The Rays are getting ready for the third of nine scheduled exhibitions against the Twins. At this rate, those nine exhibitions will be done in approximately three hours, but I digress.
Jeff “The Big Nyquil” Niemann will take the hill for the first time this spring, as the ongoing battle for the coveted spot on the opening day roster, with Wade Davis, continues. He will, reportedly, take a measured approach in this outing, by not putting any more emphasis on it than he normally would. Carlos Pena will make the first of his second stint with the Rays today as well.
Don’t expect to see Longoria for at least a few more days. Longoria, who was hit by a pitch in an intrasquad game on March 1, has been MIA ever since. “It’s slowly going in the right direction,” said Longoria I’m as impatient as everybody. My tendency is to push it, but I think right now the smart decision is to just let it run its course. All it is, is swelling, getting the swelling out of there.” Longoria tested the strength in his hand the last couple of days by taking dry swings, but resigned himself to needing a few more days until he can fully re-acclimate himself.
The Rays 3/6/12 Starting Lineup:
Jennings DH
Rodriguez SS
Peña 1B
Guyer RF
Salazar CF
Gimenez C
Rhymes 2B
Mangini 3B
Feliciano LF
Niemann P