Tampa Bay Rays pitching was dominant against Boston on Monday, with five hurlers — Joe Ryan, Shane McClanahan, Josh Fleming, Pete Fairbanks, and Ryan Thompson — combining to throw seven shutout innings in the 3-2 win over the Red Sox.
McClanahan stole the show, using a four-pitch mix — fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup — to strike out the side (J.D. Martinez, Hunter Renfroe, and Michael Chavis) while touching 100 mph along the way. The southpaw has struck out the last seven batters he’s faced this Spring.
I’ll be honest with you I didn’t know who was up. I’ve got a job to do out there and that’s throw strikes. It’s funny that you said that because I didn’t realize who was up until I got off the mound. … I just want to be more consistent. I wanted to kind of come into camp a new person. I changed a lot of stuff about my mechanics, the way I throw, my arm slot. So I put in a lot of work, and I think it’s starting to show now.
— Shane McClanahan
Fleming followed McClanahan with two innings of shutout ball. He allowed one hit while striking out Alex Verdugo.
Fleming has pitched two frames in each of his last two outings. The left-hander said that pitching coach Kyle Snyder told him that he will throw three innings in his next outing.
I’m fine with it. My arm feels good for really whatever they want me to do. If it’s bulk it’s bulk if it’s starting it’s starting. So whatever they want me to do I’ll be ready for.
— Josh Fleming
Rays skipper Kevin Cash was impressed with all three pitchers including Ryan, who opened the game with a 10-pitch scoreless outing.
They all get there in different ways. They’ve got a chance to be pretty special so it was good to see those guys get out there. We talk about the depth that we have and the amount of quality arms, and those are three that are really quality.
— Kevin Cash
The Rays did receive some bad news on Monday; OF Brett Phillips is headed to the Injured List after he sustained a Grade 1 strain in his left hamstring. Phillips, who received an MRI which confirmed the injury, suffered the injury while running the bases during Sunday’s game. He will miss three to four weeks.
Even if Phillips recovers quickly, he likely won’t be ready in time for Opening Day on April 1.
Unfortunate. You don’t want to see it resolved that way. He’ll be back, and he’ll play a big role for us. He’s swinging the bat pretty well. Just a good guy to have on a winning team. He does a lot of things that can help you win. He plays great defense. We know he can come up with some timely hits. So we’ll rehab him and get him back as quick as possible.
— Kevin Cash
The New What Next
Ryan Yarbrough is scheduled to start on Tuesday against King Félix and the Orioles. Right-hander Collin McHugh, Luis Patiño, Andrew Kittredge and Joey Krehbiel, and southpaws Dietrich Enns and Jeffrey Springs also are slated to pitch for Tampa Bay.
Rays 3/16/21 Starting Lineup
- Tsutsugo 1B
- Zunino C
- Arozarena LF
- B. Lowe DH
- Diaz 3B
- Adames SS
- Margot RF
- Brosseau 2B
- Lukes CF
- Yarbrough LHP
Noteworthiness
— Brendan McKay made his Spring Training debut in the seventh inning, seeing five pitches and drawing a walk as the DH. McKay will continue to hit in a DH role while he rehabilitates from labrum surgery. He is expected to throw off a mound later this month.
— Kevin Kiermaier collected a pair of doubles on Monday.