X-Rays Spex – Page 299 – A Below fWAR Rays Fan Site

The New What Next: Rays vs Yankees — a series preview

Logan Morrison scored on Corey Dickerson's RBI single on Wednesday, allowing the Rays to tie the series finale with the Orioles at six apiece. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays) — Logan Morrison scored on Corey Dickerson’s RBI single on Wednesday, allowing the Rays to tie the series finale with the Orioles at six apiece. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays and New York Yankees are set to start a four-game, wrap-around series in the Bronx on Thursday.

In the final weekend of July, Tampa Bay swept New York in a three-game series at Tropicana Field. Shortly after that series, New York saw the ungraceful exit of Alex Rodriguez, as well as the promotions of Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and Tyler Austin — all of whom have positively impacted the Evil Empire.

Coming into this series, the Yankees have won four straight and 10 of their last 14 games after completing a three-game sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays with a 2-0 victory Wednesday — helping them to get within 2-1/2 games of the Baltimore Orioles for the Wild Card.

Tampa Bay is at the precipice of an 11-game road trip that could impact the AL East, as the team follows the extended stay in the Bronx with three in Toronto and three in Baltimore. The Rays are 26-33 against AL East.

Thursday marks the second start of Alex Cobb since his return from Tommy John surgery last Friday. The former (and possibly future) ace is excited for his start on Thursday, telling the media,

It’s going to be a good atmosphere. The Yankees are still in (the playoff race) and they are playing good baseball. This series is big for us too. The last month of the season is big for the organization as a whole. This is a chance for us to finish strong and build some momentum for next year

Kevin Cash will lean on Cobb (0-0, 3.60 ERA), Blake Snell (5-7, 3.39 ERA), Chris Archer (8-17, 4.06 ERA), and Matt Andriese (6-7, 4.58 ERA). Joe Girardi will counter with CC Sabathia (8-12, 4.20 ERA), Michael Pineda (6-11, 5.80 ERA), Masahiro Tanaka (12-4, 3.11 ERA), and Luis Cessa (4-0, 4.07 ERA).

Rays Series Starters

Cobb held Toronto to two runs on four hits while striking out seven over five innings on Friday, in his Major League return from Tommy John surgery. His first start in almost two years, while not perfect, was encouraging. Cobb settled down after a rough first two innings and retired the final 10 batters he faced.

Snell allowed just one earned run on two hits and two walks over six innings on Saturday. The southpaw put together one of the best starts of his career, in spite of the residual effects of a leg bruise incurred against Against Houston in his last start. Snell recorded 13 whiffs overall, and put in his longest outing since July 24 against the Athletics, while also snapping a two-start losing skid.

Archer surrendered two runs on five hits and a walk over 6-1/3 innings while fanning nine in a no-decision against Toronto on Sunday. He left the game with a 3-1 lead and a runner on first in the seventh inning, however, Brad Boxberger promptly allowed Toronto to tie the game, thus spoiling the victory for Archer. Prior to kicking September off with a quality start, he posted a solid 3.38 ERA in July and a 3.03 ERA in August.

Andriese was pounded by Baltimore on Monday, surrendering seven runs on nine hits and a walk over five innings. He struck out seven in the loss. The righty hasn’t fared well lately, as he’s allowed 14 runs over his last two starts. Andriese had an impressive 2.77 ERA in the first half of the season, but watched as his ERA ballooned to an ugly 4.58.

Yankees series starters

Sabathia allowed two runs (one earned) on six hits over six innings in a loss to Baltimore on Saturday. He struck out just one and walked two. He’s now collected four quality starts in his last five appearances, although he is just 2-2 over that span. While his ERA over the last 14 days sits at 2.84, his season ERA hasn’t changed. He also has a 1.35 WHIP and 126 strikeouts in 150 total innings. Sabathia allowed three runs on four hits and three walks in a 6-3 win against the Rays on August 12th. Key matchups: Logan Forsythe (8-19, 4 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (1-2), Evan Longoria (28-70, 9 2B, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 13 BB), Logan Morrison (2-3), Steven Souza Jr. (3-9, 2 BB)

Pineda threw 87 pitches over four innings on Sunday, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while fanning four. He came away with a no-decision. It was his shortest, and most inefficient, outing since being chased by the Rays after 3-2/3 innings on May 28. Pineda has managed to pitch six innings just three times in his last six turns, posting a shaky 5.01 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 32-1/3 innings over that span. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (4-8, 2B, HR, 3 RBI), Logan Forsythe (4-10, 2B), Nick Franklin (1-4, 2B, 2 BB), Luke Maile (1-3, 2 RBI), Brad Miller (5-13, 2 2B, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (8-17, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI)

