The first weekend of spring training is complete, and the Rays are wearing their hitting shoes! In only three games, the Rays showed devastating offensive power at the plate. The Rays blasted eight homers in 27 innings and are tied, with the Yankees, for the most home runs in spring training. The Yankees hit the same number of homers but in four games, with new addition of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge hitting only one home run a piece so far this spring training. The hard-hitting Rays are leading the league with batting average (.301), slugging percentage (.602), and OPS (.954). In addition, the Rays are in the top 10 in hits, doubles, and RBI. The team is hitting.
The first game of spring training was a rough one for the Rays. In game one, the Rays had to face the Braves’ ace Spencer Strider. The Rays struggled and managed to get one hit while Strider struck out four of eight batters. For the first four innings the Braves had their way with Rays pitching. It was 6-0 in the middle of the fourth inning. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, the Rays broke through and centerfielder Jose Siri homered. For the next four innings the Rays scored a run in each inning. Five runs were scored on 11 hits to include three homers (Siri, Mangum, Jones). The effort was there but the Braves struck early and there were not enough innings for the Rays to come back. A 6-5 loss was the result.
Game two of spring training was a slugfest versus the Tigers. Both teams had 12 hits and scored nine runs. Three Rays batters launched homers: Chang, Cardenas, and Misner. The Tigers hit two homers. Bottom of the batting order non-roster invitees C.J. Hinojosa and Ruben Cardenas are instantly proving their worth by going 3-4 with two doubles, a homer, with three RBIs combined. The game ended with a rare 9-9 tie. Extra innings were not played.
Timely hitting is the protagonist in the third game in spring training. Another double-digit in the hits column for the Rays. A three-run home run by highly anticipated prospect Junior Caminero gave the Rays the lead that was never relinquished. Caminero could fix the hole at shortstop. But it is not that easy. The hot start by newcomer Amed Rosario and the return of injured Tyler Walls may make the decision of who will win the shortstop position for Kevin Cash exceedingly difficult. Tanner Murray smacked a two-run homer to left field in the top of the ninth inning, giving the Rays the lead in HRs in the league during spring training. The Rays won 8-3.
The Rays are averaging 11 hits and seven runs a game. Only five other teams are averaging more runs than the Rays. Team statistics this early into spring training should not be misconstrued. The sample size is limited but ought to be viewed as promising. These games mean nothing according to the standing but mean everything if you are one of the players with a remarkably high number on the back of your jersey.
