2015 Tampa Bay Rays season

[Tobywan]

In the first, Gardner and Headley singled, ARod singled, Gardner scored, Tex with a sac fly, Headley scored, Yanks lead 2-0.

Both teams had a few chances for more runs with Karns and Pineda battling.

With Dellin Betances pitching for NY, Loney led off with a single, Souza Jr. homered to tie the game 2-2.

With Brad Boxberger pitching for TB. for the second night in a row, the bull pen would let up a walk off win when Teixeira led off with a double, Pirela pinch running for Tex, Young walked, Flores hit a sac, Pirela to third, Young to second, Flores was safe on the throwing error and Pirela scored, Yankees win 3-2, take series and the Rays lose seventh in a row.



Karns went seven giving up two runs on five hits, two walks while striking out 10. Boxberger took the loss.

Pineda went seven scoreless, with five hits, one walk and 10 Ks., Betances with the win.





Souza Jr went 2-for-4 with 2 RBI and run scored.



The Fourth of July marked the 85th anniversary of the birth of late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, the 76th of Lou Gehrig Day and the 33rd of Dave Righetti's no-hitter against the Boston Red Sox.



In other Rays news ...
Ronald Belisario had been DFA's on Tuesday, he cleared waivers and elected to become a free agent.

[Tobywan]

The Rays started things off in the first, DeJesus singled, Longoria doubled, Loney singled to being in both runners, 2-0.

In the second, Kiermaier tripled, Elmore walked, Casali hit a SF, KK scored, 3-0.

In the 5th, Casali led off with a double, Cabrera hit into a fielder's choice, Casali to third then scored and Cabrera moved up to second on a throwing error by Nova, 4-0.

In the 6th, ARod led off with a homer (number 670th) to get the Yanks on the board, 4-1.

In the 8th, Bryan Mitchell now pitching for New York, Longoria reached on an infield single, Loney safe at first and Longo advanced on a fielding error by Pirela, both advancing on a second error on the throw by Pirela on the same play. Forsythe singled them both to the plate, 6-0. Souza Jr. hit by a pitch, though clearly hurt stayed in the game. Capuano relieved Mitchell, KK ground out moving the runners over, Elmore walked, bases loaded. Casali walked, Forsythe scored, bases reloaded. Cabrera hit a sac fly Souza Jr. scored, 8-1.

That would be all of the scoring, Rays keep from getting swept and snap their seven game losing streak, longest of the season.

Erasmo Ramirez went six innings giving up one run (the homer by ARod) on three hits, three walks and struck out three, for the win.



Ivan Nova went five innings giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on six hits, three walks and struck out one for the loss.

Ramirez is now 7-3, got to admit when he started the season he didn't look like he was going to be much of an impact, he has certainly stepped up.

Though Souza Jr. initially stayed in the game, he was removed in the bottom half of the inning, X-rays were negative, but since no team doctor is on the road he will see a specialist tomorrow. He had three stitches for a deep cut on his pinky and the concern is that he complains of having no feeling in it. Though he quipped he would spill more blood if it meant more wins.

Kevin Kiermaier hit his 8th triple of the season leads all of MLB at the moment.


Perhaps manger Kevin Cash put on jinx on the Yanks by sending the Rays good luck charm Chris Archer out to home plate with the line up card.


Loney has a .402 batting average (45 for 112) at the new Yankee Stadium. He is hitting .340 in 55 career games against New York.


This was the 48th time this season that a Rays starter allowed 2 or fewer runs, most in the majors.

John Jaso DH'd on Sunday for Durham, hoping to come back after one more rehab game with the Bulls.

Heading into the week, Yanks and O's top the AL East, Rays and Jays one game back, with the Red Sox close at hand at 5 games back after winning six of their last eight.



On Deck:

[Tobywan]

Rays VS Royals game was postponed by rain.

A double header tomorrow Game 1 at 2:10, Game 2 at 8:10. Alex Colome was sent to the pen, Matt Moore will play the first game,Matt Andriese was recalled and will start the second.



Souza saw specialist, confirmed no break in pinky, no tendon damage, he says he is available off the bench to run, play defense and possibly pinch hit. He isn't slated to go on the DL but John Jaso was pulled early from his rehab start, speculation is he is heading to KC and possibly take Souza Jr.'s spot, due to his recent slump.

