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Rays Journal: For openers? What about Colin Poche?

Touted relief prospect looks sharper in second outing, could be intriguing option.
 
Colin Poche worked a 1-2-3 first inning for the Rays on Monday. [MONICA HERNDON | Times]
Colin Poche worked a 1-2-3 first inning for the Rays on Monday. [MONICA HERNDON | Times]
Published Feb. 25, 2019|Updated Feb. 26, 2019

PORT CHARLOTTE – Touted relief prospect Colin Poche looked more like the Rays expected Monday than his rough debut in working a 1-2-3 first inning of their 5-2 loss to the Marlins.

And he showed them that he could fill an intriguing role as an opener at some point.

“He looked good,’’ manager Kevin Cash. “Much more comfortable than maybe he was the other day. Probably saw the guy we heard so much about last year.’’

Using Poche as an opener, whether he makes the opening day roster or is called up later, may be as much a product of who else is on the staff at the time to work the first inning.

But the potential seems alluring, given his high strikeout rates and deceptive fastball.

“He’s pretty neutral, he’s not like your left-on-left guy,’’ Cash said. “He does really well against righties, too. As much as anything, you probably like the neutral guy opening because any opposing team can stack their lineup however they want.’’

Poche said the big difference between Monday and three-walk outing Friday was straightening out his line to the plate and not missing as much inside to righthanded hitters.

"I felt really good,'' he said. "There were some adjustments made from my last outing that I worked on with (pitching coach) Kyle Snyder between outings and I felt like I did a good job of taking that to the mound. Like I said the last outing, the first time isn’t going to decide a whole spring. Same thing when you do well. One good outing isn’t going to be the end all be all. There are still adjustments to be made and work to be done so I’ll have another couple days to look back on what I did today and do better and get to work and keep improving each time I go out.''

Game report

Brandon Lowe made several notable plays at first base, showing progress in learning the footwork and positioning of the new assignment. “Hopefully I get put in as many different situations as possible to get them all under my belt and get the experience of what I’m supposed to do in those situations,’’ said Lowe, who also rapped two hits. … Outfield prospect Joe McCarthy had two hits. … Non-roster righthander Andrew Kittredge worked two quick innings, allowing one hit. … Righty Luis Santos, who has had big-league time with the Jays, hit his first batter and allowed a triple to his second, then got the next five out.

Post-it note

Rays players had a media training session Monday, which dealt not just with giving interviews but also what they post on social media. “I think it’s important simply with what we saw take place over the last couple years juts how things are interpreted social-media wise,’’ manager Kevin Cash said. “There’s many avenues for them to voice thoughts and perspective. We want to make sure we’re doing our part with (communications VP) Dave Haller and his staff, doing the best for putting them in a good position showing positive stuff rather than maybe some of the negative.’’

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Spring things

* The date of infielder Matt Duffy’s return to action from left hamstring tightness remains unclear, Cash said. “He’s chomping at the bit, it’s more us slowing him down.''

* Centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier is slated to return to action Tuesday after missing the last couple days due to a blister on his right heel.

* Former Rays (and Blue Jays and Rangers) catcher J.P. Arencibia was at the game; he will be doing TV work with Marlins this season and filled in on radio Monday.

* Outfielder Avisail Garcia, held back following offseason knee surgery, said he is feeling good and is set for his spring debut on Wednesday.

* There was another family reunion Monday, as Marlins assistant hitting coach Jeff Livesey is older brother of Rays minor-league hitting coordinator Steve.

* Brandon Lowe (as in now) and prospect Nate Lowe (as in no) are both in Tuesday’s lineup, which could be a challenge for the Ed Smith Stadium PA crew. “We’ll see how the announcers handle that,’’ Brandon said.

Quote of the day

“It would be nice to shake hands, but I’m not necessarily dwelling on it.’’

- Manager Kevin Cash, after Rays dropped to 0-4 for the spring.