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Are the Tampa Bay Rays going ‘all in’ this season?

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The acquisition of Adeiny Hechavarria could signal that the Rays mean business this season. (Photo Credit: ESPN.com)

Think back to the 2015 trade deadline, when the Tampa Bay Rays were just three-games back in the AL East. Toronto made a pair of big acquisitions, trading both for David Price and Troy Tulowitzki. The Rays, on the other hand, traded away Kevin Jepsen and made no other real moves to improve on the then 51-52 ball club.

Because of it, Chris Archer was very critical of the front office for not going all in, first tweeting:

Archer later told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times):

I’m speaking for our clubhouse when I say this, WE are hoping and confident that the areas of need will be addressed in the coming hours so that we can stay competitive not just in September but through the month of October as well … Other teams have, and I hope that motivates not only the players to give it all they have but the management as well.

The comments were not composed of random words that were thoughtlessly strung together, rather they were premeditated. He spoke for the team, which means they were based on conversations he’d had with other players in the clubhouse, and in the end Archer articulated the thoughts and feelings not only of the 2015 squad, but of us Rays fans.

Fast forward to the present. The front office has made a pair of moves to address some of the Rays needs with the additions of Adeiny Hechavarria and Trevor Plouffe. And while we are still a month away from the 2017 trade deadline, the acquisitions should signal several things — none of which being that the team is content with the status quo.

The Rays believe they have a horse in the race

While injuries abound, and they haven’t completely addressed the bullpen yet, all of the teams in the AL East are formidable and flawed. Even with the most DL days in the American League, Tampa Bay is in a good spot.

The Rays added two players in the month of June, and with them more than three million dollars in salary. That’s not something they typically do. It bears mentioning, between the 2008 and 2013 seasons — when the Rays went to the playoffs four times — they weren’t this aggressive before the trade deadline. That should energize the clubhouse because, it shows the front office believes the time to win the division is now.

The front office felt they needed to shore up the defense at short

This isn’t a knock on Tim Beckham, who has performed well above expectation this season, nor is it a knock on Daniel Robertson, who was optioned back to Triple-A Durham. But, unfortunately, Beckham has been slowed by a couple of injuries over the last few weeks, with a sore knee and a hit-by-pitch wrist. A need became apparent, and an elite level defensive shortstop popped up on the market. Enter Adeiny.

Hechavarria posted excellent defensive marks at short from 2015-2016, grading out at +18 Defensive Runs Saved and a +24.1 Ultimate Zone Rating, while accruing a +3.1 fWAR. In fact, from 2015 and 2016, he was fourth in the majors in DRS, trailing only Francisco Lindor, Brandon Crawford and Andrelton Simmons.

In the words of Neil Solondz,

…adding a premier defender can help reduce the number of outs the staff has to earn. A hit can become an out, a single out can become two. That helps the confidence and conviction with which your pitchers throw.

If they felt they needed to address one area of concern, they likely would address others.

They have started to address the beleaguered bullpen

Tampa Bay moved Blake Snell back into the starting rotation so Erasmo Ramirez could return to — and bolster — the ‘pen. Brad Boxberger should return this week and he, ideally, will also reinforce the relief staff. And even though bullpen pieces are usually more costly at the deadline, the Rays will likely explore the possibilities and add on.

What shouldn’t go unnoticed, Tampa Bay seemed to be closing in on a cheaper power arm with some team control, although that did not materialize in the deal for Hechavarria. Still, there is plenty of time to add an outside arm.

In conclusion

The Durham shuttle has chugged along all season long as Kevin Cash (and company) sought ways to patch holes, and solidify the team they view as a contender. However, when outside opportunities have presented themselves, the front office has jumped at the chance to better the team. That, in and of itself, should be telling — the Rays want to win. With this in mind, I cannot see why they wouldn’t continue making moves into the trade deadline. Because of it there is a tacit, underlying message: the Rays are all in.

Tampa Bay Rays to acquire SS Adeiny Hechavarria from the Miami Marlins

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The Tampa Bay Rays are actively pursuing a deal with the Miami Marlins for SS Adeiny Hechavarria. (Photo Credit: Joshua Sarner/Icon Sportswire)

6:00 PM Update: The Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins have reportedly agreed to a deal that will send shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria from Miami to Tampa Bay in exchange for a pair of prospects — minor league outfielder Braxton Lee and minor league right-hander Ethan Clark. The Rays will take on the balance of Hechavarria’s remaining salary.

Joe Frisaro (MLB.com) was the first to report that Tampa Bay had become the frontrunner for the middle infielder on Monday morning.

Hechavarria isn’t well known for his bat — owning a career .255 batting average along with 15 home runs, 183 RBI and a .291 OBP — rather he is a defensive specialist at shortstop, who is currently in line to earn $2-million for the remainder of the 2017 season ($4.35-million overall).

Hechavarria posted excellent defensive marks at short from 2015-2016, grading out at +18 Defensive Runs Saved and a +24.1 Ultimate Zone Rating, while accruing a +3.1 fWAR. He, however, has been hampered by an oblique strain this season, limiting him to just 20 games in 2017, and is currently rehabbing from his second bout with the injury.

It isn’t entirely clear how Hechavarria will fit into the Rays long-term plans. While he looks like the clear favorite to play shortstop until Matt Duffy returns from the DL, Tampa Bay will need to decide what to do with the combination of Tim Backham, Daniel Robertson, Taylor Featherston and Brad Miller — the latter of whom was the primary second baseman prior to getting injured. It should be noted that both Featherston and Robertson have options remaining, but Beckham does not, and a timetable for Miller’s return has yet to be announced.

Jerry Crasnick (ESPN) reported earlier that if the Rays were to take on all of Hechavarria’s remaining salary, they also wanted the  inclusion of a cheaper power arm with some team control to help facilitate the deal. Crasnick opines that Kyle Barraclough would fit that bill, although the Rays have not actually singled Barraclough out as a target. That rumor, however, has not gained further traction.

Hechavarria has one year remaining on his contract through salary arbitration, and will be a free agent in 2019.

As for the prospects Miami is to receive in return, per DRaysBay:

Lee has prodigious defense, typical of what the Rays have shown they value in previous success stories like Kevin Kiermaier or Andrew Toles, but would have been Rule 5 eligible in 2018. Given the Rays glut of outfielders, he would have found difficulty making the 40-man roster next season.

Clark is a 22-year old pitcher in Class A that has yet to replicate his great groundball rates from his two seasons in rookie ball in the Rays system. A 15th round selection from 2015, he is not dedicated to starting or relief at this time.

Neither player was featured on a top-30 prospect list this off-season.

Rays 6/23/17 starting lineup and pregame notes; Colby Rasmus placed on the 10-day DL

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Colby Rasmus has been placed on the 10-day DL, retroactive to June 19. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

The Tampa Bay Rays are back at it tonight, when they will welcome the Baltimore Orioles into the Trop for a three-game series. The Rays will try to add some distance between them and the bottom of the league, while the Orioles will try to become relevant again.

Rays 6/23/17 Starting Lineup

Smith CF
Dickerson DH
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Souza RF
Peterson LF
Beckham SS
Robertson 2B
Norris C
Archer RHP

Noteworthiness

— Even though they were expected to make multiple roster moves this afternoon, the only move the Rays made had more to do with the loss of a player — that being OF Colby Rasmus, who was placed on the 10-day DL left hip tendinitis (retroactive to June 19) — as opposed to one or two critical pieces. Rasmus told Roger Mooney (Tampa Bay Times) that the tendinitis, which he also experienced a bout with it during Spring Training, is related to his offseason surgery. He can be activated from the DL as early as June 29, and expects to be back when asked to return.

OF Shane Peterson, who spent some time with the Rays earlier this season, will take Rasmus’ place on the roster while he mends.

It was believed that both RHP Brad Boxberger and C Wilson Ramos would be activated from the DL as early as this afternoon. While Ramos is currently at the Trop, he isn’t certain when he’ll be activated

I’m ready, said Ramos. As soon as they tell me I’ll be able.

Likewise, Boxberger also is on hand at the Trop, as he is done with his rehab assignment. He, too, is waiting to be given the word on when he will be activated.

— Per Chris Cotillo (SB Nation), SS Adeiny Hechavarria will soon be traded, and the Rays reportedly have interest, along with the Cardinals and Orioles.

