Brad Boxberger high fives Rene Rivera after closing out the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning on April 8, 2015. (Photo courtesy of Chris O’Meara/AP Photo)
The Tampa Bay Rays celebrated manager Kevin Cash’s first win by hopping on a plane and heading south to Miami, for a three game set against the Marlins. Much like the Rays, the Marlins are coming off a disappointing start to the season. In contrast, however, the Rays won a game and were competitive, whereas Miami dropped its opening series, scored a grand total of three runs, and was outscored by 13 runs.
All told, the Rays have a good opportunity to get away with a few wins at the hands of the Marlins, yet that doesn’t mean it’ll be easy. Take Dan Haren (who hasn’t faced Tampa Bay since 2012) for example. The 34-year-old won five of his last seven starts in 2014 and boasted a 2.70 ERA in September, finishing the season with 145 strikeouts in 186 innings. Haren is 7-4 with a 3.01 ERA in 13 career outings versus Tampa Bay. He also owns a 3.09 career ERA in April, his best of any month.
Scouting is one thing Tampa Bay does exceedingly well. It’s not uncommon for pitching coach Jim Hickey to focus the hurler’s attention to the weaknesses of the opposition. That said, don’t be surprised if slugger Giancarlo Stanton gets a little extra scrutiny this weekend. Even though Stanton has gone 1-for-8 with a single, four walks and five strikeouts thus far, the Marlins’ $325 MM man is still dangerous and the Rays would like nothing more than to keep him quiet at the plate.
Cash (or the brain trust) got creative with the starter in the series opener, announcing late Thursday that reliever Steve Geltz would make the first start of his eight-year pro career. In Geltz, there must be an advantage in the flexibility of going to the bullpen — and potentially the bench for a pinch-hitter — early in the National League-rules game. The two pitchers — Matt Andriese and Erasmo Ramirez, with whom one was originally expected to start, seem likely to see action. In 256 professional games he has worked, Geltz posted more than three innings only once — 3⅔ in 2009 — and hasn’t thrown over 47 pitches in a game in at least the last five years. Geltz will likely pitch two or three innings Friday.
Rays an Marlins series starters.Rays and Marlins regular season offensive numbers.Rays and Marlins, by the numbers.
Dan Haren: The Fastball/cutter/curve-ball/splitter throwing hurler is going to do whatever he can go get the Rays batters to pound the ball into the ground. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, only one non-injured player (Evan Longoria) has fared well against the righty. Key match-ups: Evan Longoria (2-7).
Jarred Cosart: While Cosart’s cutter has some pretty good depth and break, and his 12-6 curveball is a swing-and-miss pitch, his lack of fastball command doesn’t give him the opportunity to set up those pitches. He also features a low 80’s change-up, yet he only uses it against lefties. Key match-ups: Asdrubal Cabrera (2-5, 3B, 2 RBI, BB), David DeJesus (1-2, BB), Logan Forsythe (1-3), Brandon Guyer (2-3), Kevin Kiermaier (2-7, 2 2B, BB).
Henderson Alvarez: The 24 year-old RHP features a sinking 94 mph two-seam fastball (used to coax ground balls), a four-seam fastball, and a 90 mph power change-up (think Felix Hernandez). Alvarez put together a complete game shutout of Tampa Bay last season. Key match-ups: Desmond Jennings (4-11, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-4, 3B), Evan Longoria (7-13, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 2 BB), Bobby Wilson (2-8).
Noteworthiness
— Despite losing all four meetings with the Marlins in 2014, the Rays (historically) have fared well against that team from the south — positing a 25-13 record extending back to 2008.
— The Rays placed DH/OF John Jaso on the disabled list after sustaining a bruised left wrist. OF Mikie Mahtookhas been recalled and will make his major-league debut. Jaso injured his wrist sliding headfirst into second Monday, and has the (less than) esteemed honor of being the ninth Ray on the disabled list. Mahtook got word of his promotion after playing in the Durham Bulls’ season opener on Thursday, at Gwinnett. In 2014 Mahtook slashed .292 BA/.82 OPS/12 HR/68 RBI/18 steals in 2014 with Durham.
— Kevin Kiermaier leads the Rays with nine total bases (2B, 3B, HR).
— Evan Longoria reached base in seven of his 12 plate appearances in the opening series against the Orioles.