Jake Odorizz went 5.2 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits and one walk with 6 Ks on 73 pitches in his second rehab start for Charlotte. Stone Crabs 1B Casey Gillaspie, the 2014 top pick, went on the DL with a left wrist injury.


Marc Krauss has been claimed off waivers by the Detroit Tigers.

The Rays have no voted in All-Stars this season, Chris Archer (player's selection) and Brad Boxberger (manager's selection) will represent the TB Rays in Cincinnati next week.

[Tobywan]

Today's line-up:

Sizemore DH

Butler LF

Longoria 3B

Loney 1B

Forsythe 2B

DeJesus RF

Elmore SS

Kiermaier CF

Rivera C

Moore P

Escobar SS

Gordon LF

Morales DH

Hosmer 1B

Rios RF

Infante 2B

Orlando CF

Cuthbert 3B

Butera C

Young P

Matt Moore (0-0, 7.71), second start for MM since coming off the DL, he got a bit roughed up in his fist outing.

Chris Young (7-4, 2.64 ERA) he held the Twins to just one run in 5.1 innings and struck out two but his offese got just four hits and no runs as he took the loss.

[Tobywan]

How quickly things change in the world of the Rays, they went ahead and placed Steven Souza Jr. on the DL.

The grounds crew did a nice job with the field as the storm the night before produce a small lake in right field.


Game 1

Rays struck first when Loney led off the second with a home run to right.

In the KC half, Infante led off with a single, Orlando grounded into a FC, Infante out. Butera was hit by a pitch, Escobar walked to load the bases. Gordon was hit by a pitch, Orlando scored. Morales singled to bring in Butera and Escobar, Royals take a 3-1 lead.

In the 4th, Butler led off with a single, went to second due to an error on Hosmer, Longoria homered to tie the game. Forsythe walked, DeJesus doubled, Forsythe scored on a sac fly from Elmore, Rays lead 4-3.

Moore was lifted for Geltz in the 5th after issuing a lead off walk to Rios and getting Infante to fly out.

Game stayed tied until the 7th, Cedeno now pitching for Rays, Gordon singled, Morales walked, Hosmer bunted into a FC, Gordon out at third, Morales to second. Jepsen relieves Cedeno, Rios grounded into a FC, Hosmer out, Morales to third. Infante singled to score Morales, Royals take a 5-4 lead.

With Holland pitching for KC in the 9th, Kiermaier tripled, Casali (took over in the 7th after Rivera was lifted for PH John Jaso ) walked. KK scored on a wild pitch.

Brad Boxberger now pitching for TB, Hosmer and Rios singled, Infante walked to load the bases, Orlando homered to left for a grand slam. Royals win first game 9-5. Rays used six pitchers, Boxy took the loss, Greg Holland got the win.

Matt Moore continues to struggle as he comes back from TJ surgery, he went just 4.1 innings, giving up four runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out one.

Chris Young went 6 innings, giving up four runs on 5 hits, one walk and struck out five.

KC hero Paulo Orlando got a huge surprise when he was recalled over the weekend

The triple by Kiermaier in the 9th was challenged when he slid over the bag, was tagged but umpire Chris Segal called him safe, that he got back to the bag in time. The review took a whopping 4 minutes, 12 seconds for the call to be upheld.

The Royals just as the Rays ae dealing with a depleted line-up. Lorenzo Cain was off due to a sore hamstring, Mike Moustakas is still on Bereavement/Family leave and catcher Salvador Perez was held out so he would be fresh for the second game.

The Rays have lost eight of their last nine games and lost four the last five in walk off fashion.

[Tobywan]

Game 2

Tonight's line-up:

Jaso DH

Sizemore LF

Longoria 3B

Loney 1B

Forsythe 2B

Cabrera SS

Guyer RF

Kiermaier CF

Casali C

Andriese P

Escobar SS

Gordon LF

Morales DH

Hosmer 1B

Perez C

Orlando RF

Infante 2B

Cuthbert 3B

Dyson CF

Volquez P

[Tobywan]

This ship is taking on water fast.

The Rays got on the board first in the 3rd when Jaso led off with a homer, 1-0.

In the 5th, Dyson walked then stole second, Gordon singled, Dyson scored to tie the game, Morales walked, Andriese was lifted for Teaford, who got Hosmer to ground out to end the inning.

