Rays Claim LHP Reliever Wesley Wright Off Waivers (Updated)

Wesley Wright pitching for the Astros in 2009.
Wesley Wright pitching for the Astros in 2009.

(Update) The Rays have optioned Josh Lueke back to Triple-A Durham to make room for Wesley Wright on the 25-man roster.

The Tampa Bay Rays claimed LHP reliever Wesley Wright off waivers Monday, reports Marc Topkin. The now former Astros reliever will join the Rays Tuesday, while a corresponding move is expected to come down the pike shortly. Wright was presumably let go for salary concerns — he was the highest paid Astro on staff at $1.15M this season, and was acquired for cash considerations.

Wright, 28, has career 4.44 ERA in parts of six seasons with the Astros, averaging a strikeout per inning. He sported a 57.1% and 54.9% ground ball rate since 2011, though that number had dropped to 47.2% preceding his waiver.

Per Daniel Russell of DRaysBay,

“Wright is a breaking ball pitcher that features a 91 MPH sinker and 83 MPH slider, with the latter pitch the most whiff worthy of the two, including 10 swings and misses in the month of August. He owns a five pitch mix, dabbling with a four-seamer at 91 MPH (which he transitioned away from relying upon in 2011), a 79 MPH 11-5 curve, and an 85 MPH change.”

 

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Dodgers Trounce Tampa Bay, 8-2

Jeremy Hellickson throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Jeremy Hellickson throws a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

The Rays first trip into Dodgers Stadium certainly left a lot to be desired — that is, unless you’re a Dodgers fan. The Dodgers put together a dominating three-game sweep against the Rays, holding Tampa Bay to eight total runs in 27 innings. Tampa Bay will make its way home for a six game home stand following the disastrous 0-6 road trip. The Rays lost their season-worst fifth in a row, but remained three games behind AL East-leading Boston following the Red Sox’s loss to Juego G and the Royals Sunday afternoon. Thanks Big Game James! Game peripherals follow:

  • We got word prior to the first pitch, the Rays released RHP Kyle Farnsworth from his contract. Tampa Bay DFA’d Farnsworth Friday.
  • Jeremy Hellickson put together another sub-optimal outing, this one lasting only three innings. Helly had a hard time commanding his pitches (especially his change-up) leaving a countless number up in the zone, and getting punished for doing so. He gave up four runs (all earned) on seven hits, including a pair of doubles — all on 51 pitches (36 for strikes). Rays starters have now failed to go at least five innings in five of the last six games, and six out of the last nine, including back-to-back games by Hernandez and Hellickson.
Jeremy Hellickson pitch type chart. (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)
Jeremy Hellickson pitch type chart. (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)
  • Sam Fuld plated the Rays first run on a triple to right-field, after a 15-2/3 innings scoreless drought — extending back to the seventh inning of Friday’s game. The Dodgers put up 18 unanswered runs up to that point, and ultimately outscored the Rays 20-8 over a three game span.
  • After posting 34 plus innings of one run baseball, Alex Torres has now given up five runs in his last 3-1/3 innings of work. I’d imagine that the relievers arms are somewhat worn out after being used so frequently in the last six games.
  • I’m still not convinced of Josh Lueke’s worth in the pen, especially after he gave up a two-runs on three hits — including a two-run shot to left-field in the sixth inning. He’s now given up eight earned runs in 12-2/3 innings of work, in three stints with the Rays this season. I can’t help but feel that he’s just filling a spot in the pen until Brandon Gomes returns from the DL.
  • Credit where it’s due, Cesar Ramos hasn’t given up a run in his last 3-1/3 innings of work. He’s allowed three runners to reach safely on two hits and a walk in that stretch.
  • Clayton Kershaw: 8 IP/3 H/2 R/1 ER/2 BB/8 K 103 pitches (70 for strikes). Wow. ‘Nuff said.
  • Tampa Bay: 1-7 wRISP, four left on base, grounded into two double plays. Oof. ‘Nuff said.
  • The Rays had an opportunity to put themselves back in the game in the eighth inning, though they could only settle for one run instead. Jose Lobaton lead off the inning with a walk. James Loney moved Lobaton to second on a sharply hit single to center. Jason Bourgeois was next, safely reaching base on a fielding error to Gordon (his third of the game) to load the bases. But Kershaw came back, striking out Sean Rodriguez looking at a filthy breaking pitch. Then — with the bases loaded, mind you — Wil Myers sent a sac-fly to the warning track, plating Lobaton from third. Sadly, Evan Longoria couldn’t extend the inning, grounding into a fielder’s choice to third to put an end the Rays only big scoring threat.
  • Expect to see the return of Alex Cobb in the upcoming home stand. ESPN’s announcers posited that there is a possibility the Rays would place Hellickson on waivers in order to make room for Cobb on the roster. However the odds are against Hernandez, if Tampa Bay is going to get rid of a starter in some capacity.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Drop Fourth Consecutive

