After a pair of split-squad games on Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays will meet the Twins for the final time this Spring.

With a win this afternoon, the Rays would walk away with the Duke Knudson Cup for just the fourth time since 2012.

Tampa Bay beat the Detroit Tigers in Port Charlotte yesterday afternoon, 7-3, and later tied the Pirates in Bradenton, 6-6.

Opener Ryne Stanek tossed two strong innings against the Tigers, allowing just one hit while fanning two. Stanek was pleased with his fastball command, as well as his splitter, and threw 19 of 25 pitches for strikes (76% strike rate).

The right-hander told Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) he’s rounding into form for the regular season after allowing a couple of homers early in camp.

All told, the Rays punched out 10 Tigers and walked just one. Rays manager Kevin Cash praised Chaz Roe, Jalen Beeks, and Austin Pruit — all of whom helped keep Detroit in check. Per Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) bullpen coach Stan Boroski noted Beeks last year might not have battled through long at-bat last year as he did Friday with repeated strikes.

The Rays took the lead in a five-run fifth inning.

Yandy Diaz hit a massive homer to left field, capping the five-run frame.

Matt Duffy (hamstring) felt good after taking live batting practice on Friday. He will test his hammy by running at 80% Saturday on the arcs (behind the infield dirt) and remains optimistic that he will be ready for Opening Day.

Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon threw their second live batting practice in the final stages of rehab from Tommy John surgery, and looked good.

The New What Next

Yonny Chirinos will get the start for Tampa Bay, pitching opposite of Kyle Gibson. Ryan Yarbrough, Hunter Wood, and Hoby Milner are also scheduled to pitch. The Rays appear to be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day a day early, as evidenced by their starting lineup (pictured below).

Rays 3/16/19 Starting Lineup

Noteworthiness

— Kevin Cash said Tommy Pham will likely play the outfield on Monday.

— After getting the start at third base on Friday, Joey Wendle will play shortstop this afternoon.

Cash said Wendle likely will get some reps at third against right-handed pitching.

— Blake Snell will work three innings or 60 pitches in a Minor League game today in Port Charlotte, then will face the Pirates on March 22 in preparation for his March 28 start against the Astros.

— Jose Alvarado, Diego Castillo and Chaz Roe will throw in a simulated game on Sunday rather than face the Red Sox in Fort Myers.


Leave a comment