MLB Team Report – Tampa Bay Rays – INSIDE PITCH
Manager Joe Maddon admitted that Tropicana Field has been “harsh” on the Rays’ hitters this season.
So after an offensive outburst during a 10-game road trip in which they scored 66 runs overall, despite Felix Hernandez’s perfect game, and 37 in a four-game sweep of the Angels, Maddon was curious to see how they did at home.
“If we’re able to maintain this level of efficiency at home, I think we’ve got it nailed,” Maddon said.
They showed well in their first game back on Monday, rapping 11 hits in the 5-1 win over Kansas City despite playing without DH Evan Longoria, who got the night off.
“You have phases where the ball can’t miss your bat,” left fielder Desmond Jennings said. “It’s just been like that lately.”
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MLB Team Report – Tampa Bay Rays – NOTES, QUOTES
–3B Evan Longoria was not in Monday’s lineup, as expected, getting the day off to rest his previously torn left hamstring after the long flight from Southern California to Tampa. Longoria has been limited to DH duties since coming off the DL on Aug. 7 but has been feeling good and said he expects to get back to third base “soon,” possibly on the weeklong homestand that started Monday.
–RHP Jeremy Hellickson followed up his hard-luck loss to Felix Hernandez in Wednesday’s perfect game with another solid seven-inning outing on Monday. Hellickson allowed just one run in seven innings and picked up first win at Tropicana Field since May 16.
–DH Luke Scott is set to come off the DL on Tuesday, having missed a month after straining an oblique. “Everything is feeling good, I’m ready to go,” Scott said. “It’s good to see the team is playing well, and I’m excited to be back.” Scott’s at-bats at DH might be limited with Evan Longoria expected to still get some time at DH, so Scott might be used at first base and as a pinch-hitter. “I’ll do whatever they want me to do,” Scott said.
–C Robinson Chirinos, sidelined since spring training with a concussion, was cleared in mid-August to resume baseball activities — running, throwing and hitting at the Port Charlotte complex. The Rays are hoping he can get back behind the plate during instructional league and expect him to be ready for spring training.
–C Jose Molina has been playing more often and hitting more — his nine-game hitting streak is the second longest of his career. “I think he’s going to continue,” manager Joe Maddon said. “He’s a veteran, he has been through this before. He likes it, he knows what it feels like.”
BY THE NUMBERS: 85 — Runs the Rays have scored in the 14 games since Evan Longoria’s return from the DL, an average of 6.07.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “I’m sure that glove may have been Kepp’s first first baseman’s glove. It had the old Rawlings label on it, so it was an old glove.” — Manager Joe Maddon, after Jeff Keppinger’s glove broke when he tried to catch a throw in the sixth inning.
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MLB Team Report – Tampa Bay Rays – ROSTER REPORT
MEDICAL WATCH:
–DH Luke Scott (right mid-back tightness) went on the 15-day disabled list July 21. He took swings off a tee July 30 and Aug. 5. He began a rehab assignment with advanced Class A Charlotte on Aug. 11, and he is expected to be activated Aug. 21.
–RHP Jeff Niemann (fractured right fibula) went on the 15-day disabled list May 15, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 16. He began throwing bullpen sessions July 21. He began a four-start rehab assignment Aug. 8 with Class A Charlotte, and he is on target to return in late August.
–C Robinson Chirinos (concussion) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on April 19. He was cleared in mid-August to resume baseball activities.
–OF Brandon Guyer (torn labrum in left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 13, and he was transferred to the 60-day DL on May 29. He underwent season-ending surgery May 30.
ROTATION:
RHP James Shields
LHP David Price
LHP Matt Moore
RHP Alex Cobb
RHP Jeremy Hellickson
BULLPEN:
RHP Fernando Rodney (closer)
RHP Joel Peralta
LHP J.P. Howell
LHP Jake McGee
RHP Burke Badenhop
RHP Wade Davis
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
CATCHERS:
Jose Molina
Jose Lobaton
INFIELDERS:
1B Carlos Pena
2B Ryan Roberts
SS Ben Zobrist
3B Jeff Keppinger
DH Evan Longoria
INF Sean Rodriguez
INF Elliot Johnson
OUTFIELDERS:
LF Desmond Jennings
CF B.J. Upton
RF Matt Joyce
OF Sam Fuld