In the 6th, Brandon Gomes pitching for TB, Orlando is HBP, Infante grounds into a fielder's choice, Orlando out at second, Cuthbert singled, Dyson walked to load the bases. Escobar doubled in all three runners, 4-1 Royals. Colome relieved Gomes, Gordon singled,, Escobar scored, 5-1.

In the 8th, Colome still pitching, Dyson singled, Escobar reached, Gordon doubled, both runners scored, 7-1.

Madson closed it out for KC retiring the side in order.



Matt Andriese went 4.2 giving up one run on four hits, three walks and struck out 5, Gomes took the loss.

Edinson Volquez Went 5 innings giving up one run on five hits, three walks and struck out five, Finnegan took the win.




John Jaso has 3 hits, one walk, a run scored and an RBI as a PH in Game 1 and starting lead off as the DH in Game 2.

Cheslor Cuthbert started both games, he got his first ML hit in Game 1.


Tonight's hero was Alcides Escobar with his bases clearing double in the 6th to put the game too far out of reach for the anemic offense of the Tampa Bay Rays
.

While Paulo Orlando had the big hit in the first game and Escobar put game two away, Alex Gordon was a one man wrecking crew with seven hits and six RBI in the double header. The team hit 26 hits off Rays pitchers.

The Royals padded their lead over the Twins in the AL Central as the Rays plummeted to fourth (2.5 back and right at .500) in the AL East, due to losing 13 of the last 16 games. Kansas City has its most wins at the halfway point since also starting 48-33 in 1980.




After the game, Everett Teaford who pitched in both games was designated, Andriese was sent back to Durham and Andrew Bellatti has been activated from the DL.





On a personal note, while I have been amazed that the Rays with new skipper Kevin Cash were able to stay competitive through all the injuries from the beginning of the season, if there is one thing that irks me to no end with Cash,it's his quick hook with the starting pitchers. While I am at it, Jaso's dreads have GOT to go, they are not those nice neat ones, they are frizzy and stick out like he has some sticky goo on his head.

If I gotta watch this abysmal losing I at least want to see my boys looking good while they're sinking.


The propellers are falling off and the rudder needs fixing.

[Tobywan]

Tonight's line-up:

Jaso DH

Cabrera SS

Longoria 3B

Loney 1B

Forsythe 2B

DeJesus LF

Guyer RF

Kiermaier CF

Rivera C

Archer P

Escobar SS

Gordon LF

Cain CF

Hosmer 1B

Morales DH

Perez C

Infante 2B

Rios RF

Cuthbert 3B

Guthrie P

Chris Archer has faced the Royals twice previously and going 0-1 with 2.84 ERA in 12 2/3 innings. He currently leads the Rays in wins (nine), ERA (2.18) and strikeouts (141).


Now with the Royals, former Oriole Jeremy Guthrie has faced the Rays 24 times (22 starts) and is 9-11 overall with a 3.97 ERA.


Kendrys Morales has faced Archer a team-high eight times and has gone 5-for-8 with two doubles, a homer and two RBI.

[Tobywan]

Rays on the board first in the third, Jaso singled then went to second on a passed ball, Loney singled to send him to the plate, 1-0.

In the KC half, Escobar singled but was caught stealing, Gordon walked, Cain homered, Royals take 2-1 lead.

In the fourth Alex Gordon did something to his leg when he went after a fly ball off Forsythe, they took him off in the medical cart. Forsythe ended up with an in the park home run to tie the game 2-2. Dyson took over for Gordon in left. DeJesus walked, Guyer singled, Kiermaier singled loading the bases. Rivera single, DeJesus scored, bases reloaded. Jaso hit a fly to left, perfect throw to plate by Dyson to gun down Guyer at home, 3-2 Rays.

In the fifth, Cuthbert walked, Escobar reached on infield single, Cain reached on infield single to second, Cuthbert scored, game tied. Escobar to third advancing on throw, Hosmer singled, Escobar scored. K. Morales doubled, Cain and Hosmer scored. Pérez singled, Morales scored. Royals take a solid lead 7-3.


In the sixth, Escobar singled, Dyson inside-the-park home run, Escobar scored, 9-3 KC.

In the seventh, Rivera led off with a single, Jaso singled, Morales relieved Guthrie. Cabrera grounded into double play, Jaso out, Rivera to third. Longoria singled, Rivera scored, 9-4.