Yunel Escobar flings his equipment after getting called out on strikes by umpire Paul Nauert to end the sixth inning. Third-base coach Tom Foley then had words with Nauert and got ejected. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)
Yunel Escobar flings his equipment after getting called out on strikes by umpire Paul Nauert to end the sixth inning. Third-base coach Tom Foley then had words with Nauert and got ejected. (Photo courtesy of Getty Images)

Ouch. Yesterday’s game against Zach Greinke and the Dodgers certainly didn’t play out the way we hoped it would. Tampa Bay has now dropped its fourth consecutive game, and second consecutive series, after being blanked 5-0 by Los Angeles Saturday. If the Rays are going to salvage a game on their current road trip, they’re going to have to do so against a very tough pitcher tonight. It won’t be easy. It’s time for another edition of The Good, The Bad, and The Argyle: A Bulleted Game Summary.

The Good

  • The bullpen looked much better Saturday. Jamey Wright, Cesar Ramos, and Josh Leuke kept the Rays in the game, combining for four innings of shutout ball. They were able to hold the Dodgers to four hits and three walks (two intentional) while striking out four. Wright did an excellent job to get out of a pair of RISP situations in the fifth and sixth innings, inducing a pair of groundouts to strand Punto and Uribe (respectively) on the bags. Josh Lueke needed all of nine pitches (seven for strikes) to strike out Ellis and Withrow in the bottom of the eighth inning.
  • Ben Zobrist continued his toasty ways, going 2-for-4 Saturday, with a pair of base hits.
  • The good old hidden ball trick. In the fourth inning, Longoria took a non­chalant toss from Yunel Escobar and sidled up behind Juan Uribe, waiting for the moment the Dodgers third baseman came off the bag. When his foot came off third, Longo quickly placed the tag.
Click the screen-shot to be redirected to a video of the hidden ball trick.
Click the screen-shot, to be redirected to video of the hidden ball trick.

The Bad

  • It can’t be said the Tampa Bay didn’t have an opportunity to tag Greinke and the Dodgers for runs. Still, they couldn’t seem to move runners from station to station. Seven Rays safely reached base, while Tampa Bay threatened with runners in scoring position in the first, fourth, and fifth innings. Though Greinke wasn’t nearly as sharp as he’s been in the past, he did a good job of making the big pitches when he needed to, effectively holding the wolves at bay. He had the Rays swinging at pitches outside of the zone all day, and their willingness to pull the trigger proved costly — Greinke struck out nine. The Rays ultimately went 0-7 wRISP, while only one Ray (Evan Longoria in the fourth) made it past second.
  • Roberto Hernandez struggled again, allowing a two-run homer in the first then walking opposing starter Zack Greinke to set up a two-run third. Robo lasted only four innings, the fifth time in eight games the Rays starter hasn’t gotten through five. To be fair, both Gonzalez and Crawford were able to turn a pair of low and inside pitches into a homer and a double. Both pitches were good by all accounts. However, Hernandez didn’t have the sink he needed to be successful overall. Hernandez mentioned as much, “After the first inning everything was flat and up too much.”
  • Let it be said and known, Luke Scott’s four pitch, pinch hit, swinging strikeout in the seventh was one of the most atrocious at-bats I’ve seen in a while. Scott, after rolling through most of July, has three hits in his last 34 plate appearances.

The Argyle

  • Hernandez’s spot in the rotation again appears in jeopardy. Alex Cobb is slated to come off the DL Thursday, while Matt Moore is expected to return only a few days later. Compound that with a potential choice looming between him and rookie Chris Archer. The Rays skipper hasn’t indulged too much, saying,

“We haven’t decided anything with that yet… Roberto had that really good game against Arizona, he pitched a complete game … so that was just a couple of starts ago, and then all of a sudden it’s been a little more difficult.”

  • I’d reckon home plate umpire Paul Nauret had a fairly liberal strike zone yesterday:
(Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)
(Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)

The New What Next

Enter the stopper, Jeremy Hellickson. Yeah, uh…somewhat similar. Hellickson will look to put a halt to his, and the Rays, losing streak tonight against Clayton Kershaw. Helly has lost his last two starts, while the Dodgers are 0-2 in Kershaw’s last two outings. It should be mentioned: Kershaw relinquished a combined two runs in his last two starts. I’ll let you draw your own conclusions as to why he’s 0-1 in his last two starts. You can read about the pitching match-up here.