— You can read about tonight’s pitching matchup, and so much more, in our series preview.

The New What Next: Rays vs. Orioles — a series preview

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On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays will again welcome the Baltimore Orioles into the Trop for a three-game series. (Photo Credit: Anthony Ateek/X-Rays Spex)

On Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays will again welcome the Baltimore Orioles into Tropicana Field for a three-game series.

(Stats: ESPN)

When considering the 2017 PECOTA projections, the Rays are living up to their expectations. They’ll head into the series just 2-1/2 games out of first place, seated comfortably in second place (with the Yankees and Red Sox virtually tied for first) in one of the best divisions in baseball. That doesn’t mean they are playing excellent baseball, rather, they’re out-hitting their mistakes — something they will have to tighten up if they hope to remain relevant.

It’s a big series for both teams as we quickly approach the midway point of the season. The Rays have an opportunity to further separate themselves from the two teams beneath them in the standings. Though with the recent slump by the Yankees, the AL East appears to be up for grabs, and as bad as the Orioles have played, they are still only five games out of first place.

Still, the Orioles are 1-10 in their last 11 road games against a team with a winning record — 6-20 in their last 26 road games against a team with a winning home record. Meanwhile, the Rays are 4-1 in their last five games against a team with a losing record, 7-2 in their last nine home games.

A simple fact, Baltimore is terrible on the road, while Tampa Bay has been great at home.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will lean on Chris Archer (5-4, 3.75 ERA, 2.88 FIP), Jacob Faria (3-0, 1.37 ERA, 1.51 FIP), and Jake Odorizzi (4-3, 3.78 ERA, 5.34 FIP). Buck Showalter will counter with Ubaldo Jimenez (2-2, 6.94 ERA, 7.08 FIP), Dylan Bundy (7-6, 3.72 ERA, 4.64 FIP), and Chris Tillman (1-5, 8.39 ERA, 6.52 FIP).

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Archer picked up his first win since May 26 in a 3-2 victory over Detroit. He fanned eight over six innings, while allowing two earned runs. The right-hander also extended his franchise-record streak of 100-pitch games to 24. After struggling through his last outing (four runs across six innings), Archer notched his fourth quality start in six tries. He has been inconsistent as of late, although the right-hander boasts a solid 3.75 ERA/2.88 FIP to go with an impressive 11.4 K/9 through 15 starts. Baltimore tagged Archer for five runs 6-2/3 innings of work earlier this season.

Jimenez worked around four hits and four walks in an impressive seven-inning return to the mound as a started on Sunday; his first start since May 22. His four previous outings came in relief. Showalter had Jimenez on a short leash in his last start against the Rays, who tagged him for three runs on three hits (including a homer) and five walks over just 3-1/3 innings on April 24. Still, the right-hander is 5-2 with a 3.47 ERA against Tampa Bay over nine career starts. Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (1-1, BB), Logan Morrison (5-9, 2 2B, HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB), Colby Rasmus (13-43, 6 2B, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB)

Faria continued his impressive rookie campaign, holding Detroit to just one run over seven innings while fanning nine. He walked only one. Faria became only the fifth pitcher since 1913 to pick up a win while hurling at least six innings and allowing no more than a run in each of his first three career games.

Bundy received a loss on Monday after surrendering six earned runs on six hits (including a homer) 4-1/3 innings against Cleveland. It appears that Bundy’s recent struggles are the result of a heavy workload, so he has been pushed back in the order so he can get some extra days of rest. Bundy, Baltimore’s former top prospect, certainly could use that rest, as he has a 7.63 ERA in his past three starts. To his credit, Bundy threw 6-1/3 quality innings against Tampa Bay on April 26, allowing just two runs on four hits (including two homers). Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (2-3, 2 HR, 2 RBI), Evan Longoria (2-8, HR, RBI), Logan Morrison (2-8, 2B)

Odorizzi equaled a season high in his seven inning start against Cincinnati his last time out. He, however, continued his stretch of games, where he allowed at least a homer to 10 games straight — one shy of a franchise record. The right-hander cruised through the first four innings, yet a solo home run by Scott Schebler in the fifth inning and a two-run shot from Scooter Gennett in the sixth left the Rays down by three when he departed after the seventh. Still, the right-hander delivered his second quality start in the last three outings and holds a respectable 3.78 ERA (but a bloated 5.34 FIP) for the season.