In the 9th, Joe Blanton now pitching for KC, Rivera homered, 9-5. Jaso singled, Cabrera doubled. Holland relieved Blanton, Longoria singled to right, Jaso and Cabrera scored, 9-7. Loney singled, with two on Forsythe flied out and Sizemore K'd to end the game. KC takes game three, to win series go for a sweep on Thursday.

Chris Archer went 6 innings giving up 9 runs on 12 hits with two walks and six Ks for the loss.

Jeremy Guthrie went six, giving up four runs (one unearned) on 8 hits, four walks and struck out three for the win.


Report sis Alex Gordon suffered a severe groin strain on that fly ball in the fourth. Jarrod Dyson filled in nicely, with the throw to stop a run and a two run homer.

Two inside-the-park home runs in the same game, one for each side, last time it happened was when Cubs' Sammy Sosa and Pirates' Tony Womack did it on May 26, 1997.


KC are now 17-5 against the Rays since 2012 and 11-1 at Kaufmann in the same span.



Jake Odorizzi has been activated and is schedule to go against Houston on Saturday.

[Tobywan]

Today's line-up:

Jaso LF

Sizemore RF

Longoria 3B

Loney 1B

Forsythe 2B

DeJesus DH

Cabrera SS

Kiermaier CF

Rivera C

Karns P

Escobar SS

Hosmer 1B

Cain CF

Morales DH

Perez C

Infante 2B

Rios RF

Cuthbert 3B

Dyson LF

Ventura P

Nathan Karns hasn't gotten a win since June 19th, he is 4-4 with a 3.21 ERA overall. In his last five starts he has a 1.78 ERA and 10.09 strikeouts per nine innings, but is 1-1 being backed by just two runs, the Rays have scored no runs in three of his last starts. HE gave up two runs early to the Yanks last Saturday but pt up six scoreless with a career high 10 Ks in a 3-2 loss in which he got a no-decision.


Yordano Ventura will make his first start since coming back from the disabled list, he had ulnar neuritis that caused numbness in his hand. He is 1-6 with a 5.17 ERA over his last 10 starts, losing three of four at home behind a 5.75 ERA. He has two starts against the Rays both with no decisions, he gave up four runs in one outing on a grand slam to Kevin Kiermaier in a 5-4 win July 9, 2014 at the Trop.



Early in the season Ventura was involved in a few kerfuffles with other players from opposing teams, mostly being mouthy. I am kinda hoping that Ventura starts something. Nothing major, I don't want anybody hurt, but sometimes a good brawl can get a team fired up, seems to have worked for the Rays in the past. One brief little mano y mano, a little shouting, some slight shoves, jerseys a bit disheveled, helps to blow off a little steam.

[Tobywan]

Jaso led off the first with a single, then Sizemore sent a fly ball deep to left but Dyson made an incredible Willie Mays type basket catch and then started a throw relay to double off Jaso at first.


The fired up Royals got the scoring started in their half, Escobar led off with a single, Hosmer doubled sending Escobar home. Cain hit a two run homer, Royals lead 3-0.

In the second, Rios led off with a single then scored on a triple by Cuthbert, 4-0.

Rays finally came a live in the 5th, DeJesus lead off single, Cabrera doubled and Kiemaier walked to load the bases.Rivera walked, DeJesus scored, bases still loaded, Jaso hit a sac fly, Cabrera scored. A SF for Sizemore, KK scored, Rays close the gap 4-3.

In the Royals half, Hosmer singled, Cain HBP, a wild pitched advanced them both, Morales SF, Hosmer scored. Cain stole third, Perez homered, Royals expand lead 7-3.


Between the bottom of the 7th and top of the 8th, Lorenzo Cain was ejected. He had words with the home plate ump during his at bat about a pitch he thought was inside and kept yammering about the umpire after inning was over and he was booted. Paolo Orlando replaced him in the line-up and they jostled the outfield.

In the 8th, Colome pitching for TB, Infante and Rios singled, Infante scored when Cuthbret singled, 8-3.

That would be all the scoring, Royals take a sweep, as the Rays complete an abysmal road trip, perhaps that means they will switch and start winning at home.

Nathan Karns, goes six innings giving up seven runs on nine hits, no walks and struck out five for the loss.

Yordano Ventura went five innings, giving up three runs on four hits, three walks and struck out four getting the win.


