Saturday’s ballgame in Pt. Charlotte was a washout. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)
A day after the Spring finale against the Twins was washed out, the Tampa Bay Rays Rays head to Fort Myers where they will face former teammate David Price and the Boston Red Sox.
Tampa Bay made a series of roster moves on Saturday, most notably optioning RHP Austin Pruitt to minor league camp, and reassigning southpaws Ryan Merritt and Colin Poche — both of whom are scheduled to pitch Sunday — and infielder Nate Lowe.
The plan for Lowe, who was competing for a spot on the roster big league, is to go back to Triple-A Durham, where he will begin the season, and get some reps at first base.
Good impression. I told him that he’ll be the one that ultimately drives the decision. He came on so strongly last year. He did some good things. Obviously, we saw enough of the power to really appreciate how far he can hit a baseball.
Asked him to go down (to Durham) and continue to work. Value his defense as much as his offense. We know once guys get up (to the Majors), that’s really important.
— Kevin Cash
Blake Snell was able to get in some work on the back fields on Saturday, pitching in a minor league game against the Orioles. Snell threw one inning and allowed a solo homer while striking out two before that game was called because of rain. He tossed 11 of 17 pitches for strikes (65% strike rate) before finishing his work in the batting cages. All told, Snell threw about 54 pitches and got in another 3-2/3 innings in the batting cages.
I felt really good today. Really good. I’m where I need to be, if not ahead of it. Everything was great. I was very happy with everything.
— Blake Snell
Snell’s last
Ryan Yarbrough (2 IP) and Yonny Chirinos (4 IP) also threw in the cage to get their work in. Per Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) Tampa Bay will slightly alter its position player schedule due to the rain out, but the pitching will not change much.
The New What Next
Ryan Merritt will take the mound Sunday, pitching opposite of David Price. Colin Poche is also expected to face Boston’s right-handed dominant lineup.
Rays 3/17/19 Starting Lineup
- Robertson 3B
- Pham DH
- Diaz 1B
- Garcia RF
- Adames SS
- Zunino C
- Heredia CF
- Wendle 2B
- B. Lowe LF
- Merritt LHP