Tanaka tossed 6-1/3 quality innings on Monday, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. Tanaka now has collected five straight wins, and three quality starts in his last four turns. However, the seven hits allowed were the most in his last six starts, and the three walks were his most since the middle of May. He hurled less than 60% of his pitches for strikes and was just 13-27 in first-pitch strikes. Tanaka allowed four runs on five hits (including two homers) over seven innings against Tampa Bay on August 13th. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (2-8, 2B, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (4-8, 3B, HR, RBI)

Cessa looks to remain unbeaten in his fifth Major League start after going 2-0 with a 3.09 ERA through the first four. He, however, has been susceptible to the long ball, surrendering 10 homers in 42 big league innings. Cessa has allowed six earned runs on eight hits and two walks over seven combined innings of work against Tampa Bay this season. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (1-4, 2B), Nick Franklin (1-2, HR, 3 RBI), Evan Longoria (2-3, 2B, 3 RBI), Brad Miller (1-4)

Rays pre-game notes, Duffy likely shutdown for remainder of season, etc

The Derek Shelton era ends in earnest this afternoon, just prior to the start of Chad Mattola's with the big league squad tomorrow. (Photo Credit: Unknown) — The Derek Shelton era ends in earnest this afternoon, just prior to the start of Chad Mattola’s career with the big league squad tomorrow. (Photo Credit: Unknown)

After dropping three consecutive games, the Tampa Bay Rays look to salvage one last home game on Wednesday before they hit the road, hoping to finish with a .500 home stand. Baltimore shellacked the Rays 11-2 yesterday, and are now 11-3 against Tampa Bay this season.

The New What Next

Drew Smyly (6-11, 4.94 ERA) allowed five runs on seven hits over five innings on Wednesday, striking out four and walking two. All the runs allowed came off two home runs. First, Xander Bogaerts hit a solo shot, then Hanley Ramirez hit a grand slam on the first pitch of a bases loaded at-bat. The southpaw has only faced Baltimore once this season, although he gave up eight runs in that game, including a first-inning grand slam to Chris Davis.

Dylan Bundy (8-5, 3.47 ERA) will start for Baltimore. Bundy threw 5-2/3 scoreless innings on Friday, allowing two hits and four walks while fanning five Yankees. Buddy has had some location issues — he collected 33 strikeouts and five walks in his first five starts, but has just 20 strikeouts and 15 walks in his last five outings. The Rays tagged him for four runs on 5 hits over 3-1/3 innings back on July 17th. Key matchups: Evan Longoria (1-3, HR, RBI), Brad Miller (2-3, HR, RBI), Logan Morrison (1-3), Steven Souza Jr. (1-2)

Rays 9/7/16 Starting Lineup

Forsythe 2B
Kiermaier CF
Longoria 3B
Miller 1B
Mahtook RF
Morrison DH
Franklin SS
Dickerson LF
Maile C
Smyly LHP

Noteworthiness

— Logan Forsythe collected his 500th hit of his career, a first inning homer (18; a career high).

— Kevin Kiermaier looks to extend his hitting streak to 11 after he collected a hit and two walks last night. Kiermaier now has successfully swiped 14 consecutive bags after picking up a stolen base in the loss.

— SS Matt Duffy is not in the lineup this afternoon. Since the Tampa Bay Rays are expected to shut Duffy down after today’s ballgame, ahead of his pre-scheduled foot surgery in North Carolina this weekend, we likely will not see any more of the infielder this season.

The season-ending surgery — which will alleviate the pressure that’s causing the pain in his left heel — will address the lingering soreness that stems from an earlier left Achilles injury, which also has been exacerbated by Tropicana Field’s hard surface.

We were going to wait until the end of the season, Duffy said, but where we’re at, I think it makes sense to give it a couple of extra weeks to make sure we’re 100 percent ready to go come spring training.

Duffy is expected to complete his rehab by December, allowing him to go through his normal off-season activity and be ready for the start of Spring Training.

