Tyler Glasnow (right) threw a requisite spring bullpen session on Tuesday, which included a noticeable pause in his delivery. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

On Wednesday, Yandy Diaz stepped into the batter’s box, while Jalen Beeks, Hoby Milner, and Emilio Pagan threw live batting practice. And with just one more full-squad workout before the start of the Grapefruit League season, on Friday, Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash believes his group is ready to begin playing games.

Cash clarified the workout schedule leading into the weekend, saying the team will have a light workout on Thursday, then open exhibition play on Friday against the Phillies.

The skipper also specified his plans regarding Charlie Morton, Blake Snell, and Jose Alvarado — all of whom threw bullpen sessions on Wednesday. Cash will limit the workload of the number one and two hurlers in exhibition games, as well as the presumed closer.

Alvarado’s (2018 workload) was real high, we have to really manage him. In my opinion if Alvarado threw five times off the mound this spring that would be more than enough because he’s such a big part and we want to keep him as fresh as possible.

— Kevin Cash

Snell and Morton will throw live batting practice on Saturday, with both slated to into games next week.

Right-hander Austin Pruitt will start Friday’s Grapefruit League opener, while Ryan Yarbrough, Jalen Beeks, and Jake Faria are set to pitch against the Twins on Saturday.

Pagan’s live batting practice was his first of the Spring. The right-hander continues to work a curveball and a changeup to complement his fastball/slider combination.

The team also worked on pop-up and fly ball drills, not to mention grounders that the infielders took.

On Tuesday, Glasnow unveiled a slight pause in his delivery that he plans to take into the season as a means to make his delivery more consistent. The righty noted an improvement in both his spin rate and velocity.

Glasnow told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) the pause allows him to control his hips better, to “get into a better patterning.’’

He also said the hesitation will disrupt the hitters’ timing and will pair well Glasnow’s standard delivery as well as his new quick step move he has been working on.

I’ve been able to mix them really well. Talking to hitters today … I know it was kind of throwing some guys off a little bit. So messing with my timing a little bit this year was a good idea.

— Tyler Glasnow

The Rays are reportedly on board with the change.


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