Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall to Yankees, 5-1, Roster Moves, Etc

The Rays fell to the Yankees by a score of 5-1 Sunday, walking away with a series tie after the four hour and 23 minute, extra innings, contest.

Credit where it’s due, the Rays pitching staff, with Cesar Ramos at the charge, was great until the 12th inning, when CJ Riefenhauser and Josh Lueke were tagged for four runs.

Ramos was excellent, slashing 5 IP/4 H/1 ER/1 BB/3 K/53 pitches (35 strikes, 66% K/BB)/5 GO/5 FO. His start, ironically, matched his line from his previous five inning start, back in 2009.

Ramos’ outing today was indicative of what we should expect out of him in the starting rotation. Everyone has bad outings (see Price’s last outing, and Archer’s outing prior to his start Saturday night). I’m inclined to believe Ramos’ previous start against the Reds was the exception, not the rule. It’ll be interesting to see whether Maddon will allow him to go deeper in his next outing — assuming Maddon gives him another shot.

Moving forward, the Rays will cap off their current home stand with a three game set against the Twins, starting Tuesday. I’ll put together the series preview shortly.

Noteworthiness

Joe Maddon said Myers should have tagged up in 11th, though he was not sure he would have made it. The ensuing steal was actually a botched hit and run play.

Overall, “Maddon was pleased with (the) pitching, and put more focus on the Rays lack of offense,” tweeted Marc Topkin. He went on, the “decision in (the) 12th was obvious to face Anna rather than Ellsbury, was confident in Riefenhauser.

The Rays optioned CJ Riefenhauser back to Triple-A Durham. They will reinstate Juan Carlos Oviedo from the DL prior to Tuesday’s game against the Twins.

The 12th inning intentional walk of Jacoby Ellsbury was the 25th time since ’06 that Joe Maddon ordered an IBB with a man on first — Seven more than any other team.