Game 19: Rays vs Minnesota Twins — Postgame News and Notes
Updated 4:30 p.m. After a day off on Thursday following a series win over the Texas Rangers, the Rays wrap up a nine-game home stand with a weekend set against the Minnesota Twins. The win over the Rangers was Tampa Bay’s first home series victory this season.
The Rays have activated Brad Miller for the upcoming series against Minnesota. Brandon Snyder was designated for assignment, as the Rays will continue to carry 13 pitchers on the roster.
Here’s the Rays’ lineup for the series opener with Miller hitting cleanup, and C.J. Cron, who’s hit in seven straight moving up to second:
Span LF
Cron DH
Gomez RF
Miller 1B
Robertson 3B
Wendle 2B
Ramos C
Smith CF
Hechavarria SS
Miller said pregame that he’s excited to be back with the team, and that as Manager Cash suggested, he’s more than willing to play a multitude of positions:
Miller played first and second base in his two-game rehab with the Charlotte Stone Crabs.
Chris Archer (1–1 7.84) will start for the Rays. Archer has allowed four runs or more in all four of his outings, including seven against the Phillies last Sunday. Archer said he quickly put that start behind him:
Archer has had a tough time against left-handed hitters this season as they’ve hit .450 (18-for-40).
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Below is the lineup Archer will have to deal with on Friday night:
Dozier 2B
Mauer 1B
Sano 3B
Rosario LF
Morrison DH
Escobar SS
Kepler CF
Grossman RF
Castro C
The Twins will start Lance Lynn (0–1 5.00). Lynn, who had an abbreviated spring, has struck out 12 in nine innings over two starts, but he’s also walked 10. Minnesota was off yesterday after splitting a pair of games against Cleveland in Puerto Rico, the last of which went 16 innings.
As far as the Rays’ two injured starters go, Kevin Kiermaier underwent successful surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb on Friday. Meanwhile, Matt Duffy, who injured his hamstring on Monday, against the Rangers, played catch in the field and hit in a cage on Friday. The earliest Duffy can return is next Friday April 27th against the Red Sox.
Here’s what happened last night in the Rays system:
Durham (4–8) off yesterday, lost in 11 at Tigers affiliate Toledo on Wednesday, 4–3 on a strikeout WP. Joe McCarthy 2–3 2 RBI.
Montgomery (3–10) fell 5–1 to Tennessee. Eduar Lopez threw three hitless innings. Nick Solak drove in the lone run.
Charlotte (6–8) won 10–3 over Phillies affiliate Clearwater, a night after scoring 18 runs. Nate Lowe had three hits, including two doubles, and now is batting .426.
Bowling Green (6–8) fell 7–3 to Tigers affiliate West Michigan. Tyler Walls and Zach Rutherford had two hits apiece.
Coverage of tonight’s game on the Rays Radio Network begins at 6:30 p.m. and Dave and Andy will have the call with first pitch at 7:10.
