Rays Spring Training Update, Day 10; Spring Opener, Alex Cobb Opening Day Starter, Longoria Hitting Cleanup, Etc

The Tampa Bay Rays concluded the bulk of their pre-Grapefruit League action, full squad workouts ahead of Thursday’s Spring Training opener against the Minnesota Twins. Yes, friends, the Knutson Cup starts early this year. Asdrubal Cabrera returned to the fold after being sent home the day previous with stomach virus like symptoms. And while there wasn’t much of a buzz regarding Wednesday’s shortened workout, there is quite a buzz ahead of Thursday’s game. I’ll delve into that below.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day Eight; Franklin Confident at Short, Beckham Goes Hulk on Smyly’s Windshield, Etc

Once the fog cleared from the greater Port Charlotte area, likely opening day starter Alex Cobb got the opportunity to throw live batting practice, along with Nathan Karns and flame throwers Jose Dominguez and Jhan Martinez among others. Karns, one of the candidates for the number five starter’s job, will get the ball in the spring opener against the Orioles, Thursday.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day Seven; Cash Sets Rotation For the First Three Spring Games, Etc

Despite the wet fields following a night of heavy rain, the Rays were back at things Sunday for the second full-squad workout, and the second day of live batting practice. Bulleted highlights from the seventh day of camp follow

Rays Spring Training Update, Day Five; Josh Sale Released

Day five of Spring Training is in the books. Boog Powell arrived to camp Friday, so only RHP Alex Colome (delayed by visa) is missing ahead of Saturday’s whole team workout. Nothing truly newsworthy made the ranks of Twitter Friday afternoon, and what follows are a couple of loose ends that needed to be tied up.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day Four

After a brief rain delay, thanks to a passing cold front, the Tampa Bay Rays got to work on the fourth day of Spring Training. Eugenio Velez reported to camp, so only Boog Powell and Alex Colome (visa delay) have yet to arrive with the first full workout looming Saturday.