I spent so much time talking about the abrupt exit of Alex Cobb from the game Tuesday afternoon, I completely overlooked the Tampa Bay Rays’ 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. It happens. Much like the players themselves, after a few months off from everyday action, I too need as many reps as I can get in order to get back into Opening Day form. Below are a few highlights from the Grapefruit League contest.
Tag Archives: Drew Smyly
Rays Spring Training Update, Day 20; Rays Win 3-2, Balfour is Back, Starting Rotation and Injury News
The Tampa Bay Rays followed a one run loss Friday afternoon, with a one run victory against the Baltimore Orioles, Saturday. There were a few noteworthy highlights; Nathan Karns tossing a perfect four inning start, and catcher Reńe Rivera’s two run, fourth inning blast to left field being just a couple. The Rays walked away from Sarasota with their fourth win of the spring, bringing their Grapefruit League record to a respectable 4-6-1.
Rays Spring Training Update, Day 19; Rays Fall 2-1, Colome Has Pneumonia, Souza Rolled His Ankle
The Tampa Bay Rays dropped their sixth game of the spring, this time to the Philadelphia Phillies by a 2-1 margin, Friday. Despite the loss, starter Chris Archer put together a pretty good outing in his 3-1/3 innings of work. The loss can be blamed on the offense who was stifled by the Phillies hurlers.
Rays to Sign LHP Jonny Venters, Etc
According to Jeff Todd (MLB Trade Rumors), the Tampa Bay Rays have signed former Braves LHP reliever Jonny Venters to a two-year minor league contract. Venters is currently recovering from his third Tommy John’s surgery –performed in September 2014, and the Rays will look to provide him with rehabilitation sources and bring him back slowly.
Rays Spring Training Update, Day 15: Rays Fall to Yankees 4-3; Karns’ Change-up, Injury Update, Colome Returns
Nathan Karns continued his bid for the fifth starter spot with a three inning, 49 pitch outing, relinquishing two runs (one earned) on two hits and a walk. Karns told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) was pleased to go three innings and get in work on his change-up; a pitch he wants to improve. His change, though not wholly consistent, was effective enough to get Carlos Beltran to whiff. In an ideal world, the outcome of that at-bat will resonate with Karns as a growth moment.