This was the second time the Rays were swept in a four game series in the past two weeks, they loss to Cleveland June 29-July 2, they have loss 11 of their last 12 games.


KC scored 33 runs against TB in the four games more than they had scored in the previous 10 games.



John Jaso is hitting a hot bat, maybe he should give some tips next BP, he went 7 for 12 with two walks.


On Deck:

[Tobywan]

The Rays lost Preston Guilmet on waivers to the Dodgers.


Tonight's line-up:

Altuve 2B

Tucker RF

Correa SS

Valbuena 3B

Gattis DH

Rasmus LF

Carter 1B

Castro C

Marisnick CF

McHugh P

Jaso DH

DeJesus LF

Longoria 3B

Loney 1B

Forsythe 2B

Cabrera SS

Guyer RF

Kiermaier CF

Rivera C

Ramirez P

Collin McHugh (9-4, 4.54 ERA) had a three game winning streak until a July 4th loss at Fenway Park. Against McHugh, Kevin Kiermaier is 1-for-6, James Loney is 1-for-5 and Evan Longoria is 0-for-6.

Erasmo Ramirez (7-3, 3.80 ERA), since two rough outings has been among AL best: 7-2, 2.12 in 17 games (11 starts). Against Ramirez, Jose Altuve is 2-for-7, Chris Carter is 1-for-6, HR and Jason Castro is 2-for-4 with a home run.

Houston's Preston Tucker will make his first appearance in his home area, he was born in Tampa and graduated from Plant HS, his brother Kyle was drafted by the Astros last month. Lance McCullers, who is slated to start on the mound for the Astros on Sunday is also a Tampa native.

[Tobywan]

Astros struck in the second when Rasmus hit a solo homer to right 1-0.

In the sixth, Preston Tucker was on first, Correa hit a ball up the middle that deflected off Ramirez and rolled right to Forsythe at the same time that Tucker began his slide into second, the umpire called him safe, that Forsythe wasn't on the bag but gave him the out of Correa at first. Rays challenged and his foot was indeed on the bag as he was picking up the ball from the ground, call was overturned on the review.

It was looking like the usual story good pitching, no offense, until their half of the 6th, Rivera led off with a single, Jaso doubled, DeJesus grounded out, Rivera scored to tie the game. Longoria grounded out, Jaso scored, Rays take the lead 2-1.


In the seventh, Guyer homered to left for the final score, Rays take the first game.

McHugh went seven giving up three runs on four hits one walk and struck out six, for the loss. Former Ray Chad Qualls pitched 0.2 of a perfect inning in the 8th, he was just activated from the DL.

Erasmo Ramirez continues to step up, vast difference from the pitcher in April. He went six innings giving up one run on four hits, one walk and struck out five. The bull pen pitched three scoreless innings. He even made a good defensive play when he backed up third base retrieving a wild throw by Kiermaier possibly saving two runs. This was his ninth straight start giving up two or fewer runs (tied with Dallas Keuchel).



While the Rays skid has been longer and they snapped their four game losing streak, the Astros have also had trouble scoring, they have put up just four runs in their four straight losses. Astros are barely holding on to the lead in the AL West, the Rays have slipped to 4.5 games back tied for third with the Blue Jays.




Tomorrow's starters will be Dallas Keuchel for Houston and Jake Odorizzi for Tampa Bay.

Keuchel is trying to be the first 12 game winner in the AL, the Astros last 12 game winner before the All-Star break was Roy Oswalt (12-7) in 2005.

Odorizzi is just coming off the DL, out since June 5th with an oblique strain, in his only career start against the Astros he gave up just one hit, a single to Jose Altuve in seven innings of work during a win.

Andrew Bellatti was optioned to make room for Odorizzi.







I will be leaving early today for the game which starts at 4:10 PM, my niece and I will have an early lunch before heading to the Trop.
Go Rays!

[Tobywan]

Everett Teaford cleared waivers and accepted outright assignment to Durham


Before last night's game Matt Silverman, Matt Moore and Florida's US Representative were on hand to dedicate a chair now located in right field, the seat will remain empty in remembrance of prisoners of war and those missing in action.