Tampa Bay Rays fire Derek Shelton; promote Chad Mattola

This day has been a time coming. (Photo Credit: MLB.com) — This moment has been a long time in coming. (Photo Credit: MLB.com)

The Tampa Bay Rays announced this afternoon that hitting coach — and long-standing lightning rod — Derek Shelton has been relieved of his services, and will be replaced by one of the organization’s Minor League hitting coordinators, Chad Mottola.

In a statement following the decision, Matt Silverman thanked Shelton for his service, but noted it was time for a change, saying,

He brought great energy to our clubhouse and his work ethic with our hitters was outstanding. We decided it was time for a new voice.

Shelton told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) he was surprised to get the call this morning, based on the time of year and that the Rays had been hitting better.

I was surprised that it happened, especially during the season, with a month left, Shelton said.They wanted a new message. And they made a decision they wanted someone else to be in charge of the offense.

To his credit, the team has been more productive since the All-Star Break, raking fourth in the American League in runs score. However,for the former hitting coach the increased production is a little too late.

We’re actually swinging the bats better, there’s some guys showing signs of doing things we though they could do and there are some guys having really good years. So I think the timing of it was surprising, Shelton said.

Mottola has been with the organization for three seasons after serving seven as a coach in the Blue Jays organization, including 2013 as the Major League hitting coach. He also spent 15 years as a professional ball player, from 1992 to 2007, with the Toronto Blue Jays, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and the Miami Marlins, including a couple of Major League stints.

Silverman added of Mattola,

Chad has worked with players throughout the organization for several years now, and we are excited for the perspectives and experiences he will bring to this role.

Mattola is expected to officially assume his new role this Thursday during the upcoming series against the New York Yankees.

Rays Roster Moves: Rays call up five players; Matt Duffy could undergo season-ending surgery

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Matt Duffy singles in the third inning of the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays in Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

Following the 7-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Monday, the Tampa Bay Rays announced plans to add five players to the roster. RHPs Steve Geltz and Chase Whitley, LHP Justin Marks, OF Mikie Mahtook, and INF/OF Richie Shaffer will join the ball club, effective immediately.

In order to create a 40-man roster spot, Tampa Bay announced that C Hank Conger was designated for assignment.

The #Rays will designate C Hank Conger for assignment.

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) September 5, 2016

Conger was on the Opening Day roster, but was sent to Triple-A Durham at the All-Star Break after a half season of non-productive play.

The interesting roster move might be the one that wasn’t made, as the team didn’t recall either INF Tim Beckham or INF/OF Taylor Motter. In all fairness, further moves should be expected moving forward. Beckham was optioned back to Durham last week after failing to hustle home on a potential scoring play against the Boston Red Sox.

The decision — or lack thereof — is that much more interesting with news that SS Matt Duffy might undergo season ending surgery, stemming from an earlier Achilles strain.

According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), a decision is expected soon:

…The priority being to make sure Duffy is 100 percent ready for spring training. The procedure would involve shaving down Duffy’s heel bone to reduce irritation and inflammation with the Achilles.

“We’ve talked about it,” Duffy said. “It’s something that’s a possibility. It’s just nothing set in stone right now.”

Making matters worse, it appears that Tropicana Field’s hard artificial turf may be exacerbating the problem. Duffy told Topkin the irritation associated with the injury appears to occur more frequently at the Trop:

It’s sore, he said. The soreness seems to come on a little quicker when we’re at home.

Should Duffy go under the knife, the procedure would need to be done sooner rather than later, giving him more recovery time.

That’s probably a conversation that’s going to be had here real soon, Duffy said. The only thing would be the recovery time. We want to be 100 percent sure that we’re ready to go by next season. I guess that’s one of the concerns.

While it’s not a certainty that Duffy will have the procedure before season’s end, don’t be surprised if he doesn’t play many more home games in 2017.

The Rays relied upon Brad Miller at short Monday afternoon, and they could also do the same with both he and Nick Franklin moving forward. Motter and Beckham could also be depended up throughout the remainder of the season, however, when is dependent upon if their contracts are chosen.

The New What Next: Rays vs Orioles — yet ANOTHER series preview

Matt Duffy went 2-4 with an RBI and a run on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays look to continue their recent spade of quality play Monday, when the Baltimore Orioles enter the Trop for a three-game series.

Though Tampa Bay resides in the cellar of the AL East, the ball club is 3-0-1 in it’s last four home series, having taken two of three from Toronto over the weekend. Logan Forsythe has come up big for the Rays of late, recording multiple hits in five of his past six games and going 9-15 with five walks in the last four.

