On Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays announced their traveling roster for next week’s exhibition game in Cuba. Additionally, the Rays also announced their first round of roster cuts.
Onward to Cuba
The traveling roster (pictured above) boasts 34 players total, most of whom will the Opening Day roster. Also included are players battling for spots in the outfield, at catcher, and the 25th man/bench depth spot.
Alex Cobb and Chase Whitley will also make the trip despite their recovery from 2015 Tommy John surgery.
And while Cuban born outfielder Dayron Varona was reassigned to minor league camp Tuesday afternoon (more on that below), he will be the only non-40-man roster player on the travel squad to Cuba. Rays Manager Kevin Cash told reporters that several players came to him and spoke on Varona’s behalf, lobbying to allow the outfielder to go on the trip.
My gosh, the guy’s been over here for what, two years, and to have the opportunity to see his family, Cash said. And it speaks volumes to the players in that clubhouse who have walked in here and given a vote that they would like to see him go.
Varona credited Evan Longoria and Chris Archer for speaking on his behalf, saying,
And it means the world to me that they did that because this is really the opportunity of a lifetime to return to my homeland. I just want to say, ‘Thanks,’ again to them and the front office for giving me this chance.
Matt Moore will get the start for the Rays in the game that takes place on March 22 at 2:00 p.m.
I think it’s really cool, Moore said. Some guys are probably going to get to go but may not play, but that will still be awesome. For me to get to compete and get to do that, I think it’s something I’ll definitely appreciate from here on out. I would assume this is a friendly, like they say in soccer.
A pair of big-league hurlers ― Jake Odorizzi and Erasmo Ramirez ― will not be going to Cuba with the team. Odorizzi is scheduled to pitch on March 21st, and Ramirez will throw the day after the exhibition game in Havana. They will remain in camp.
The contest will air on ESPN. President Obama will throw out the first pitch, and several other notable people will be in attendance, including St. Petersburg mayor Rick Kriseman.
Rays roster moves
With minor league camp set to begin on Wednesday, the team has reassigned 14 players:
Pitchers Eddie Gamboa, Justin Marks, Adam Reifer, Adam Wilk, and Jamie Schultz; catcher Jake DePew; outfielders Johnny Field and Varona; INF/OF Patrick Leonard; and SS Daniel Robertson.
The Rays have also optioned pitchers Jacob Faria, Taylor Guerrieri, and Blake Snell; and INF Ryan Brett to minor league camp.