— Drew Smyly threw two 1-2-3 innings in his first rehab start for the Charlotte Stone Crabs. All told, Smyly threw 23 pitches (15 strikes) and recorded one strikeout (swinging). Smyly was so efficient, he followed by throwing 12 more pitches in the bullpen.
(Grainy photo courtesy of Josh Vitale/Charlotte Stone Crabs)
Felt great. Better than I expected. So I was very encouraged, Smyly told the Tampa Bay Times. I threw a lot of strikes, and my arm felt the best it has felt. It was a great first step. You progress every day, so after my next start, I should know a lot more. But right now, I’m just looking to see how the next five days go.
He make at least one, and possibly two or three, more rehab starts, with the aim of rejoining the starting rotation by the end of the month.
Charlotte Stone Crabs Opening Day Lineup card. (Photo courtesy of the Charlotte Stone Crabs
Look closely at the Charlotte Stone Crabs’ lineup card (above). Listed as the Opening Day starter is LHP Drew Smyly.
As I previously wrote, Smyly will start his rehab stint with the Class A Charlotte Stone Crabs in their Florida State League opener on Thursday. Kevin Cash told Bill Chastain (MLB.com) that the team wants to get him back as soon as possible, which might mean bringing him back once he’s built up to handle 75 pitches.
Smyly was asked about that,
I want to get back as soon as possible, but right now, it’s just one game at a time. I have to feel confident and ready to face Major League hitters. Can’t just jump in there. (Otherwise) I don’t know if I’ll do the team that much good. But I’m hoping to do that as soon as I can.
Smyly should know more about his progress following his outing,
Yeah. I haven’t even thrown a game yet, Smyly said. When I get out there and face hitters, see how I’m competing with my pitches, I’ll know a lot more. But right now, I can’t really say.
Jake Odorizzi was impressive Wednesday night, allowing only three batters to reach on two hits and a HBP, while ringing up seven (six swinging) on 94 pitches. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays)
As the idiom goes, the third time’s a charm; a saying that held true for the Tampa Bay Rays Wednesday night. Jake Odorizzi took the hill against the Baltimore Orioles and allowed only three base runners in 6-2/3 superb innings of work. Meanwhile the relievers were able to preserve the lead, allowing the Rays to earn a combined 2-0 shutout win — the first of the Kevin Cash era.
Since I am simultaneously working on the Rays/Marlins series preview, what follows are a few highlights from Wednesday night’s contest. Dying for a full summation of Wednesday night’s action? Charlie Poliseno (DRaysBay) put together a nice recap of the game; it’s worth your time.
— Jake Odorizzi was in control the instant he took the mound. Odorizzi allowed just two hits over 6-2/3 shutout innings, striking out seven while hitting a batter. The tall righty faced just two over the minimum, allowing only one runner into scoring position in the third inning on a one-out double to Ryan Lavarnway. Odorizzi followed by plunking Jonathan Schoop, however, he got Alejandro DeAza to line to right and followed with strikeout of the dangerous Steve Pearce to end the threat. Of the seven strikeouts Odorizzi collected, six came courtesy of his very Alex Cobb-like change up (six swinging).
BA an Dewayne discussed the 15 pounds of muscle Odorizzi put on during the offseason, and it was their opinion that it would make the hurler a stronger, more durable, pitcher over the long haul. Whether that had an instantaneous impact on Odorizzi is hard to say, however, he consistently hit 94-95 with his fastball, and topped out at 96 when needed — this after averaging a low 90’s fastball in 2014. Draw your own conclusion. The extra velocity provided a greater differential to his 83 mph split change-up, a pitch that had the Orioles baffled all night. Of the 29 cobbers thrown, 23 were strikes (73% K/BB) and 10 were whiffs.
Odorizzi was pulled relatively early, I dare say because he threw 94 pitches, not because he lost command of his stuff. Still, it would have been incredible to see him put down Chris Davis (who was on deck when Jake got yanked) once again after fanning him in both of his previous at-bats. His leash will naturally get longer as the season progresses, especially if he continues to pitch as well as he had Wednesday.
Jake spoke about his outing with Rays Radio after the game:
— Jeff Beliveau got the final out of the seventh inning, coxing a Chris Davis fly-out. Kevin Jepsen came on in the eighth and worked around a two-out walk to fan the side. Brad Boxberger allowed an infield hit against the shift to start the ninth but then fanned strike the heart of the Oriole’s order (Steven Pierce, Travis Snider, and Adam Jones) to earn his first save of the year.
