Tyler’s back. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Rays)

After missing the first 11 days of Summer Camp, right-hander Tyler Glasnow returned to Tropicana Field on Tuesday and threw three-plus innings of a simulated game/scrimmage.

In his return to the mound, Glasnow allowed just one hit and one walk across 3-1/3 innings, while striking out four on 49 pitches (28 strikes, 57% strike rate) — exceeding all expectations for a hurler that hasn’t formally taken the mound since Summer Camp began, on July 3.

I’ve kind of been around this mark anyway, as far as pitches go, on my own, so I knew I would be ready for three or four. They went a little bit more cautious to go three and then an (out in) the fourth, but next time we’ll probably just increase it by an inning, but I’m in shape and I feel good. …I feel like I’ll start the season on time for sure. Everything feels good. Like I was throwing to hitters and stuff when I was home a long time ago, so I’ve been staying with it.

— Tyler Glasnow

Glasnow leaned on his overpowering fastball, striking out Nate Lowe and Ji-Man Choi swinging on high heaters. He also got Michael Perez swinging on a curveball. Picking up where he left off in Sring Training 1.0, the right-hander even got some work in on his changeup, which he threw to Yoshitomo Tsutsugo.

Glasnow told the media in a Zoom call that his absence was due to a positive COVID-19 test, although he was asymptomatic for the most part, highlighting mild cold symptoms for a day and a loss of smell and taste for a short period.

Because he didn’t exhibit any severe symptoms, Glasnow was able to throw off mounds into a net at local parks when no one was around. To that end, he had been throwing to hitters throughout the quarantine period in Arizona, as well as to command trainers over the past couple of weeks.

With that combination of factors in mind, Rays pitching coach Kyle Snyder felt comfortable letting the right-hander throw multiple innings on his first day back.

I felt really good about where he stood physically. He has been simulating some up and downs to command trainers with nets behind him, simulating half-innings. We knew where he was physically, but it just hasn’t happened against hitters. But I felt very confident.

— Kyle Snyder

Pending any other health setbacks, Tampa Bay’s Opening Day roster boasts four solid rotation options: Glasnow, Blake Snell, Charlie Morton, and Ryan Yarbrough. The team also has Jalen Beeks, Trevor Richards, and Anthony Banda as possible options to start games or take the mound in a long-relief role. Put another way, Rays skipper Kevin Cash can piggyback two of the three on the fifth day, or use a bulk inning guy on a bullpen day.

Tyler is one of our guys. Getting him back and knowing that he’s already here built to the four-inning mark, he’s right in line with everybody. … I believe Richards and Yarbrough both threw four innings at the other complex today, so he’s right in line with what we envision from a starting pitcher. We’re all really encouraged with that.

— Kevin Cash

As Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) put it, “Having Glasnow back means, a Tampa Bay team that led the AL in run prevention last year, appears to be in a good spot on the pitching side with less than 10 days until the 2020 regular season begins.”

Glasnow expects to throw another inning in his next turn, and he should be stretched out to four to five innings by July 24.

Diego Castillo and Aaron Loup also threw on the main field. Castillo tossed between 12 and 15 pitches in his outing following a bullpen session.

I watched it, he (Castillo) looked good. Kyle was encouraged. We’re fortunate with Diego that like I said yesterday he’s been here for a while. Yeah, he was away for a couple (of) days, but he looked totally fine and I’m sure we’ll slot him right back in here shortly for some type of a sim game situation.

— Kevin Cash

Loup allowed two singles and a walk while striking out a pair on 24 pitches (16 strikes, 67% strike rate).

Nobody gets comfortable looks. You understand why he’s had success in his six, seven years in the big leagues. We’re fortunate that he’s healthy.

— Kevin Cash

While Glasnow, Castillo, and Loup kept their cool indoors, Richards and Yarbrough each worked four innings outside at an undisclosed off-site location.

As Solondz noted, “Tampa Bay now has had Glasnow, Richards, Yarbrough, Jalen Beeks, Charlie Morton, and Blake Snell each work at least three innings in a simulated game.”

Roll Call

Taking the return of Glasnow into consideration, three players have yet to appear at Summer Camp: Randy Arozarena, Yonny Chirinos, and José Martínez. Additionally, Austin Meadows has been out since appearing on the field on the first day, with Brendan McKay has been out since the sixth.

The team has not commented on why players were absent, or even if they were working out of sight. Teams have been told not to comment on COVID-19 related issues due to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) concerns unless a player gives explicit permission.

The New What Next

Many of the one-inning relievers are slated to throw on Wednesday. Several of those pitchers will work outside, weather permitting.

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