Meanwhile, the Orioles could not finish off a sweep against the Yankees on Sunday, falling 5-2, although they have had their way against the Rays this season — winning nine of 12 games and launching 19 homers. Baltimore slugger Chris Davis has three of those homers and nine RBI, while Manny Machado has also gone deep three times and is currently in the midst of a five-game hitting streak.

Be that as it may, Tampa Bay is outperforming Baltimore in the second half of the season, boasting a +25 run differential and a +27.4 wRAA differential. The Rays also possess a higher combined slugging percentage (.447 vs.424), OPS (.766 vs .719), BABIP (.300 vs.260), and ISO (.194 vs .185), so it’s not a forgone conclusion that Baltimore is in for a cake walk.

Over the next three days, Rays manager Kevin Cash will lean on Matt Andriese (6-6, 4.19 ERA), Jake Odorizzi (9-5, 3.56 ERA), and Drew Smyly (6-11, 4.94 ERA). Buck Showalter will counter with Ubaldo Jiménez (5-11, 6.46 ERA), Yovani Gallardo (4-7, 5.62 ERA), and Dylan Bundy (8-5, 3.47 ERA).

Rays Series Starters

Andriese had a forgettable 4 IP/7 R start on Monday against the Red Sox. The righty allowed 10 hits, walked one, and struck out four in his worst start of the season — capping what had been a tough month of August in which he allowed 25 runs in 29 innings, and lost four straight decisions.

Odorizzi threw six strong innings of three-run ball on Tuesday, surrendering five hits and two walks while striking out seven. The lanky right-hander was in the midst of a one-hit shutout until the fifth inning, when Hanley Ramirez lined a homer down the right field line. Odorizzi has been very good since the All-Star Break, going 5-0 with a 2.09 ERA over his last seven starts.

Smyly allowed five runs on seven hits over five innings on Wednesday, striking out four and walking two. All the runs allowed came off two home runs. First, Xander Bogaerts hit a solo shot, then Hanley Ramirez hit a grand slam on the first pitch of a bases loaded at-bat.

Orioles Series Starters

Jimenez limited Toronto to three runs on five hits over 6-2/3 innings on Tuesday. He struck out three and walked two. Expectations have been low with Jimenez, but that outing was a pleasant surprise. His inflated numbers are due in large part to a gaudy overall 5.11 BB/9, however, he’s lowered that number to 1.80 over the last 14 days. The Rays haven’t faced Jimenez since April 26th when they touched him for three runs on six hits over six innings. Key matchups: Logan Forsythe (1-2, 2B, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (1-3, HR, 2 RBI), Brad Miller (2-6, 2B), Logan Morrison (4-6, 2B, 2 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (1-2, BB), Bobby Wilson (2-4, BB)

Gallardo tossed six innings of three-run baseball on Wednesday, allowing five hits and two walks against the Blue Jays. He fanned three. The righty bounced back from a horrendous start in his last turn when he didn’t make it out of the second inning. Gallardo lowered his ERA to 5.62 with the start, but still holds a miserable 1.25 K/BB. The Rays plated just three runs on eight hits and four walks over five innings against Gallardo on July 17th. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (5-9, 2B, HR, 4 RBI), Logan Forsythe (6-16, 2B, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (3-9, 2B, RBI, 2 BB), Luke Maile (2-2, RBI), Brad Miller (3-10, 2B, 3B, 3 BB)

Bundy threw 5-2/3 scoreless innings on Friday, allowing two hits and four walks while fanning five Yankees. Buddy has had some location issues — he collected 33 strikeouts and five walks in his first five starts, but has just 20 strikeouts and 15 walks in his last five outings. The Rays tagged him for four runs on 5 hits over 3-1/3 innings back on July 17th. Key matchups: Evan Longoria (1-3, HR, RBI), Brad Miller (2-3, HR, RBI), Logan Morrison (1-3), Steven Souza Jr. (1-2)

Noteworthiness

— Kevin Kiermaier has hit safely in eight consecutive games, going 11-35 over that stretch.

— Brad Miller is batting .318 against Baltimore in 2016 while Evan Longoria owns just a .191 average and three homers in the season series.

—Adam Jones is 3-5 versus Andriese, who is 0-2 with a 7.04 ERA against Baltimore after suffering a loss in June. Additionally, Jones notched two hits in each of the three games against New York after returning from a hamstring injury.