— To put things into perspective, the Rays allowed only four hits while striking out 16 in the 16 innings that followed Nathan Karns’ two poor innings of work, Tuesday.
— The Rays finally got on the board in the sixth inning when Miguel Gonzalez and reliever Brian Matusz combined to walk four batters, with the final walk to Logan Forsythe culminating in a run. They tacked on the insurance run in the eighth when Evan Longoria (who reached three times on a double and two walks) doubled to left field off Brad Brach. Desmond Jennings followed with an RBI single to center, plating Longoria.
— Congratulations are in order to Kevin Cash for earning his first managerial win. After a beer shower, something that’s typically reserved for pitchers who earn their first win, Cash told the media the celebration was something he’ll never forget:
Tropicana Field as seen through the lens of Jacob Del Campo.
Update: James Loney has been added to the 15-day disabled list after suffering a mild right oblique strain; 1B Allan Dykstra has been recalled from Triple-A Durham to fill the hole left in Loney’s wake. To make room for Dykstra on the 40-man roster, Tampa Bay recalled Burch Smith and placed him on the 60-day DL (Tommy John surgery).
Loney was scratched from the lineup prior to last night’s game, telling the media he “tweaked his right side” and was removed for “precautionary reasons.” Manager Kevin Cash told the media Loney’s right side showed “a hot spot,” however, they feel confident they caught it in time. Think back to March when Brandon Guyer had a similar issue during Spring Training and was back in less than two weeks. More severe strains can lead to a longer stay on the DL. This is Loney’s first stint on the DL as a big leaguer.
Dykstra, who spent the last four years in the Mets organization (after starting his career with the Padres), will make his Major League debut with the Rays tonight — hitting eighth and playing first base. Dykstra worked out with the Bulls this morning in Durham, but instead of getting on the bus to Gwinnett, he was given a plane ticket to the Bay Area to make his debut.
As for John Jaso, he remains sidelined due to a left wrist contusion. There is the potential for Jaso to take on a pinch-running role, although it is likely that he will go on the DL this weekend when the Rays play under NL rules in Miami.
The Tampa Bay Rays looked to bounce back Tuesday, after the less than auspicious start to the 2015 season. And while they appeared to battle both the Baltimore Orioles and a severe case of deja vu, after allowing six early runs to cross the plate, the team — led by Nathan Karns — refused to hang-up their hats and accept another disappointing loss. Ultimately falling short, Tampa Bay certainly made things interesting by coming within a run of the powerful Orioles.
Nathan Karns got the start in the second game of the opening series, and looked shaky from the get go after allowing six earned runs in his first two innings of work. He, however, was able to settle down in the ensuing 3-2/3 to keep the Rays in the game.
In the first inning, Karns quickly gave up back-to-back-to back singles Alejandro De Aza, Steve Pearce and Travis Snider, all before Adam Jones plated a pair of runs on a double to left. After Chris Davis grounded to third for the first out of the game, Jones advanced on a wild pitch ahead of Manny Machado’s RBI sac-fly to center. When all was said and done, the Rays entered the bottom of the inning down by four.
Back at it in the top of the second, Karns fell behind Caleb Joseph 3-1 before allowing a leadoff walk. He was able to collect himself and fan Everth Cabrera after a lengthy eight pitch battle, and coax a De Aza pop out to left yet the specter of Pearce loomed on deck. Karns was able to get ahead of the O’s slugger by an 0-2 count after throwing a couple of good breaking pitches, but Pearce turned on breaking number three — a hanger that Pearce promptly deposited into section 145.
Pearce is an elite slugger who is adept at staying back on breaking pitches before crushing them. Yet the question remains, if he was committed to his off-speed stuff, why didn’t Karns bait Pearce into chasing a curve ball away from the plate? In spite of that, a string of seven consecutive innings without an Orioles run came after, and it all began with Karns who was able to settle down and put together a gutsy outing.
Karns fanned Chris Davis on three pitches to start the third, before forcing a pair of ground-outs of Machado and Ryan Flaherty. The righty put the Orioles down in order once more in the fourth, this time racking up a pair of strikeouts in the process. Even when he allowed base runners in both the fifth and sixth innings, Karns was able to get a couple of key double plays to smother the threats before anything could develop.
Karns threw 49 pitches in the first two innings alone, yet followed by averaging an efficient 12-1/2 pitches per inning for the remainder of his start. The difference maker — Karns only fell behind three times after the second inning, and only one of those at-bats resulted in a deep count. What he lacked in command in the front two frames, Karns made up for in the ensuing 3-2/3.
