Matt Duffy (hamstring, back) continued his rehab assignment today, playing third base today for the Class-A Charlotte Stone Crabs.

— Jose De Leon (Tommy John surgery) will start tonight for the Triple-A Durham Bulls.

TNWN: Rays look to win series vs. Yanks; 5/12/19 pre-game notes

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  • Yandy Diaz, who had a career night on Saturday, went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and four runs batted in. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After the 7-2 win over the New York Yankees on Saturday, the Tampa Bay Rays look to win the series this afternoon. The Rays need a win for a winning homestand. Tampa Bay has lost just one series this season.

The Rays bounced back from a pair of tough losses thanks in part to Yandy Díaz, who went 2-for-5 at the plate with two home runs and four runs batted in.

Díaz came to the Rays with just one career home run in 299 plate appearances with Cleveland, yet he’s increased that total by 800% in just over half the plate appearances.

I’ve even surprised myself. I always had the strength, but I’ve surprised myself with the home runs that I’ve hit.

— Yandy Díaz

Díaz spoke about his career night, through a team translator, following the game.

(Credit: Rays Radio)

Tampa Bay regained the magic at the plate, going 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position and scoring five two-out runs. Compare that with Friday, when they hit .125 wRISP.

The New What Next

Blake Snell (3-3, 3.62 ERA) will start for the Rays, pitching opposite of Masahiro Tanaka (2-3, 3.77 ERA).

Blake Snell bounced back from a pair of tough outings and cruised to his third win of the season. Snell gave up just one hit and no walks while striking out nine across six scoreless innings. The southpaw induced 19 swinging strikes (61 strikes overall, a 71% strike rate and a 31% SwStr%) on 86 total pitches. It was a phenomenal performance by Snell, who posted a 12.79 ERA in his first two starts since returning from the IL because of a fractured toe. He is now 3-3 on the season with a respectable 3.62 ERA and 5.56 K/BB over seven starts this season.

Masahiro Tanaka gave up two earned runs on five hits over 6-1/3 innings on Tuesday against the Mariners. He struck out four and walked two. Tanaka struggled in his previous two starts, but he was sharp against Seattle. The right-hander carries a 3.64 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with a 2.86 K/BB across 45-1/3 innings. He relies primarily on an 84 mph slider with glove-side cut and two-plane movement, a whiffy 92 mph four-seam fastball, and a firm 88 mph splitter with arm side fade. Tanaka is 8-4 with a 3.72 ERA in 14 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (2-7, 2B, RBI), Avisail Garcia (4-13, 2B, RBI), Guillermo Heredia (1-4), Kevin Kiermaier (7-23, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI, BB), Brandon Lowe (2-4, 2B), Tommy Pham (3-5, 2B, HR, 2 BB), Daniel Robertson (1-4, 2B, BB), Mike Zunino (5-16, 2 2B, HR, RBI)

You can read about the series in our preview, and the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Yankees — a series preview

Rays 5/12/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Meadows DH
  2. Pham LF
  3. Choi 1B
  4. Diaz 3B
  5. Lowe 2B
  6. Garcia RF
  7. Kiermaier CF
  8. Robertson SS
  9. Bemboom C
  10. Snell LHP

Noteworthiness

— Hitless in his last two games, Tommy Pham was hard at work 30 minutes after Saturday’s game was over, hitting off a tee and tweaking his swing with coach Ozzie Timmons.

— Well, that was pretty damn cool!