Brad Miller went 3-5 with two runs and an RBI in the second game of the doubleheader yesterday, and the Rays still lost. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)Another blown lead, another loss. The Tampa Bay Rays fell to the Baltimore Orioles in the second game of the doubleheader on Saturday, 8-6.
The Rays scored four unanswered runs in the front three innings, and two more in the fifth. The Orioles, however, consistently put up runs from the third through eighth innings against Jake Odorizzi, Erasmo Ramirez and Danny Farquhar, and edged out Tampa Bay by a pair of runs.
Odorizzi summed the game up perfectly, saying,
I did a bad job. Plain and simple, I didn’t pitch very good.
Following the game, the Rays reinstated RHP Ryan Webb from the 15-day disabled list. In doing so, the team optioned RHP Tyler Sturdevant back to Triple-A Durham. They also sent RHP Danny Farquhar back to Durham after his one-day stint as the 26th man.
The New What Next
Tampa Bay looks to salvage one game on this woeful road trip this afternoon when Drew Smyly takes on Tyler Wilson. Smyly gave up the lead in his most recent start against Cleveland, working seven innings with no decision. The southpaw is winless in his past six starts, with an 0-3 and a 6.69 ERA. Smyly, however, is 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA in eight games against the Orioles, and 11-3 with a 1.87 ERA versus AL East teams. Wilson is coming off six-inning no-decision against the Padres. He is 3-5 with a 4.57 ERA in 11 starts since moving into rotation late April. He lost his last start against the Rays in 2015, allowing six runs in 4-1/3 innings. You can read about the pitching matchup in our series preview.
Rays 6/26/16 Starting Lineup
Forsythe 2B
Miller SS
Longoria DH
Morrison 1B
Jennings CF
Arcia RF
Beckham 3B
Conger C
Decker LF
LHP Smyly
Noteworthiness
— At least the bats woke up, with the Rays scoring six runs on 14 hits and five walks, going 4-11 wRISP (.364) and scoring three two-out runs. When was the last time you read a line like that?
— The Rays have now signed 25 of 41 2016 draft picks:
1. 3B Josh Lowe
2. OF Ryan Boldt; 2-b. OF Jake Fraley
3. RHP Austin Franklin
5. RHP Mikey York
6. RHP Zack Trageton
7. RHP J.D. Busfield
8. LHP Kenny Rosenberg
9. RHP Peter Bayer
10. RHP Spencer Jones
12. RHP Brandon Lawson
13. 1B Nathanial Lowe
15. LHP Dalton Moats
19. 3B James Haley
23. OF Isaac Benard
24. RHP Joe Serrapica
27. 2B Robbie Tenerowicz
28. C Jean Ramirez
29. 2B Trek Stemp
31. C Joey Roach
32. SS Deion Tansel
34. 1B Bobby Melley
35. LHP Alex Estrella
36. RHP Anthony Parente
38. RHP Brian McAfee
With a little help from his friends, Matt Moore was good through five innings Friday night. The other 1-2/3 innings of work, well… (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)The Tampa Bay Rays struck early Friday night, scoring three runs before the first out was recorded in Baltimore. However, Tampa Bay was unable to hold the lead, and fell 6-3 to the first-place Orioles. The Rays (31-40) now have dropped a season-high eight straight games.
The Rays had Yovani Gallardo on the ropes early. Logan Forsythe started the first inning rally with an opposite-field hit to right which Joey Rickard misplayed into a double. Corey Dickerson, bumped up to second in the order, golf clubbed the very next pitch to right for his 13th homer and a two-run lead.
Evan Longoria doubled to right on an 0-2 pitch, and then scored when Logan Morrison singled to right-center, putting the Rays up by three with nary an out recorded.
They had Gallardo pinned down with no signs of letting up, especially after Brad Miller worked a six pitch walk which moved LoMo into scoring position. Yet Desmond Jennings, who’s posted a meaty .167 BA/.262 OBP/.278 SLG/.540 OPS with runners in scoring position, stepped into the box and did what he’s wont to do — ground into a 6-4-3 double play on the first pitch of the at-bat.
After Jaff Decker worked a seven pitch walk, Taylor Motter went down (swinging) on three pitches, deflating the Rays hope of tacking on any other runs.
The Rays were able to position themselves for more runs, however, they lost runners on the base paths in four consecutive innings.
In the second inning, Dickerson tried to turn a single into a double when Rickard lazily got ball back into the infield. The relay to second beat Dickerson to the bag, even though Corey popped up early (in mid-slide, no less) and nearly avoided JJ Hardy’s tag.
In the following inning, Miller hit what appeared to be a grounder up the middle. Johnathan Schoop had other ideas and made an impressive ranging play. His strong, off-balance strong throw got Miller by a half step. It looked as though Brad, thought he had a double and started to turn on his way to first. The gaffe cost him a step or two.
Did #Rays Miller just cost himself a hit by thinking he had a hit and starting to loop out for a turn on his way to 1B?
In the fourth, Motter singled with two out, then tried to steal his way into second. He was caught on a good throw from Matt Wieters and a solid tag from Hardy.
Finally Conger led off the fifth with a base hit to to right, but he was doubled off the bag when a hard hit liner, off the bat of Forsythe, found Chris Davis at first.
Meanwhile things appeared to be going smoothly for Matt Moore, who retired his first 13 batters…albeit with a little defensive help from Jennings, Motter and Decker, who made good catches — two of which might have been homers.
Yet the Rays’ luck would run out shortly thereafter. With one out in the fifth, Davis hit a long opposite field double that glanced off Motter’s glove. The utility player made a diving attempt on the play as the ball knuckled away from him, toward the left-field corner. It was a play that a plus outfielder maybe would have made 50% of the time. That is to say, it was a tough play and a valiant effort on the part of Motter. After Wieters flew out, Hardy looped a single to right, and Davis scored ahead of Decker’s throw.
Baltimore surged ahead in the bottom of the sixth. Adam Jones homered to left to start the four-run rally. Schoop followed with a single to left, and Machado hit a base hit off the glove of Longoria to put two on with just one out. The ever dangerous Mark Trumbo walked in a nine-pitch battle, loading the bases for Davis.
On the next pitch from Moore, Davis laced a two RBI single into right. It should have been a one-run single, but Forsythe’s relay glanced off Conger’s glove. Moore, opting to stay on the mound, did not back-up the play, allowing Trumbo to score all the way from first.
The Orioles capped the scoring off Steve Geltz, who was optioned back to Triple-A Durham after the game. If you guessed that Geltz gave up his 10th homer of the season, then you guessed correctly.
#Rays Geltz gives up another homer, this one to Machado, #Orioles lead is now 6-3
It was the eighth straight game where Tampa Bay allowed five runs or more. The Rays, who now are in the throes of their longest skid since losing 10 in late May/early June 2014, haven’t scored five runs in any one game during this stretch.
The New What Next
Tampa Bay will play a day-night double header on Saturday, as a makeup for a rainout the first weekend of the regular season. Matt Andriese will start the matinee for Tampa Bay, opposite of Kevin Gausman. The team hopes to get 80-100 pitches out of Andriese. Jake Odorizzi will take the bump in the night game, opposite of 10-game winner Chris Tillman. You can read about the pitching matchups in our series preview.
Rays 6/25/16 Starting Lineup (game one)
Forsythe 2B
Dickerson LF
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Miller DH
Beckham SS
Decker CF
Motter RF
Casali C
Andriese RHP
Rays 6/25/16 Starting Lineup (game two)
Forsythe 2B
Dickerson DH
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Miller SS
Jennings CF
Arcia RF
Conger C
Decker LF
Odorizzi RHP
Noteworthiness
— Make it nine consecutive losses for the Tampa Bay, after the Rays were blanked by Baltimore, 5-0.
For the life of me, I cannot understand why Cash pulled Matt Andriese after 4-2/3 innings and 78 pitches. The hope was for Andriese to throw 80-100, and thus not having to lean on the ‘pen going into the second game of the double header. Instead Tyler Sturdevant worked two innings, and likely won’t be available tonight. As for Enny Romero, who worked 1-1/3, he was hit by a comebacker on the fatty part of his pitching hand. Thankfully the X-Rays came back negative, and he should be able to throw tomorrow.
Let’s be honest, if they couldn’t beat Kevin Gausman, who was 0-2 with a 7.53 ERA over the last 14 days prior to Saturday (0-5, 5.37 ERA overall), there’s about an ice cubes chance in hell they’ll be able to get to Chris Tillman in the second game tonight…especially after they collected a whopping .174 BABIP this afternoon.
— A promising sign. Brandon Guyer took batting practice, ran the bases and shagged fly balls in Port Charlotte on Friday. He could start his rehab assignment as early as today.
— Danny Farquhar will be the 26th man added to the roster for the doubleheader. In 23 games with the Durham Bulls Farquhar is 3-1 with a 4.38 ERA and one save.
— The Rays optioned RHP Steve Geltz (praise Jesus) to make room for OF Oswaldo Arcia on the active roster.
— During Tampa Bay’s eight-game losing streak, the Rays have hit .195 and been outscored 47-18. Further more, in going 0-4 so far on this road trip, they have hit .163 with just eight runs total. They have scored in only five of the 36 innings.
Oswaldo Arcia hits a home run in 2015. (Photo Credit: Brad Rempel-USA Today Sports)The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired outfielder Oswaldo Arcia from the Minnesota Twins for a player to be named later or cash considerations. The team designated RHP Andrew Bellatti for assignment in order to clear roster space for the outfielder.
#Rays get Arcia for PTBNL or cash. Expected to be added to active roster. RHP Andrew Bellatti DFA’d to make room on 40-man roster
The 25-year-old Arcia had been designated for assignment on June 17 in order to make room for Danny Salazar, who recently made his return from the disabled list.
In need of outfield help while Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Guyer and Steven Souza Jr. mend on the DL, the Rays sought the help of Arcia, who slashed .231 BA/.300 OBP/.452 SLG/.752 OPS with 20 homers in 2014. He, however, has struggled since the beginning 2015, batting just .236 BA/.307 OBP/.373 SLG/.580 OPS. As Steve Adams (MLB Trade Rumors) noted, Arcia actually hit worse following a demotion to Triple-A in 2015, slashing .199 BA/.257 OBP/.372 SLG/.629 OPS in 311 plate appearances with the Twins’ affiliate in Rochester.
Arcia has experience in both left and right fields, yet he is a less than toolsy outfielder. Nevertheless the Rays hope a change of scenery could help the powerful lefty regain some of his offensive swagger from 2014.
Arcia boasts 25-30 home run power, and the ability to slot in as the strong side of a DH platoon in spite of (or because of) his lack of defensive tools, streakiness, and propensity for prolonged slumps. He never really got consistent playing time with Minnesota though, so that could explain his less than productive numbers. Given the opportunity to rack up consistent plate appearances, it’s conceivable that Arcia will crush 20-25 homers and be a productive (and inexpensive) player.
Like Jaff Decker, Arcia is out of options and cannot be sent down without first going through waivers. He will not be active Friday against the Orioles, though he likely will be available as the DH on Saturday.
Bellatti made his MLB debut with Tampa Bay last season, posting a 2.31 ERA with an 1.8 K/BB ratio in 23-1/3 innings out of the ‘pen. This season he allowed five runs in 5-1/3 innings of work at Triple-A Durham, however, Bellatti has been plagued by injuries since.
In the end, this move represents a low risk pickup with a significant upside. As for Bellatti, my hope is that he will not be picked up off the waiver wire and will accept an assignment to Triple-A Durham.
With a combined .207 BA/.279 OBP/.357 SLG/.636 OPS/.257 BABIP/.274 wOBA line over the last 14 days, it’s safe to say the Rays haven’t had much use for these. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)
The Tampa Bay Rays conclude their seven-game road trip with a four-game series in Baltimore, where they’ll take on the AL East leading Orioles.
The Rays might not be an immediate threat to the Orioles’ division lead, but these games still matter — especially if they hold onto hope of getting back into the thick of things. How the team fares within the division directly correlates with whether they’ll play relevant baseball into October.
Coming off a series split against the San Diego Padres, Baltimore enters the four-game set with an 18-13 against the division, good for a .581 winning percentage. Conversely, Tampa Bay — who has dropped a season high seven consecutive games — enters Camden Yards with a 12-12 record against the AL East; a .500 WP. That is, the Rays have done okay against the division, while the Orioles have fared better. I’ll reiterate the point, Tampa Bay needs to do well this weekend.
To be frank, the Rays’ .207 BA/.279 OBP/.357 SLG/.636 OPS/.257 BABIP/.274 wOBA line over the last 14 days doesn’t look good, especially in comparison to the Orioles, who have managed a .294 BA/.344 OBP/.510 SLG/.854 OPS/.338 BABIP/.362 wOBA line over the same span.
Manager Kevin Cash told reporters that the team would use the off-day Thursday to regain a positive mindset.
It’s definitely frustrating, Cash told reporters after the 6-1 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. We’ve got a couple frustrating things going on right now. I don’t think it’s a mystery at all. We kind of see what’s taking place. …When you’re falling behind and we’re facing big-league hitters, they take advantage when they have the count in their favor. And they’re not missing very hittable pitches.
A lagging PMA, however, might not be the only thing at play.
Highest BA on Hard-Hit Balls
Orioles .772
Brewers .768
Red Sox .765
Blame it on the lack of hard hit balls, something the Rays haven’t done with regularity of late. Blame it on bad luck — a .257 BABIP over the last 14 days speaks to that. Blame it on the myriad of injuries that have plagued the team. Or, blame it on a combination of the three. Whatever the case, Tampa Bay has matched a season worst eight games below .500 (31-39) by playing really poorly, particularly over the last week-and-a-half. I’ll reiterate the point once more, The Rays need to do well this weekend.
Cash will throw Matt Moore (3-4, 4.90 ERA), Matt Andriese (6-0, 2.88 ERA), Jake Odorizzi (3-3, 3.63 ERA), and Drew Smyly (2-7, 4.78 ERA) over the next four games. Buck Showalter will counter with Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 6.26 ERA), Kevin Gausman (0-5, 5.37 ERA), Chris Tillman (10-1, 3.11 ERA), and Tyler Wilson (3-5, 4.19 ERA).
Rays series starters
Moore allowed two runs on six hits over six innings, while striking out five and walking two on Saturday. The lefty allowed a solo shot and plated another run by hitting a batter with the bases loaded. Over his last two starts though, Moore has given up just two runs on eight hits while fanning 15 in 13 innings innings of work.
Andriese allowed two earned runs on three hits over 1-2/3 innings in Wednesday’s 6-1 loss to the Indians. The righty had a rocky 36-pitch tune-up for his upcoming Saturday spot start against Baltimore — his first poor performance since being moved to the bullpen. Prior to that, Andriese fired 3-2/3 scoreless frames over a pair of relief appearances.
Odorizzi allowed one run on four hits over six innings Sunday, fanning eight along the way, in a loss to San Francisco. He and Jake Peavy were in the midst of a pitcher’s duel over six innings, but Odorizzi watched as his bullpen handed the game to the Giants in the eighth. Nevertheless, Odorizzi’s line was good, even though he started off just seven of 22 batters with strikes and generated only 13 whiffs.
Smyly didn’t factor into the decision Monday in Cleveland, as he allowed four runs on eight hits over seven innings, while fanning five without. Smyly has notched 17 strikeouts with no walks over his last two starts, yet he hasn’t picked up a win over that span.