Nathan Karns’ strike zone plot from innings 1-2. (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)Nathan Karns’ strike zone plot from innings 3-6. (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)
As for the offense, Tampa Bay was stymied from the start after James Loney was scratched from the lineup due to tightness in his side, sustained during batting practice. The losses of Loney and John Jaso left the Rays with only two bench players (David DeJesus and Bobby Wilson) to depend upon to pinch hit later in the game.
Down by six, Kevin Kiermaier led off the third inning with a triple. If not for a ground out by Steven Souza though, he may never have crossed the plate. Evan Longoria led off the fourth with a single to left, and Logan Forsythe worked a beautiful at-bat, two batters, later before mashing a two-run homer to left. After falling behind Chen by an 0-2 count, Forsythe worked the count full (in the 11 pitch at-bat) before going yard. Down by three, the Rays were met with an excellent scoring opportunity in the fifth, yet they failed to pounce.
After Brandon Guyer was hit by a pitch and Souza walked, the duo paired for a well executed double steal to put a pair of runners in scoring position with Asdrubal Cabrera at the plate. In the end, however, Cabrera struck out (swinging) on an ugly outside, eye-level, pitch. Thankfully Longoria was able to keep the inning going with a seven pitch, base loading, walk for Desmond Jennings…who flew out to short one pitch later.
The ever productive Outlaw crushed a two-run homer to dead center in the seventh — bringing Tampa Bay within one — nevertheless they failed to get on base in the eighth and ninth innings, and at 6-5 the score sat.
Kevin Cash depended upon the bullpen from the sixth inning on, and to their credit the relievers did a good job of shutting down the Orioles subsequent threats. Still, a question of Cash’s bullpen management remained in the wake. Erik Hahmann (DRaysBay) touched on that, saying,
With two on and no out in the top of the seventh inning, and the Rays now down by just one run, Cash brought in Steve Geltz. On opening day Getlz had struck out all four of the batters he faced. That’s lovely. This doesn’t change the fact that he’s Steve Geltz and probably shouldn’t be pitching in such high leverage situations when better options are available. After getting Steve Pearce to ground into a force at second, and the left handed Travis Snider at the plate, Cash opted to leave Geltz in the game instead of bringing in the left handed Jeff Beliveau. And it was only during Snider’s at bat, in which he eventually walked, that Kevin Jepsen began warming up. The thought of Jepsen facing Adam Jones is a much less terrifying one than that of Geltz. Luckily for the Rays Geltz was able to get Jones to ground into a double play. The results were good, but having Steve Geltz pitch your highest leverage situations probably isn’t a smart bet going forward.
I’d have to agree with Hahmann. While pulling Grant Balfour after allowing a pair of base runners made total sense, relying on Geltz instead of a high leverage pitcher like Jepsen seemed a bit curious. As they say, it is what it is.
The New What Next
Jake Odorizzi will take the mound Wednesday night against Miguel Gonzalez, in the series finale. Tampa Bay will attempt to salvage a game before heading to Miami for a three-game set against the Marlins, starting Friday. You can read about the pitching match-up in our series preview.
Rays 4/8/15 Starting Lineup
DeJesus DH
Souza RF
Cabrera SS
Longoria 3B
Jennings LF
Kiermaier CF
Forsythe 2B
Dykstra 1B
Rivera C
Odorizzi RHP
Noteworthiness
— John Jaso is likely headed to the disabled list after sustaining a left wrist contusion in the season opener. Jaso remained “pretty sore” and painful, which doesn’t bode well for someone whose primary job is to swing the bat.
The range of motion, the mobility of it is still pretty restricted, Jaso told the media before Tuesday’s contest. There is definitely pain there. I’ve sprained my ankle before and I’d say it’s something like that.
Cashsaid they will continue to evaluate Jaso on a daily basis. Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) opined, it would seem they’d need to either have him back or put him on the disabled list by Friday, when they open a series in Miami under National League rules, where pinch-hitters are needed.
In that case, the Rays could recall Mikie Mahtook or Curt Casali, or create spot on the roster by recalling Burch Smith and immediately placing him on the 60-day DL. That would allow Corey Brown or Joey Butler, or Vince Belnome or Allan Dykstra pending Loney’s status.
