The Tampa Bay Rays will take on their AL East Rivals — the Baltimore Orioles — in their first Grapefruit League game of the spring, Friday at the Charlotte Sports Park. Veteran LHP Erik Bedard will begin his bid to become the Rays’ fifth starter, with the first pitch slated to be thrown at 1:05. If you haven’t read our Spring Training primer(s), now is your chance to catch up. Part One can be viewed here, while Part Two can be read here.
Ben Zobrist, who’s working back from a tight and sore back that sidelined him the first week, faced Chris Archer in a light bullpen session, Thursday. Zobirst is on track to make his exhibition debut early next week, while the Rays will start their front line players in Friday’s opener. Joe Maddon is planning to use the regulars for about three innings before substituting.
RHP Juan Sandoval, who had been delayed in the Dominican Republic due to visa issues, finally made it to Port Charlotte Thursday. RHP Juan Carlos Oviedo and INF Wilson Betemit remain delayed.
Rays 1/28/14 Starting Lineup
DeJesus LF
Escobar SS
Loney 1B
Longoria 3B
Joyce DH
Myers RF
Jennings CF
Molina C
Forsythe 2B
Bedard LHP
Don’t forget, March 1st is your first opportunity to pick up your very own X-Rays Spex “Raymones” shirt! Did you pre-order a shirt, and need to pick it up? Perhaps you missed the pre-order window altogether, and now want to snag one of these hot tamales. Join us Saturday at Star Booty, from 3:00-6:00 PM. We’ll have some assorted Smuttynose beers available for a small donation, thanks to Micro Man Distributers. Need more information to wet your whistle? Check out our Facebook event page. Spread the word!
I’d also like to announce the re-opening of the X-Rays Spex merch store. You may be saying to yourself (audibly like a creep, or otherwise), “I’m not able to make it to the soiree tomorrow, but I’d really like to order a shirt.” Well buckaroo, you can order them from the comfort of your couch, chair, stool, toilet, counter-top, etc, once again! We have a limited number of shirts in various sizes — small, medium, large and extra-large — available for $10.00 each. Please add $1.00 to the cost of each shirt if you wish to have it/them shipped to you.