Rays 3/7/21 pregame notes and starting lineup

Inclement weather put the hope of a Spring ball-game to bed on Saturday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After an unplanned off-day due to inclement weather, the Tampa Bay Rays will be back at it on Sunday, in Ft. Myers. Michael Wacha will make his second appearance in a Rays uniform, while Collin McHugh will make his Tampa Bay debut.

A little rain can't stop us from getting our work in pic.twitter.com/KhYdiTmXbJ
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) March 6, 2021

In spite of the weather, the Rays still got in some work in the batting cages. Tyler Glasnow threw three simulated frames while Trevor Richards got in a pair. Glasnow, who faced Ji-Man Choi, Yandy Diaz, and Joey Wendle, still pumped a 99 mph fastball after hitting the century mark in his Grapefruit League debut.

It was kind of unfair to do it in a cage setting. He was probably one of the few guys we don’t need to worry about. … He was throwing 99 miles (per) hour. It was fun to watch when he is in the zone, throwing strikes.
— Kevin Cash

Prior to that, Chris Archer pitched in an intrasquad game on the backfields — focusing heavily on his slider and changeup. Rays skipper Cash said the shape of Archer’s slider was as good as it’s been, while his changeup was effective. Hunter Strickland, Phoenix Sanders, Jefffrey Springs, Yacksel Rios, and Andrew Kittredge also threw, with Strickland standing out. Cash said Strickland was really quick to the plate, and he significantly altered the hitter’s timing.

McHugh, Pete Fairbanks, Shane Baz, and Cody Reed were slated to pitch on Saturday although they now will pitch against the Twins this afternoon.