Tillman hasn’t earned a win since May 7, his first start of the season. The right-hander was pulled after he allowed five earned runs over four innings against Cleveland on Tuesday. After missing the first month of the season due to a shoulder issue, and then tossing five pristine innings in his 2017 debut, Tillman’s been nothing short of a dumpster fire. His ERA now stands at 8.39, and the only thing that’s kept him in the rotation is a lack of alternatives within the organization. The Rays have handed him a career 8-11 record and a 4.11 ERA in 25 starts. Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (1-4, RBI, BB), Peter Bourjos (1-2), Evan Longoria (19-63, 4 2B, 3B, 8 HR, 11 RBI, 5 BB), Logan Morrison (6-14, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB), Wilson Ramos (3-11, 2B, RBI, BB), Steven Souza Jr. (6-20, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB)

Noteworthiness

— Reinforcements are expected this weekend! Brad Boxberger and Wilson Ramos are both expected to make their 2017 debuts with the Rays this weekend, potentially as early as Friday. Boxberger will, ideally, help stabilize a beleaguered bullpen, while Ramos — who helped Washington’s pitchers earn a 3.45 ERA with him behind the plate, while also cultivating a 33.3% caught stealing rate — will be a nice addition to the roster, both offensively and defensively.

We will have a roster update when either of the two (or both) are activated from the DL.

— The Rays signed right-handed reliever Mike Broadway, and assigned him to Double-A Montgomery.

— INF Michael Martinez, who was designated for assignment this week, cleared waivers and elected for free agency. Good riddance.

LBWMF: Rays come from behind to beat Le Tigre, 3-2

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The Rays took the third game of the series from the Tigers on Saturday, 3-2…thanks to a ninth inning defensive shift? (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays got off the schneid on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing skid by scoring a pair of runs in the seventh inning, and holding on for a 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers. The win moved Rays back to one game over .500.

Tampa Bay took an early lead in a pitcher’s duel that was scoreless until the fifth inning. The Rays found themselves in two scoring opportunities in the first in third innings, however, Tigers’ hurler Michael Fulmer coaxed a pair of double plays to wipe the slate clean on the good guys. Yet things changed in the fifth when Colby Rasmus lined a one-out double to right, and Tim Beckham walked. Daniel Robertson did what he’s done the whole series, plating a run on a single to center, scoring Rasmus and moving Beckham up to third. Even though Robertson was able to move into scoring position on the throw into third, the Rays were unable to add to the lead after Derek Norris struck out, and Mallex Smith grounded out to first.

Something Archer has had trouble with this season is putting together a lockdown inning after his team takes a lead, and per usual, Detroit answered when Austin Romine — 6-for-15 against the Rays ace — hit a bloop single into shallow left-field, just out of the reach of Beckham. He was able to get former teammate Mikie Mahtook to go down swinging on five pitches before Jose Iglesias hit a comebacker right at the right-hander. Archer fielded the ball, but stumbled in doing so, and lost his chance to get the lead runner at second. With two outs, Ian Kinsler worked a nine-pitch at-bat before he lashed a game tying double off the left-field wall.

A pitch (and an inning) later, Miguel Cabrera hit his second homer of the series on a first pitch fastball that Archer left over the inner third of the plate, giving Detroit a one-run advantage.

Cabrera’s solo homer to right

Miguel Cabrera launches a solo home run into the right-field seats to put the Tigers ahead 2-1 in the bottom of the 6th inning


He, however, was able to limit damage by striking out Romine, and getting Mahtook to ground into an inning ending double play with runners on the corners and one out. Archer fanned a total of eight batters over six innings, although interestingly enough, seven of the strikeouts came on his slider, giving him an MLB-high 91 this season. Max Scherzer ranks second with 66 slider strikeouts.

Since the Tigers were 30-18 when they hit a home run, the odds were stacked against Tampa Bay for a comeback — especially after what Le Tigre did to the Rays over the previous two days. Yet in spite of the odds, the Rays took the lead on a couple of two-out runs in the seventh. Steven Souza Jr. quickly fell behind 0-2 before battling back and earning a walk to start the frame, then moved up 90 feet on Rasmus’ groundout. Beckham followed with a productive at-bat, hitting a hard ground out to second, which  advanced Souza to third. Robertson was next, and he singled off Kinsler’s glove, knotting the game at two. It was the fifth consecutive run that Robertson had driven in.

