The Tampa Bay Rays are coming off a 5-0 shutout loss against the Blue Jays Friday, in a game where LHP Erik Bedard was given one last opportunity to prove his worth to the Rays roster and starting rotation. Much akin to his last four Spring Training outings, Bedard did himself not favors by putting together a 5.2 IP/4 ER/8 H/1 BB/4 K/1 HR outing on 94 pitches (63 strikes). Rays manager Joe Maddon said entering the game that Bedard was very much in the thick of the competition for that final starting job, and a final decision is expected Saturday — though now we’re hearing there’s a chance the announcement will be delayed at least until later Saturday.
Tag Archives: AL east
The State of the Rays with Two Weeks Left of Spring Training
Back in February I received an interesting email from a fellow blogger. His challenge, if I chose to accept it: answer six simple questions (below) about the state of the Rays going into Spring Training and the 2014 season.
Wil Myers and Sean Rodriguez Power the Rays Past the O’s By A Score of 7-4
What a difference a couple of days make. Two days ago, Wil Myers was stuck in a Spring Training malaise — striking out more than he hit by a ratio of 6-to-4. Then Joe Maddon did what he is want to do; move the struggling batter to the lead-off spot, and thwack! Myers became uber productive, going (a combined) 5-for-7 with three doubles and a homer in the last two games. Myers lead the Rays to a 7-4 victory against the Orioles Wednesday, in Sarasota.
Rays Roll the Red Sox, 8-4, Noteworthiness (Updated)
The Rays are now 11-4-2 in the 2014 Grapefruit League season, following an 8-4 win against Boston, in Port Charlotte Sunday. David Price got his third start of the spring Sunday afternoon — and he did not disappoint. Slashing 6.2 IP/3 H/2 R/2 ER/1 BB/1 HBP/7 K on 91 pitches (61 strikes), the Rays ace was quite whiffy, with five of his seven strikeouts coming in the swinging variety. Price did not get into a three-ball count until the sixth inning.
Rays Win Two By the Same Score, 6-3, Myers Hurt, Etc
In a bout of deja vu, Tampa Bay swept their split squad games against the Pirates and the Jays Saturday, winning both games by a score of 6-3. “A good day for the Rays,” bench coach Dave Martinez said.