Rays 6/7/16 Starting Lineup
Motter 3B
Miller SS
Jennings CF
Morrison 1B
Mahtook RF
Dickerson LF
Beckham 2B
Conger C
Moore LHP
Noteworthiness
— The Rays have not announced the pitching probables for the weekend series against the Astros. They also moved scheduled Friday starter Matt Andriese to the bullpen, for Tuesday’s game at least, to bolster the tired group of relievers. In the end, however, that’s only a temporary fix, as there is no indication the starters will pitch deeper into ballgames in the near future.
On the subject, Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) wrote, “That could be a sign they are considering calling up top LHP prospect Blake Snell, who just won Triple-A International League pitcher of the week honors for back-to-back scoreless starts and last worked for Durham on Sunday, which puts him on schedule to pitch Friday.”
If the Rays aspire to something greater beyond the month of September, they’ll have to do something potentially radical to stabilize the starting rotation, and that something could be the call-up of the team’s number one prospect.
Snell already made a positive impression on skipper Kevin Cash, and while his walk rate has ticked up with the Bulls, he’s still proving difficult to hit. Whatever the case, if the team is willing to recall Snell, it could free up another arm as trade bait — namely Matt Moore, who holds a $7.5-Million option in his contract going into the 2017 the season.
Interesting enough, Snell tweeted over the weekend, “What I gotta do…” Take that how you want.
What I gotta do… 😂🙈
— Blake Snell (@snellzilla11) June 5, 2016
— Logan Forsythe (shoulder fracture) did a full batting and fielding workout at Tropicana Field on Monday. He remains on track to rejoin the team on their upcoming nine-game home stand, starting Friday.
— Evan Longoria said he just needed a day off due to “Total body soreness.” The third baseman based the decision on a “compilation” of things, like fouling ball off his shin over weekend, and taking grounder off his knee. He allowed the decision looks odd considering Zack Greinke is pitching tonight, and the team has an off-day on Thursday, Longoria said he has to “be smart” and “listen” to his body. Both Evan and Kevin Cash said he is available to pinch-hit tonight, or go in as a defensive replacement later if needed.
— Don’t forget, you can read about tonight’s pitching matchup in our series preview.