The Tampa Bay Rays got some practice hitting and pitching with runners on base during their most recent simulated game/scrimmage, on Saturday.
A group of left-handers — Josh Fleming, Sean Gilmartin, Ryan Sherriff, and DJ Snelten — made the trip from Port Charlotte on Saturday, providing live at-bats for the position players. Cash also gave pitchers and hitters a different look, as each inning began with a runner on second base, and each batter continued with a runner at second base.
Fleming started for one team, throwing 23 of 40 pitches for strikes (58% strike rate) across two innings. Gilmartin started for the other squad and allowed one-hit during his lone 20 pitch (15 strikes, 75% strike rate) inning of work. Snelten tossed 10 of 14 pitches for strikes (71% strike rate) and Sherriff 10 of 15 (67% strike rate).
Cash was pleased that, for the most part, the group threw strikes. Joey Wendle and Choi last the loudest hits of the day, each recording a double.
Since Mike Zunino and Michael Perez are slated to work six innings apiece on Sunday, Chris Herrmann and Kevan Smith — both of whom have been working in Port Charlotte — caught on Saturday. Cash said both backstops are competing for a spot on the Opening Day roster.
They’re helping themselves and they’re competing for jobs and opportunities.
— Kevin Cash
Smith told Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) he appreciates the opportunities he’s received, and says with the nature of COVID-19, he wouldn’t be surprised if all of the catchers are used.
I just think we all have to take that mindset that at any given time we could be the everyday guy. We’ve got to stay ready. We’ve got to work as a team.
— Kevan Smith
Meanwhile, the always entertaining Ji-Man Choi, who has been hitting right-handed during Summer Camp batting practice sessions, stepped up to the plate and swung as a right-hander against the southpaw pitchers he faced. This was the first time he’s hit right-handed in “game” action since 2015.
In an at-bat against Ryan Sheriff, Choi lined an opposite-field double, surprising some, but not the Rays 1B/DH.
I’m the best hitter on the team, so it’s not surprising. Just kidding.
— Ji-Man Choi
By his third at-bat, team hitting Coach Chad Mottola said he asked Choi ‘why are you doing this?’ The response? He was having fun, which Mattola was all for.
I don’t think we’re expecting anything out of it. Long term if it grows into something, great. It’s one of those that will monitor day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month, and it was more out of fun today.
— Chad Mattola
Rays manager Kevin Cash noted that seeing it happen during regular season play is highly unlikely, even against a tough left-handed pitcher.
I don’t really foresee that coming in any way. I just think where he’s at in his career from a confidence standpoint, he’s willing to mess around with it. We got an opportunity in this setting to work through some timing, but of course, he goes out there and maybe hits the hardest-hit ball of the day.
— Kevin Cash
…And Then There Were Seven
The team continues to be without several players on the main field: Randy Arozarena, Yonny Chirinos, Tyler Glasnow, and Austin Meadows still have not been at a Summer Camp workout at the Trop. Austin Meadows has been M.I.A. since July 3, while Brendan McKay has been absent since Monday, and Diego Castillo since Tuesday.
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.
On Friday, Cash said that the team certainly has some “attendance issues,” and that it would come down to the roster deadline as to figuring out the Opening Day 30-man roster.
The New What Next
Another day, another simulated game/scrimmage. The Rays will play five or six innings on Sunday. Per the Rays skipper, game action will continue to become closer to normal as they approach Opening Day on July 24th.