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.
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.
Rays 3/7/21 Starting Lineup
- Adames SS
- Meadows LF
- Arozarena RF
- B. Lowe 2B
- Choi 1B
- Margot CF
- Tsutsugo 3B
- Mejia C
- Brosseau DH
- Wacha RHP