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For starters: Archer feeling better, Snell facing Pirates

The Rays head to Bradenton today,
 
Published March 24, 2018|Updated March 24, 2018

UPDATE, 11:55: Some updates, including from Cash's pre-game media session:

*  Cash said they "will have some decisions at some point" on Sunday toward finalizing roster but won't get down to the final 25: "It's just tough, you don't want to look at anybody and tell them one thing when there's still things that could break."

* Cash on Snell's spring to this point: "I don't see how it could have gone any better. … He seems more determined. He's taken a very veteran, professional approach to his work this year."

* Cash said playing time at 1B between LH hitting Miller and RH hitting Cron won't be straight platoon: "It's going to be a lot of left-right, but saying that we know that we really value getting C.J. in there a lot."

* Cash said there would be a similar plan at second with LH hitting Wendle and RH hitting Robertson, with the benefit of also playing Robertson at short and third on occasion.

* Cash got same report from Archer (forearm bruise) that we did, that he's feeling better, will throw bullpen Monday and fully expects to start Thursday. Also that Robertson (left hand bruise) is okay.

* Also, today is deadline for players on certain minor-league deals to be told if they're making teams or getting $100K retention bonus. The Rays don't have anyone that fits, but inventory for potential additions – for example, OF Peter Bourjos – grows.

DEVELOPING: Checking in on a couple of the injured Rays before heading to Bradenton for the game vs. Pirates:

* Opening day starter RHP Chris Archer said he’s “still a little sore” from being hit on forearm by comebacker Friday but “the swelling’s down, the pain is almost completely gone, it’s a little tight.” He is even more confident he’ll start Thursday as planned vs. Boston:  “I’ll be good.”

* INF Daniel Robertson said his left hand, hit by a pitch Friday, is also feeling better and less swollen, and he expects to play Sunday. He is getting a protective pad added to his batting glove today.

Here is the Rays lineup, with LHP Blake Snell, who has looked sharp all spring, on the mound:

Span lf
Kiermaier cf
Duffy 3b
Miller 1b
Gomez rf
Ramos dh
Casali c
Hechavarria ss
Wendle 2b
Snell p

Also slated to pitch for the Rays today:
Pruitt
Hudson
Venters
Hall
Serrapica
Jones

And here is the Pirates lineup, with ex-Ray Corey Dickerson in left.

Harrison 2b
Polanco rf
Marte cf
Bell 1b
Freese dh
Cervelli c
Dickerson lf
Moran 3b
Mercer ss
Nova p