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Rays OF Mallex Smith’s hamstring passes test

Will he be opening day ready? Maybe.
 
Mallex Smith is scheduled to return from a tight hamstring Thursday when the Rays play in Dunedin.  (Chris Urso, Times)
Mallex Smith is scheduled to return from a tight hamstring Thursday when the Rays play in Dunedin. (Chris Urso, Times)
Published March 20, 2018

SARASOTA OF Mallex Smith's chances of being ready by opening day took a positive step Tuesday when he had five at-bats during a minor-league game.

"Everything came out with flying colors," manager Kevin Cash said.

Smith tested his tight right hamstring with an at-bat in each of the first five innings. He bunted once and stole a base.

"No issues running. No hesitation. Stole a base. No second thoughts of any of my movements," Smith said. "That was relieving."

Smith, who has not played since March 8, said he is ready to play Wednesday against the Red Sox.

"I plan on being in there (Wednesday) if I'm alive," he said.

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He will not play, Cash said. The plan is for a day off Wednesday and a return to the lineup Thursday in Dunedin against the Blue Jays.

"When coming off an injury it's natural to be hesitant," Smith said. "I'm thankful I took the time, they allowed me to take the time to get healthy and move out there with comfort."

Rainy day plans

The thunderstorms that eventually cancelled Tuesday night's game against the Orioles in Sarasota forced RHP Nate Eovaldi to adjust his pitching schedule. The decision was made early in the day to have Eovaldi pitch Wednesday in a minor-league game.

"No concern whatsoever," Cash said when asked how it would affect Eovaldi's spot in the rotation.

Eovaldi, coming back from Tommy John surgery, is still scheduled to pitch the fourth game of the regular season.

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LHP Jonny Venters, who was scheduled to pitch the first of back-to-back days Tuesday, will now pitch Wednesday and Thursday in Dunedin. This is a big step for Venters, who is also returning from Tommy John.

"You got to be able to bounce back more times than not (during the regular season) and we are 100 percent confident he can do that," Cash said.

Minor trade

The Rays sent INF Luis Rengifo to the Angels on Tuesday to complete the Feb. 17 trade for 1B C.J. Cron. Rengifo was an international signee by the Mariners, who came to the Rays in Aug. 2017 in a trade that included RHP Ryan Garton.

"Just at the end of the day, given some of the moves we made this winter and middle infielders in our system, opportunities were a little bit squeezed there," Rays GM Erik Neander said. "We felt with C.J., what we could add to our major-league team, it made sense for us."

Quote of the day

"I wish it could go like that every day. Hit wherever you want. That's awesome." — Smith on batting during each of the first five innings Tuesday in a minor-league game.

Miscellany

RHP Chris Archer is scheduled to pitch seven innings or throw 105 pitches Friday during a minor-league game. Wilson Ramos is scheduled to catch him. … Cash said to make up at-bats after Tuesday's rainouts, some regulars who were not scheduled to play Wednesday against the Red Sox might get two at-bats. … Those who bought tickets for Tuesday's game from orioles.com, (877) 222-2802 or the Ed Smith Stadium box office can exchange them for tickets to one of the three remaining Orioles home games this spring or request a refund.

Contact Roger Mooney at rmooney@tampabay.com. Follow @rogermooney50