Takeaways From Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training

With Opening Day just a few days away, the Tampa Bay Rays have wrapped up Spring Training. The Rays are set to open their season against the Miami Marlins on April 1st, a winnable series to start the year.

Recap

Tampa Bay wrapped up Spring Training, winning each of their last five games, finishing with a 13-15 record (.464). The Rays were decent, but had a lot of struggles during the Spring. The reigning American League Champions allowed 139 total runs, but evened it out, scoring 139 total runs on offense.

Tyler Glasnow, the Rays ACE, pitched well. The 27-year-old finished with a 3.68 ERA across 14.2 innings, striking out 27 batters. Michael Wacha, who was acquired this offseason in Free Agency, also pitched well this Spring. The former All-Star pitched 15 innings, finishing with a 0.60 ERA and 12 strikeouts. This was definitely a good sign for Wacha, a guy who had a 1-4 record and 6.62 ERA last year on the New York Mets (8 games).

Hitting

Tampa Bay’s hitting trends were impressive during Spring Training, as well. The Rays finished with a .263 AVG (5th in MLB), .454 SLG% (6th in MLB), and a .795 OPS (6th in MLB).

And much like last season, the Rays continued to draw walks. Yandy Diaz, Manuel Margot, Yoshi Tsutsugo, and Garrett Whitley all had seven walks during Spring Training.

Improvements and Bright Spots

There are bright spots, especially within the lineup, for the Tampa Bay Rays. However, they must get on base more collectively in 2021 if they wish to make another playoff run. Tampa’s pitching will also have to improve dramatically, so less pressure is applied on their lineup.  

News Before Opening Day

  • First baseman Ji-Man Choi will have arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is expected to be sidelined at least three to five weeks. In Choi’s absence, the Rays plan to use Yoshi Tsutsugo and Yandy Díaz at first base. Mike Brosseau is another option, although Tampa Bay can use him all over the infield. (Tsutsugo will most likely be the team’s primary option against right-handed pitchers).
  • Right-hander Nick Anderson suffered a partial tear of his elbow ligament and will likely be out until past the All-Star break. Diego Castillo, Pete Fairbanks, Chaz Roe, and Ryan Thompson are all options to fill Anderson’s crucial role.
  • The regional sports network that televises the Rays has been rebranded from Fox Sports Sun to Bally Sports Sun.
  • Veteran starter Rich Hill, who was signed this offseason in Free Agency, is slated to face the Marlins on Saturday. Chris Archer is also expected to appear in Saturday’s game.

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