Rays 4/24/17 Starting Lineup
Dickerson DH
Kiermaier CF
Longoria 3B
Miller 2B
Souza RF
Morrison 1B
Beckham SS
Peterson LF
Norris C
Archer RHP
Noteworthiness
— Congradulations are in order for Steven Souza Jr., who was named the AL player of the week after scoring five runs, hitting five extra base hits, driving in nine RBI, and slashing .414 BA/.433 OBP/.759 SLG/1.292 OPS.
— The word from Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) is that Rays outfielder Mallex Smith (hamstring) played in an extended spring game in Port Charlotte today. He can be activated off the DL later this week, although, because outfielder Colby Rasmus likely also will be activated, Smith will probably be optioned to Triple-A Durham.
— Shortstop Matt Duffy is also on the trip with the Rays, which is a good sign that his rehab is going well.
— Per Mark Simon (ESPN) Blake Snell and Chris Archer rank second and 28th (respectively) as it relates to limiting hard contact (Twitter link). However, as Simon also noted, the Rays have one of the third worst bullpens in baseball (Twitter link).
— You can read about tonight’s pitching matchup, and so much more, in our series preview. Make it a two’fer if you’ve already given our piece a read.