Rays energized ahead of ’23: ‘We want more’
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — For the Rays, the primary leg of this unusual spring is almost over. After roughly two weeks as short-term tenants at Disney World, the staff accomplished its remaining full squad exercise on the ESPN Wide World of Sports advanced on Friday, its sights set westward and on Grapefruit League play.
With the exhibition season starting Saturday, listed here are a couple of observations from the primary fortnight of Rays camp:
1) These Rays are motivated
That early postseason exit the Rays suffered by the hands of the Guardians within the AL Wild Card Series final October? Yeah, it didn’t sit effectively with the staff’s many returning regulars, who’re hungry to return to the postseason and advance deeper this time round. The lack of latest faces in camp — 90 p.c of the staff’s 40-man roster are holdovers from final 12 months — appears to have galvanized this group much more.
“We were close,” mentioned starter Shane McClanahan. “We were so close. We were in both of those games. One pitch or one hit, and I feel like it’s a different outcome. All the guys came into camp after working their butts off all offseason, and it feels like we didn’t skip a beat. Everyone is really excited to see each other, we’re all happy to be here. We got that taste last year and the year before, and I think we want more.”
Added first baseman Yandy Díaz: “I think this is the best team in MLB. I always say that, and I’m going to continue saying it.”
2) They are (just about) injury-free
While it has been an advanced spring logistically for the Rays, it has been in any other case quiet on the news and harm fronts — and that’s how Tampa Bay likes it. Getting via camp wholesome is at all times a aim for each staff, and the Rays might be happy that their two-week keep in Disney didn’t embody many hiccups in that regard. The solely restricted Rays are utility infielder Taylor Walls (indirect) and center relievers Shawn Armstrong (neck) and Calvin Faucher (indirect) — plus righties Andrew Kittredge and Shane Baz, who’re recovering from Tommy John surgical procedure.
The concern degree for others with notable harm histories seems to be receding additional into the rearview mirror. Brandon Lowe (again) has been full-go, collaborating in cage work and stay BPs — together with a troublesome left-on-left project vs. McClanahan on Thursday — with out restriction. Nothing is holding McClanahan or Tyler Glasnow again, after each returned from arm accidents down the stretch final season. The Rays are kind of as wholesome as most groups can hope to be at this level, and they’re attempting to maintain it that approach.
3) It’s practically World Baseball Classic time
Like different groups sending a sizable group of gamers to the WBC, the Rays plan to play their soon-departing regulars early and sometimes in Grapefruit League play, with an eye fixed towards maximizing their reps earlier than match time and avoiding harm.
For guys like Harold Ramirez (Colombia), Isaac Paredes (Mexico) and Francisco Mejía (Dominican Republic), which means suiting up for Saturday’s opener in opposition to the Twins in Fort Myers. Randy Arozarena (Mexico) and Wander Franco (D.R.) are slated to make their spring debuts Monday in Sarasota in opposition to the Orioles.
All advised, the Rays are sending eight rostered gamers, 4 non-roster gamers and several other coaches to the Classic, together with bench coach Rodney Linares. Linares will handle Franco and Mejía on the extremely touted Dominican Republic squad.
“We’ve had some talks about how we’re going to handle it, and I said I would like to play as much as I can before I leave,” mentioned catcher Christian Bethancourt, who’s enjoying for Panama. “It might be my only chance to play in [the WBC], and I want to take full advantage of it. I’m thankful to the Rays for allowing me the opportunity, not giving any restrictions, and helping me to be as ready as I can before I leave.”
Given the tournament-style nature of the WBC, the Rays can’t predict how a lot camp time anybody participant will miss. What they’ll do is give longer appears to be like to the gamers in entrance of them. That might work to the good thing about guys like Vidal Bruján, Luke Raley and the newly acquired Ben Gamel, who’re all combating for jobs on the roster’s periphery and will not be WBC-bound. They ought to all get ample enjoying time within the weeks to return, as ought to prime prospects Taj Bradley and Curtis Mead.