Rays 8/11/13 Starting Lineup

Rodriguez 1B
Myers CF
Longoria 3B
Zobrist RF
Escobar SS
Roberts 2B
Lobaton C
Hellickson RHP
Bourgeois LF

 

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: An Open Letter to the ‘Pen

Fernando Rodney walks off the fielder after giving up four runs in the ninth inning to lose the game. The Dodgers won 7-6. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Fernando Rodney walks off the fielder after giving up four runs in the ninth inning to lose the game. The Dodgers won 7-6. (Photo courtesy of Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Dear Jake McGee, Fernando Rodney, et al,

To put it bluntly, you blew it last night. David Price put you in a good position — ahead by five runs in the waning innings of the game, to no avail. We watched as three of the four back end relievers gave up six runs on five hits and three walks, converting a comfortable lead into a demoralizing one run loss. We watched as the closer incurred the brunt of the damage on three consecutive RBI extra base hits in a third of an inning of work. We watched as you allowed a ground gaining opportunity to slip by the wayside. If I may, it felt like the beginning of the season when no lead felt safe…when the offense put crooked numbers on the board, yet the result was an embarrassing tally in the loss column.

To put it in context, y’all have given up 16 runs over the span of a three game game stretch, directly contributing to a three game losing streak — the Rays first since mid-June. Furthermore, Fernando, you’ve now given up seven runs (five earned) on 11 hits and six walks in your last eight outings — a span of 6-1/3 innings.

Jake, you certainly have no room to gloat. You’ve given up four runs on seven hits and four walks in your last 6-1/3 innings of work. And Josh, buddy, you got another opportunity to shine in the bigs, after putting up insanely good numbers in Triple-A. How do you show your appreciation? By getting tagged with a two out RBI double off the bat of Yasiel Puig. Bud, cough…ahem, you only needed to get one out. Outings like this will find you right back in Durham when Brandon Gomes is reactivated from the DL.

Trust me, I get it, these things are going to happen from time to time. However, it’s just the slightest bit disconcerting when things like this happen with consistency as we move ever closer to the post-season. To that end, this kind of thing should not come from the hands of the A relievers.

Please take these thoughts into consideration,
Schmitty/X-Rays Spex

Before I move on to The New What Next, I just wanted to comment on one last thing concerning last night’s debacle. Marc Topkin reported,

Rodney allowed a leadoff single to Skip Schumaker — the only pitch of the inning he said he regretted — then a one-out triple to Mark Ellis as Ben Zobrist got too aggressive and tried and missed a diving catch on a ball down the leftfield line, allowing the run to score. Nick Punto followed with a double to left that made it 6-5, and then Adrian Gonzalez delivered another double to right that tied it 6-6.

“The other pitches were down, good location. They hit the ball very well.” Rodney said. “There’s not a lot of frustration because I knew I made good pitches to try to get out of the inning.”

Hey Fernando, you must have selective memory if the leadoff single is the only pitch you regret. After all, I’d hardly call the misplaced change-up that resulted in an RBI triple a “good pitch to try to get out of the inning.”

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According to Fernando Rodney, that meatball in the heart of the zone was a good pitch. He also contends that his game ending throwing error was “right to the base.” (Courtesy of Brooks Baseball)

The New What Next

That they have been able to beat up on Zach Greinke bodes well for the Rays. However, the erratic Roberto Hernandez will take the mound against Greinke and the Dodgers today, and he certainly isn’t the best candidate to be credited with the needed outcome. You can read about the pitching match-up here.

Rays 8/10/13 Starting Lineup

Zobrist 2B
Joyce RF
Longoria 3B
Myers CF
Loney 1B
Escobar SS
Johnson LF
Molina C
Hernandez RHP

Noteworthiness

  • Friday was 14th time the Rays blew a lead in the seventh inning or later this season, and 11th time they lost.
  • Josh Lueke on last night’s loss, “Sucked. Plain and simple. Nothing else you can really say about it. Horse shit effort.”
  • …And let the tug of war for the Rays commence. Noah Pransky asserts that we’re in the midst of a “who can spend more money on a stadium” like competition.

Rays 8/9/13 Starting Lineup

The Rays will begin a three-game set against the Dodgers tonight. This is their first trio to Dodger Stadium in the franchises history. (Photo courtesy of Marc Topkin)
The Rays will begin a three-game set against the Dodgers tonight. This is their first trip to Dodgers Stadium in franchise history. (Photo courtesy of Marc Topkin)

Rays 8/9/13 Starting Lineup

Rodriguez LF
Roberts 2B
Longoria 3B
Myers CF
Zobrist RF
Escobar SS
Loney 1B
Molina C
Price LHP

Noteworthiness