- The Rays hope to complete the homestand with a sweep of the Kansas City Royals. In this one, it will be James Shields taking on right-hander Gil Meche who comes in with a 2-5 record and a 4.33 ERA. Meche is 2-4 lifetime in ten starts against the Rays. Carlos Pena is 8 for 25 against Meche with three home runs. Carl Crawford 7 for 22 with 3 SB.
- Welcome to the big leagues Jeff Niemann! That was quite a performance by the big guy last night. The curve ball looked unhittable. If he can continue on the path he’s on and with David Price looking difficult to pry from the rotation, Joe Maddon may be forced to make a decision on Andy Sonnanstine after all. At some point, probably sooner than later, Scott Kazmir will be able to return. It sure seems like he will have to slide into Andy’s spot, doesn’t it?
- If Ben Zobrist can field the position anywhere close to Aki, aren’t the Rays a better team with him as the everyday second baseman? While I miss Aki’s scrappy play, there’s just a feeling that Ben’s going to do something good with every at bat. Perhaps it’s the two grand slams he’s hit already this season.
- So far, the news is good about Evan Longoria’s hamstring. I’d think the Rays would sit him again this afternoon in hopes he can play the weekend series in New York.
- Rays win, Yankees and Blue Jays lose. Rays are only five games behind Boston and New York in the AL East. As tough as the first third of the season has been for the Rays, they’re within shouting distance.
0
