Day 2: Rays Spring Training — News and Notes
Updated 130 p.m. The first full day of pitcher and catcher workouts in Port Charlotte is complete. Because of the rain, pitchers did their bullpen work in the batting cages, and it was closed to the public.
Manager Kevin Cash says the weather didn’t have a major impact on the workout other than pitcher’s fielding practice. Among those who threw bullpens, Cash says Yonny Chirinos, Tyler Glasnow, Colin Poche and Jake Faria stood out:
Cash says Poche doesn’t have the velocity of a Jake McGee, but the action on the lefty’s fastball is similar to that of the former Rays reliever.
Cash says the only player that won’t throw a bullpen over a couple of days is Chaz Roe. Roe was sick and then tweaked his back. However, Cash says Roe also was going to have a limited workload early in camp anyway, as the Rays like to do with veteran relievers.
Glasnow says he was pleased with his initial bullpen:
Faria spent the off-season training in Las Vegas and says he lost six pounds in the off-season and significantly reduced his body fat. Faria says he had more intense workouts and spent more time in the weight room with Tim Soder Physical Therapy. If that name isn’t familiar, he worked with former Rays pitcher James Shields among others.
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Faria says he definitely feels better going into camp than he did at this time a year ago. Faria also feels his changeup is much better than it was this time a year ago.
Blake Snell did not throw a bullpen today, but did discuss winning the Cy Young and his 2019 expectations with members of the media. Snell says he expects to learn a great deal from Charlie Morton, and that “being able to have him on our team is a blessing honestly.”
Snell says for the Rays winning 90 games last year was nice, but his focus now is helping this group get to the postseason.
“I mean 90 wins is good, but it wasn’t good enough,” said Snell. “We all know we can get to the playoffs but it’s going to take a lot of hard work, and I think :we have the group to do that.”
Full audio from Snell is below.
Among the 35 pitchers in camp is Tyler Cloyd the most recent player to sign. Cloyd, who was at home in Nebraska when he got the call from the Rays, was excited to be in Major League camp. Cloyd was with the Marlins last year and also signed close to the start of camp.
Tampa Bay will continue with pitcher and catcher workouts on Thursday with the first full workout for the 66 players scheduled in camp set for Monday.