In the second, Forsythe singled, Butler grounded into fielder's choice to shortstop, Forsythe out at second, Cabrera doubled, Elmore walked to load the bases. Rivera singled, Butler and Cabrera scored. Cabrera was booking around third and something pulled he collapsed just before the dugout, looks like the hamstring or groin.Guyer singled, Elmore scored, Rays up 3-0.

Houston loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth but failed to score when Hank Conger fouled out on the first pitch.

Butler grounded into a double play in the sixth inning, and after Rays manager Kevin Cash and the umpires talked a bit and the umps conferred between themselves, the play was challenged. After a 35-second delay, the call on the field was upheld.

Odorizzi was solid and the pen managed to maintain a 3-0 shut out.

Rays win series, go for the sweep Sunday.


With the Astros heavy left handed lineup the Rays used a shift on just about every play of the game with Longoria playing between first and second, I've never seen a shift used so much in a game, it was a bit strange.


Dallas Keuchel went seven innings giving up three runs on seven hits, two walks while striking out four. It was his 30th consecutive start of six or more innings, which is the majors' longest active streak.

Jake Odorizzi went 5.2 scoreless 2 hit innings giving up three walks striking out five. Brad Boxberger got his 22nd save.

When Elmore walked in the second he had a 2-2 count, a ball he held up on was called a ball, that Keuchel and pretty everyone else thought should have been a strike which would have ended the inning. Instead he walked him which led to the runs. When Astros' pitching coach Brent Strom made a visit to he mound in the seventh, home plate umpire Greg Gibson did the usual stroll to the mound to signal time's up and Strom brought up the pitch from the second inning and was ejected.


Tampa Bay set a franchise record with its 11th straight win against teams with an opposing a left-hander.They are 16-8 versus left-handed starters this season, which is tied with the Angels for the best winning percentage against lefties in the AL. They have not lost to a lefty since J.A. Happ and the Mariners defeated them on May 26.



There was no update on Asdrubal Cabrera's injury after the game, except that it was the hamstring.

[Tobywan]

Houston got the scoring started in the first, González walked, Correa doubled, Gattis grounded out González scored, 1-0.


In the second, Loney walked, Forsythe grounded into a FC, Loney out at second, DeJesus tripled, Forsythe scored. DeJesus scored on a wild pitch, Rays take a 2-1 lead.


Houston came back in the fourth, Hoes singled, fielder's choice on Castro, Hoes out at second. Altuve homered, Castro scored, Stros retake the lead 3-2.

In the fifth, DeJesus and Elmore singled, they moved up on a ground out by Kiermaier. Casali walked to load the bases, Jaso walked, DeJesus scored. Sizemore grounded into a fielder's choice, Elmore scored, Rays ahead 4-3.

Rays bullpen took over in the sixth and held the game, getting the sweep.


McCullers went six innings giving up four runs on four hits, three walks while striking out 10 for the loss. He had a large rooting section as he is a Tampa native. He's the first Astros pitcher with two double-digit strikeout games before his 22nd birthday since Tom Griffin (1969).


Matt Moore went five innings giving up three runs on five hits, three walks and struck out three for his first win since coming back from TJ surgery, his last one was Sept. 29, 2013 at Toronto.



Brad Boxberger got his 23rd save and he became the fourth Rays pitcher to earn a save in all three games of a three-game sweep. He joins J.P. Howell (July 17-19, 2009 at Kansas City), Troy Percival (April 22-24, 2008 vs. Toronto) and Danys Baez (August 19-21, 2005 vs. Texas).

The Rays came back from an abysmal road trip to head to the All-Star break on a strong note and get a string of wins at home.They took their first sweep of a first-place team (beyond the first month of the season) since September 26-28, 2011, against the Yankees. They collected just 16 hits, their lowest total in a three-game sweep in club history.


The Rays moved up in the standings to second place 3.5 games back of the Yankees.

The Astros go into the break 49-42 with an over .500 record for the first time since 2005 (44-43).


Jose Altuve's 2 run homer was his 500th hit since the start of the 2013 season, which is the most in the major leagues.


Injury update: Asdrubal Cabrera was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained right hamstring. Tim Beckham was recalled to take his spot. Drew Smyly is scheduled to throw batting practice Thursday.



Jose Altuve will start at second for the AL All-Star team, Dallas Keuchel is also on the squad and A.J. Hinch is a coach.

Chris Archer and Brad Boxberger are the Rays reps.




After the All-Star break....On Deck: