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Aggressiveness pays off for Rays hitters

 
Starting with Steven Souza Jr. before he was injured Saturday, Rays hitters are swinging earlier in counts and not being as concerned with grinding out at-bats and running up pitch counts. [WILL VRAGOVIC | Times]
Starting with Steven Souza Jr. before he was injured Saturday, Rays hitters are swinging earlier in counts and not being as concerned with grinding out at-bats and running up pitch counts. [WILL VRAGOVIC | Times]
Published Aug. 7, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — A key reason for the Rays' recent increase in production has been a more aggressive approach by their hitters.

After a 13-game stretch of not scoring more than four runs, the Rays have totaled five or more in seven of their last nine, though the first-place Mets' powerful pitching staff will make it tougher to keep that going this weekend.

Manager Kevin Cash said the change was by design, starting with OF Steven Souza Jr. (before he was injured Saturday) and spreading to others.

Basically, Rays hitters are swinging earlier in counts and not being as concerned with grinding out at-bats and running up pitch counts.

"We discussed that the last homestand, that we need to be more aggressive," Cash said. "Not that it wasn't working, but we weren't getting the type of production that we're capable of maybe being a little less aggressive."

Hitting coach Derek Shelton said the key is "making sure there is a consistent message throughout the lineup … reinforcing that we're trying to swing at the right pitch, the pitch that we feel we can handle the best."

Another benefit, Cash said, is that some pitchers and catchers will start to adjust and get out of their game plan.

AMAZIN' METS: The Rays will see two of the Mets', and the NL's, top young pitchers in All-Star RHP Jacob deGrom tonight and rookie RHP Noah Syndergaard on Saturday.

Shelton said it's hard to even think of a comparable duo in the AL based on how hard they throw. "They're built like back-end bullpen arms," he said. "These guys are power, coming at you with fastballs. It's old school."

DeGrom, 27, is a DeLand native and Stetson product who debuted in May 2014 and since is 19-12, 2.40 with 279 strikeouts in 273 2/3 innings.

Syndergaard, 22, was called up this past May, having been acquired from Toronto as a key prospect in the December 2012 R.A. Dickey trade. Cash, who spent 2012 scouting for the Blue Jays, remembers being wowed by him then.

"At the time he looked like a Roger Clemens in A ball," Cash said. "Six-foot-six, it was unbelievable. You don't see many A-ball pitchers who sit at 96-97 miles an hour."

REHAB REPORT: LHP Drew Smyly (shoulder) threw 75 pitches over 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Durham on Thursday, allowing four runs on six hits, two walks and a hit batter while striking out five. That was the third of at least four scheduled rehab starts for Smyly, who is targeting a mid-August return. … OF Desmond Jennings (left knee) is 2-for-16 with two walks in his first five rehab games for Durham. Cash said he is feeling good and working hard and at this point "it's just a matter of getting his timing going," with a plan for 25-30 plate appearances and a return next week.

MISCELLANY: LHP Matt Moore is slated to make his first start tonight since being demoted to Durham. … OF Daniel Nava, claimed Wednesday on waivers, is expected to make his Rays debut. … The Rays play 22 of their next 27 games against teams above .500. … RHP Jake Odorizzi said he'll study the scouting report and listen to pitching coach Jim Hickey's suggestions about the Mets hitters he has never seen but prefers to not watch video. … After not pitching at the Trop in the first eight years of his career, Mitchell High product Tyler Clippard makes his second visit in 2½ months, having been traded from the A's to the Mets.