Kiermaier Returns To Lineup:
Kevin Kiermaier left last Sunday’s game in Baltimore after crashing into the wall attempting to rob D.J. Stewart of a home run resulting in a painful rib cage injury.
After missing the Astros series and the first game against the Indians, Kiermaier returns to the lineup batting seventh and playing centerfield.
Kiermaier didn’t have to do anything to prove he was ready this morning, he passed all the tests prior to Friday’s game. “Good that we were able to avoid him yesterday playing,” Kevin Cash said, “But good to go, I haven’t even talked to him today, we knew he was primed to go.”
Glasnow Close To Return:
Tyler Glasnow worked one inning for the Durham Bulls on Friday night throwing just eight pitches. According to Durham Bulls announce Patrick Kinas (Twitter), Glasnow topped out at 98 mph in his one inning of work. He threw 12 more pitches in the bullpen after departing the game.
Cash was happy that Glasnow got his work in but was hoping formore game action. “Ideally, you’d like to see him get a little more work than that in game action.” Cash said. “I think the plan is for him to pitch two innings on Monday for Durham and we’ll see where he’s at.”
There is a chance that Glasnow could be with the Rays as soon as next weekend against the Blue Jays. “I think he’s going to get through the two innings and then we’ll talk about if it looks good, if he feels good, everybody is in agreement then maybe slotting him in four or five days later.”
McKay Set To Pitch For Bulls:
Brendan McKay last pitched for the Rays on August 19th allowing seven runs (three earned) in just two innings against the Seattle Mariners. He was optioned to Durham following the game. He has yet to pitch for the Bulls as he was placed on the injured list with left shoulder inflammation. Like Glasnow, if things go well for McKay he could return to the Rays over the weekend.
Rays Set First Wave Of Callups:
The Rays have added right handed reliever Peter Fairbanks, left handed reliever Hoby Milner, infielders Nate Lowe and Daniel Robertson, and catcher Michael Perez to the taxi squad, in anticipation of adding them to the active roster tomorrow.
Cash is hoping that Nate Lowe can give the lineup a boost with his bat as well as providing a day off for Tommy Pham or Avisail Garcia. Don’t be surprised to see Lowe playing third base.
The Rays will turn to Robertson to help defensively and get some starts against left handed pitching. Milner and Faribanks are part of the “all hands on deck” September pitching that the Rays plan on utilizing.
Michael Perez gives the Rays a third catcher. “He’s a major league catcher.” Cash said. “”We’re fortunate that we have three guys that we can really count on, trust in late game situations, pitch calling, and doing the duties of the physical play of catching also”
Schedule Change:
Wednesday night’s game against the Baltimore Orioles has been rescheduled as part of a traditional single-admission doubleheader on Tuesday afternoon beginning at 3:10 pm.