Jaso said he would rethink sliding headfirst into second when he returns,
It’s nobody’s fault really except mine. I don’t know how many times I’ve been told, ‘You could’ve slid feet-first you know.’ It’s one of those things where I’m probably going to slide feet-first next time no matter what. I don’t want this to happen again.
— James Loney was scratched before the game because he “tweaked his right side” and was removed for “precautionary reasons.” Loney told Topkin he felt the discomfort in his side — not his oblique, which could be worse — after hitting and expects to be back during the weekend.
Hopefully it feels better (today), that’s the goal, and go from there, said the first baseman.
Other medical matters
— Alex Cobb had his “best day yet” of throwing since being shut down on March 17, “playing catch with my dad Ron (Porterfield, the head athletic trainer). Nick Franklin had “no issues” taking his first live batting practice left-handed. Franklin also fielded grounders. Alex Colome and Ronald Belisario were to throw simulated games Tuesday in Port Charlotte.
— Drew Smyly will start his rehab stint with the Class A Charlotte Stone Crabs in their Florida State League opener on Thursday. Kevin Cash told Bill Chastain (MLB.com) that the team wants to get him back as soon as possible, which might mean bringing him back once he’s built up to handle 75 pitches.
Smyly was asked about that Tuesday afternoon:
I want to get back as soon as possible, but right now, it’s just one game at a time. I have to feel confident and ready to face Major League hitters. Can’t just jump in there. (Otherwise) I don’t know if I’ll do the team that much good. But I’m hoping to do that as soon as I can.
Smyly and the Rays should know more about his progress following the game Thursday,
Yeah. I haven’t even thrown a game yet, Smyly said. When I get out there and face hitters, see how I’m competing with my pitches, I’ll know a lot more. But right now, I can’t really say.
Introducing your 2015 Tampa Bay Rays. (Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Rays)
It would be a safe assumption that most of us are thankful, first and foremost, for the return of baseball. It’s been a long offseason, and feels good to catch a game at the Trop, or listen to BA and Dewayne call the game in the comfort of your own living room. That being said, the icing on the cake would have been an Opening Day tally in the win column. That, unfortunately, wasn’t the case, as the Baltimore Orioles took advantage of costly mistakes, and beating the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 6-2.
In the midst of the emotion wrought by Opening Day (I defy you to claim you didn’t shed during the Don Zimmer unveiling ceremony), some truly odd/less than savory/sloppy plays took place that weighed heavily on the outcome of the game. In this edition of the Good, the Bad and the Argyle*, I — with the help of the FanGraphs leverage index (below) — will take a look at some of those oof-worthy plays.
The Bad
— It all started in the top of the first inning. Chris Archer got ahead of Alejandro De Aza before coaxing a weak dribbler up the first base line. Although he fielded the play cleanly, Archer tossed the ball well over the head of James Loney, consequently putting the leadoff runner on base. The de facto ace then walked Manny Machado to put a runner in scoring position with no outs. Baltimore took a 1-0 lead after a sac-fly to center and a base-hit to left.
— Also in the first, John Jaso worked a five pitch walk ahead of Steven Souza, who went down looking (not once, but twice on the day), bringing Asdrubal Cabrera to the plate. Cabrera, in an attempt to beat the shift, tried awkwardly to lay down a bunt. On one of those attempts, Jaso endeavored to swipe a bag on a ball in the dirt, yet was thrown out as he slid headfirst into second while Ryan Flaherty blocked the bag with his leg.
Shaken on the play, Jaso left the game holding his left wrist and was sent for an MRI. Thankfully the test came back negative — the prognosis being a left wrist contusion.
There was a larger issue at hand, however, this wreaked of obstruction by Flaherty. Ian Malinowski (DRaysBay) summed up that line of thinking,
Putting aside the injury, I don’t understand why obstruction is legal (or if not legal, “allowed”) at second base. Flaherty covered the entire front of the bag with his leg, leaving nowhere for Jaso to reach. Moreover, if Jaso had slid feet first, it would have been Flaherty who was at risk for serious injury. I’m pretty sure that’s what it’s going to take for baseball to decide to enforce the obstruction rule in situations like that.
— In the fourth inning, Souza sent a grounder deep to the hole in deep short, and beat out the corresponding throw which bounded up the first base line. The Orioles seemed thoroughly confused by the play, and Souza, who also at first seemed stunned, looked to pounce. As Souza inched toward second base, Caleb Joseph noticed that he made a the turn and caught Souza in a rundown. There was no turning back at this point for the Rays right fielder. Try as he might, Souza was caught dead to rights between first and second. He also tweaked something in the process, as Souza gingerly walked off the field, yet remained in the game with no noticeable ill effects.
