The New What Next: Rays vs. O’s — A Series Preview of Sorts

It’s been opined by more than a few, the Rays appeared to be in restructuring mode early in the offseason, yet they made several present-day improvements to put themselves in position to win in 2014. Matt Silverman put together a team that — in an ideal world — is deeper offensively, more athletic, and improved defensively. And while they were fairly successful during Spring Training (as it relates to wins and losses), the true test of the team’s mettle begins Monday, when the Baltimore Orioles enter the Trop for a three-game set.

Rays Spring Training Update, Day 41: Cash Announces 25-Man Roster, Rays Wallop Le Tigre 11-5

Rays manager Kevin Cash announced the players who are slated to make the 25-man Opening Day roster, in the afterglow of an 11-5 handcuffing of the Detroit Tigers — solidifying the teams first plus .500 Grapefruit League record under the new regime. Rounding out the roster are catcher Bobby Wilson, infielder Tim Beckham, and right handed pitchers Kirby Yates, Steve Geltz, Matt Andriese and Erasmo Ramirez.

Cash, Rays Set to Announce the Opening Day Roster Friday

Sources close to the Rays said manager Kevin Cash has finalized the Opening Day roster (pending anything unforeseen in the next two days) and will announce it after today’s game in Lakeland.

Rays 3/31/15 Starting Lineups; Roster and Stadium Notes

Per Marc Topkin, given the potential of external options, Rays manager Kevin Cash said the team will hold off announcing the order and other pitchers on the rotation until weeks end. Cash also said Alex Colome won’t be ready when the Rays need their fifth starter on April 14. Likewise Drew Smyly and Alex Cobb are slated for later April returns.

Cash, Rays Face Tough Roster Questions

As the 2015 Grapefruit League season winds down, manager Kevin Cash and the Tampa Bay Rays have a number of roster questions left to settle: Who will fill the final two starting rotation spots? Who will back up Rene Rivera behind the plate? Who will the team slot in behind Asdrubal Cabrera, Logan Forsythe and eventually Nick Franklin? And finally, what will the team do with outfielder David DeJesus? Unfortunately these questions don’t come with the easiest of answers.