With full-squad workouts now complete, the Tampa Bay Rays will start the Grapefruit League season on Friday.
Alex Cobb, Jake Odorizzi and Blake Snell tossed live batting practice on Thursday, while Matt Duffy and Logan Morrison — both of whom are recovering from surgery — stepped in the box for live batting practice.
Brad Miller, who will get the start at second base against the Minnesota Twins on Friday, told Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) he’s excited to get on to the game playing portion of Spring Training:
(Audio courtesy of Rays Radio)
Evan Longoria, who missed two days due to illness, Duffy, Morrison, Steven Souza Jr., Colby Rasmus and Mallex Smith will be held back from the trip to Ft. Myers. Duffy, as well Morrison, Souza, and Rasmus, are coming back from surgery.
Making the trip north are Jacob Faria, Ryan Garton, Diego Moreno, Ryne Stanek, Hunter Wood, Jose Alvarado and Jeffrey Walters, as well as several minor league players including Kean Wong, Braxton Lee, Jace Conrad, Mike Marjama and Andrew Velazquez.
In his Thursday presser, Rays skipper Kevin Cash made note of his excitement for the start of the Grapefruit League Season:
(Audio courtesy of Rays Radio)
Rays 2/24/17 Starting Lineup
Beckham SS
Robertson 3B
Miller 2B
Dickerson LF
Gillaspie 1B
Casali DH
Maile C
Peterson CF
Field RF
Austin Pruitt RHP
Also slated to pitch
RHP Jacob Faria
RHP Ryan Garton
RHP Diego Moreno
RHP Ryne Stanek
RHP Hunter Wood
LHP José Alvarado
RHP Jeff Walters
Per the inimitable Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) the Rays who are not going to Fort Myers will participate in a workout this afternoon at Tropicana Field. This is first of three night games for Tampa Bay this spring.