— After a lengthy nine pitch battle with De Aza, Archer left a middle-inside change-up in the zone which the Oriole hammered to give Baltimore a three run advantage.
That blue dot in the left-hand corner of the strike zone plot was the errant change-up. (Plot courtesy of Brooks Baseball)
To Archer’s credit, he threw some really good pitches in the at-bat, yet his mistake proved costly.
— In the eighth inning, Rene Rivera was late with a tag on Steve Pearce at the plate, when Pearce appeared to be thrown out by a wide margin. To show the ridiculous nature of the play, I again turn to Malinowski,
Snider smacked a liner to the wall in right, but Souza quickly got off a strong and accurate throw to the cutoff man, Logan Forsythe, who uncorked a quick relay to home, where the Rays had Pearce dead to rights. Really, Pearce might have considered trying to go back to third and get into a rundown. Instead he trotted toward home, and at the last second sped up and slid through the legs of Rene Rivera.
The umpire called him out, because really, it would be ridiculous to call this play any other way, but Buck Showalter asked for a review, and sure enough, Pearce had gotten in/through.
Rivera received the ball on the first base side of the plate, and had he moved up a foot or so before Pearce started his slide, he would have been out — no questions asked.
Manager Kevin Cash spoke about that play after the game,
There’s a rule in play to keep everybody from getting injured. And it makes it awkward for the baserunner. It makes it awkward for the catcher, being Rene [Rivera]. I don’t know what the right thing there is on that. I understand the guy was safe, but it seemed like everybody slowed up. We don’t want that to happen, but we also don’t want Rene to drop down and just get just trucked by blocking the plate. It’s awkward. We’ll work through it.
The Good
— Tampa Bay went 3-5 wRISP
— Evan Longoria deposited a thigh high hanger into the seats of section 147. Longo will end the season with 162 homers at this rate. In all seriousness, it’s good to see Longoria barrel-up a breaking pitch as well as turn on an inside pitch.
Video capture courtesy of Rays Index
— The Rays collected 11 strikeouts as a staff, with four from Steve Geltz, who retired each of the four batters he faced (three looking, one swinging) on some well located pitches down in the zone.
— With the exception of a few mistakes, Archer pitched well. We’ve become acclimated to his mix of two and four seam fastballs, as well as his slider, yet Archer also features a change-up that he hasn’t previously relied upon. In Spring Training, the righty talked about introducing his change-up into the mix, which he did Monday. All in all Archer threw seven change-ups, of which five were strikes (two of the whiff variety). Not bad for a pitch that was all but absent last season.
The Argyle
— I’m not really certain why Archer was removed after throwing only 85 pitches, especially when you take the lack of pitching depth into consideration.
*In no specific order.
The New What Next
Nathan Karns will make his third regular season start with the Rays Tuesday evening. The RHP threw six strong innings against the Phillies last Wednesday, allowing one run while striking out eight. Wei-Yin Chen will take the mound opposite of Karns. You can read about the pitching matchup in our series preview.
Rays 4/7/15 Starting Lineup
Guyer LF
Souza RF
Cabrera SS
Longoria 3B
Jennings CF
Forsythe DH
Loney 1B
Rivera C
Beckham 2B
Karns P
Noteworthiness
Per Kevin Cash, John Jaso (left wrist contusion) is listed as day-to-day. He will likely be out for a couple of days, telling reporters that his left wrist is still pretty sore although there isn’t a break or any ligament damage. He’ll be reevaluated Wednesday. FWIW, Jaso said he will now stop sliding headfirst into second base as a result of injury.
Cobb (tendinitis), played catch today, calling it the “best day yet.”
All pitchers will be available out of the bullpen tonight, including Matt Andriese and Erasmo Ramirez. A decision on game four has yet to be made.
James Loney is the only lefty in the Rays lineup tonight against Orioles LHP Wei-Yen Chen. Loney will bat seventh. Rays manager Kevin Cash said that is where Loney will bat against lefties.”
Baltimore will get back first baseman Chris Davis, whose 25-game suspension from last season ended with Monday’s game. Davis is expected to be in the lineup.
The Rays retired number 66 for the late Don Zimmer:
