The Tampa Bay Rays will kick off a 10-game home stand on Friday night with a three-game Grapefruit League series against the visiting Clearwater Phillies.
Prior to the series, and as I intimated earlier, the Rays added Johnny Field to the roster, giving the team a full compliment of position players. St Petersburg native Ryan Weber was optioned to Triple-A Durham to make room for Field on the 25-man roster, then subsequently designated for assignment to make room for him on the 40-man. Tampa Bay had been carrying an extra pitcher since Brad Miller was placed on the DL with a groin injury. This is the first call-up for Field, who was the last man cut in Spring Training.
Apparently Vaseline’s corporate contingent has been paying attention, as Kevin Kiermaier had a homecoming care package waiting for him today in clubhouse, with a personal letter and a few of their products (see picture above). If you are unfamiliar with the reference, Kiermaier had planned to cover his body with Vaseline to handle the cold during the team’s eight-game road trip.
Injury Notes
According to Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) Kevin Cash told reporters that starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi played catch on the field earlier Friday, only weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow. Cash also said that infielder Brad Miller continues to ramp up his rehab, but has not done any field work yet as of Friday afternoon. The Rays placed Miller on the DL with a groin strain following Sunday’s game against the Red Sox.
Rays 4/13/18 Starting Lineup
Span DH
Kiermaier CF
Gomez RF
Cron 1B
Wendle 2B
Duffy 3B
Smith LF
Ramos C
Hechavarria SS
Faria RHP