Orioles series starters
Gallardo gave two earned runs on five hits and four walks over five innings in a win over the Blue Jays on Saturday. He struck out five. Pitching for the first time since April 22 due to shoulder tendinitis, Gallardo looked solid against Toronto. The five-inning start helped snap the Blue Jay’s four-game winning streak, as Gallardo was able to give Baltimore 85 pitches before being pulled in favor of the bullpen. Gallardo has relied primarily on a whiffy 85 mph slider, an 89 mph sinker, and an 89 mph four-seam fastball with arm-side run and good “rising” action. He’s also mixed in a 77 mph swing-and-miss curveball, and an 83 mph circle changeup. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (2-3, 2B, 2 RBI), Logan Forsythe (3-10), Desmond Jennings (2-6, 3B), Brad Miller (2-7, 2B, 3B, BB)
Gausman gave up four runs on nine hits and a walk with five strikeouts over five innings on Monday. Gausman hasn’t been as bad as his record might suggest. He owns a 62/18 K/BB over 68 innings of work, and his 95 mph fastball is a formidable weapon. He is prone to giving up the long ball, however; his 12 homers in as many games speaks to that. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-3), Curt Casali (2-5, 2B), Logan Forsythe (4-7, 2 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB), Evan Longoria (6-21, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB)
Tillman got a ton of run support in Sunday’s win over Toronto, though he allowed four runs on five hits (including two home runs) in just five innings while striking out four. It wasn’t his sharpest start of the season, but the righty left the game with a four-run lead after throwing 99 pitches through five innings. He’s now allowed at least four runs in three of his last five starts. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-4, RBI, BB), Logan Forsythe (8-25, 2 2B, RBI, BB), Evan Longoria (17-54, 4 2B, 7 HR, 10 RBI, 5 BB), Logan Morrison (2-8)
Wilson allowed three runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out four over six innings in a no-decision on Tuesday. The 26 year-old righty has now allowed three or more runs six times this season, with the Orioles losing all but one of those contests. Wilson relies primarily on his 85 mph slider with little depth and run, an 89 mph sinker, and an 89 mph four-seam fastball that results in a good number of fly balls. He also mixes in a whiffy 77 mph curveball, and an 83 mph circle changeup. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-2, HR, 2 RBI), Brad Miller (1-1)
Noteworthiness
— The series includes a doubleheader on Saturday.
— Mark Trumbo broke out from an 8-46 slump with three hits, including his 21st homer, against San Diego on Wednesday.
— Jonathan Schoop went 2-3 with a double and an RBI on Wednesday. He has hit safely in 17 of his 21 games in June, batting .320 with seven doubles, four homers, 16 runs and 14 RBI during that stretch.
The Baseball Forever campaign is hosting a Baseball Forever Night at the Trop, Friday, August 19, at 7:10 p.m when the Tampa Bay Rays play the Texas Rangers.
You can find out more via the City of St. Petersburg’s official press release below.
The goal is to sell out the Trop to show the Tampa Bay Rays just how much the community supports the team.
This is an opportunity for residents and visitors who support Baseball Forever’ in St. Petersburg to demonstrate that support by cheering on our hometown Rays, said Mayor Rick Kriseman.
Being a member of Baseball Forever St. Pete is a great honor, said campaign member Brooks Wallington. Our goal is to show the Rays we are serious about baseball staying here for good, but we need the support from the whole community to show that. Throughout the next couple of months we hope to see that support in numbers at our events, watch parties and games.
Lower level tickets are available for $25, which includes a Rays cap, and upper level tickets are available for $10. Tickets are available online at www.RaysBaseball.com/BaseballForever. Group tickets, for parties of 10 or more, can be purchased directly from the Rays by emailing Josh Gallo at jgallo@raysbaseball.com. Group tickets are fee-free and include a welcome message on the scoreboard.
In addition to the Baseball Forever Night at the Trop, fans of the Rays are invited to join the campaign at various events throughout the summer.
Summer events include (but are not limited to):
June 24 – 7:05 p.m. – Watch Party – Cage Brewing – 2001 1st Ave. South
June 26 – 11:00 a.m. – Booth at St. Petersburg Pride Festival – Grand Central District 2800 – 2200 Central Ave.
June 27 – 7:10 p.m. – Watch Party – Ferg’s Sports Bar – 1320 Central Ave.
June 30 – Reading with the Rays – St. Petersburg Main Library – 3745 Ninth Ave. North
July 7 – 7 p.m. – Summer Cinema: Major League Moving Screening – Cage Brewing – 2001 1st Ave. South
July 8 – 7:10 p.m. – X-Rays Spex Watch Party – Green Bench Brewing Co. – 1133 Baum Ave. North
July 20 – 3:10 p.m. – Watch Party – The Hangar – 540 First Street SE
July 27 – 3:10 p.m. – Watch Party – The Hangar – 540 First Street SE
July 30 – 6:10 p.m. – Watch Party – Ferg’s Sports Bar – 1320 Central Ave.
August 10 – 7:07 p.m. – Watch Party – Urban Comfort – 2601 Central Ave.
The Baseball Forever Campaign is an initiative of the City of St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, residents, and fans of the Tampa Bay Rays. Please join us if you believe St. Petersburg should be the forever home of the Tampa Bay Rays. Information about the campaign, events listings, and how you can get involved here: www.baseballforever.com.