After Norris chased Fulmer on a single to left, Brad Ausmus called upon the services of Alex Wilson.

Smith, looking to make up for his yips in the outfield, welcomed Wilson by hitting a single to right for the go ahead lead. To his credit, Wilson was able to limit the damage by striking out Corey Dickerson.

It now was up to the Rays bullpen to do its job. Jumbo Diaz worked around a two-out walk in a scoreless seventh, then started the eighth. The rather hefty right-hander struck out J.D. Martinez to open the frame, but allowed a one-out double that deflected off of Beckham at short, and was overrun by Dickerson in left. With the leverage increasing, Kevin Cash called upon Alex Colome to do something he had not done all season — earn a five-out save.

Colome struck out Alex Presley on a 3–2 pitch, and got pinch-hitter Nick Castellanos to ground out to third to end that threat.

Then in the ninth, the Tigers got the tying run on second with two outs, the product of a Mahtook bouncer that got under the glove of Evan Longoria. A sacrifice bunt, moving the former Ray into second, and a fly-out later, the left-handed hitting Avila stepped into the box. In the words of Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), the Rays had some decisions to make as they set up their shifted defense. At the start of the at-bat, they had shortstop Tim Beckham holding Mahtook at second.

Topkin continued:

Third-base/infield coach Charlie Montoyo went up to Cash and bench coach Tom Foley in the dugout and suggested they move Beckham over to the first base-side of the bag, where Avila was more likely to hit it, even though it meant Mahtook, as the tying run, would likely take third, which he promptly did.

‘We felt it was more important at the time to cover more ground toward the pull side,’ Cash said. ‘I think that shows how much confidence we have in Alex Colome. We’ll give up 90 feet to get (the tying run) to third, trusting that if we put the guys in the right spot, we can make a play and he’ll make a pitch.’

Colome made a pitch, an 88 mph cutter that Avila could only roll over and hit to the right side.

And the Rays made a play, Beckham barely having to move, to seal the win.

Game over, Rays win 3-2….thanks in part to the shift!

The New What Next

The Rays look to split the four-game set against the Tigers today. Jacob Faria (2-0, 1.42 ERA, 1.78 FIP) will get the start opposite Buck Farmer (2-0, 3.52 ERA, 2.80 FIP).

Faria was impressive yet again in his last start. His stuff, especially his changeup, was electric, and he fooled Toronto’s hitters left and right. He was poised and efficient, allowing just three hits on 70 pitches over five innings — calmly taking a shutout into the seventh against the power-laden Blue Jays.

Farmer had a 13-inning scoreless streak snapped in his last start, when he allowed six runs in 2-1/3 innings against the Diamondbacks. This season, the 26 year-old right-hander has relied upon a whiffy 92 MPH four-seam fastball and 85 MPH changeup, while also mixing in a 91 MPH sinker with arm-side run, a 79 MPH 12-6 slider, and a swing and miss 81 MPH cutter. Farmer faced the Rays once in relief in 2015, allowing a home run in one-third of an inning.

You can read about the pitching matchup, and so much more, in our series preview.

Rays 6/18/17 Starting Lineup

Smith CF
Dickerson LF
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Souza Jr RF
Rasmus DH
Beckham SS
Robertson 2B
Norris C
Faria RHP

Noteworthiness

— A couple of important pieces to the roster continue to work their way back from injuries. In a rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham, Brad Boxberger tossed another scoreless inning yesterday. He allowed one hit while striking out a pair. Wilson Ramos caught seven innings, the second consecutive game he’s done so. Both could rejoin the team by the end of the week. Per Topkin, Matt Duffy (left heel) may get some clarity on his recurring issues Monday when he goes to Charlotte to see Dr. Bob Anderson, who did the September surgery.

— Trevor Plouffe, acquired from Oakland, will officially join the active roster tomorrow at Tropicana Field. Either Taylor Featherston (an option remaining) or Michael Martinez (no options remaining) are likely to go.