Xavier Isaac stole the show last night. He shoved the Rays’ top prospect Junior Caminero out of the limelight. All eyes were on Caminero and the baseball community expected to see something special. Something special did occur but it came from Isaac’s bat and not Caminero’s. Isaac, Rays’ number four prospect, crushed two home runs and added a double.
The left-handed first baseman was limited to DH duties for the game due to left ankle soreness. The minor injury did not affect his bat swing. Isaac’s perfect night began with a walk in the first inning and doubled in the third inning. Then he displayed his power by sending a homer to center field in the fourth inning and another to left field in the sixth inning. His first homer sailed 419 feet and the second one was measured at 363 feet. Not bad for a 20-year-old. At the end of the game, the future star knocked in four of the eight runs for his team. Look for Isaac to begin the season in Montgomery for the Biscuits (AA Level) in April.
Although the game ended in an 8-8 tie versus the Twins, the event focused on these prospects and their talents. The 7,240 fans in attendance witnessed a unique showcase of minor league baseball. The seven-inning game had its share of hits and strikeouts. Combined the teams had 17 hits and scored 16 runs. The Rays took control of the game in the top of the third inning. That all changed in the bottom half of the inning when the Twins scored all eight of their runs. As I mentioned in the preview article, I was concerned about the Rays’ pitching for the Spring Breakout game. Trevor Martin started the game in poor fashion, allowing three runs in 2.1 innings then handed the ball to Drew Sommers. Sommers did not record a single out instead granted five more runs. Relief pitching did provide relief. The bullpen surrendered only three hits, a walk, and no runs in the final 4.2 innings.
With two weeks left until Opening Day, injuries are adding up and causing constant roster changes.
Injury update
OF Josh Lowe – Oblique strain – Will miss Opening Day. Estimated return is April.
RHP Taj Bradley – Right pectoral strain – Will miss Opening Day. Out for all of April.
RHP Shane Baz – Tommy John surgery – Sometime in the first half of 2024.
OF Jonny DeLuca – Fractured right hand – Possible May.
INF Yu Chang – Left oblique strain – May likely (Minors)
SS Taylor Walls – Right hip surgery – Late April/early May.
LHP Jeffrey Springs – Tommy John surgery – Likely July or August.
Notes
Left-handed pitcher Brendan McKay was reassigned to Minor League camp. McKay is recovering from Tommy John surgery. He is finally healthy and working his way back into baseball shape.
RHP Jake Odorizzi signed a minor league contract. Odorizzi was part of the Rays’ rotation from 2013-2017. He did not pitch last season and said he fully recovered from right shoulder surgery. The returning Ray is competing for Taj Bradley’s spot in the rotation.
