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Erasmo Ramirez impressive, likely to join Rays rotation

 
In his first outing in a Rays uniform, Erasmo Ramirez settles down impressively after giving up a home run to his first batter, throwing 58 pitches in 3⅔ innings and striking out six.
In his first outing in a Rays uniform, Erasmo Ramirez settles down impressively after giving up a home run to his first batter, throwing 58 pitches in 3⅔ innings and striking out six.
Published April 5, 2015

ST. PETERSBURG — Though the Rays will talk for a few more days before setting plans, actions during Saturday's spring-ending 1-0 loss to the Tigers indicated that RHP Erasmo Ramirez is likely to get the No. 4 slot in the rotation.

For one, Ramirez, after allowing a home run to his first batter, Victor Martinez, pitched very well, retiring 11 of the next 12 hitters, six on strikeouts.

For another, the Rays let Ramirez, acquired last week from Seattle, work 3⅔ innings and throw 58 pitches, which pretty much precludes him from relief work in Games 1 and 2. RHP Matt Andriese, the other Game 4 candidate, started Saturday but was limited to one inning (10 pitches) and will be in the bullpen Monday and Tuesday.

"Erasmo was impressive," manager Kevin Cash said. "For a guy that hadn't pitched in a week to come through there … his pitch count, he kept throwing strikes and getting some quick outs so he went deeper than we were planning.

"He really mixed all of his pitches in really well. He looks like he's going to help us, definitely."

Though 27 of Ramirez's 31 big-league appearances in 2013-14 were starts and Andriese has not pitched in the majors, Cash said that won't be a factor as much as the potential matchups. A decision is expected by Wednesday.

Ramirez, pleased with his command, was glad to make a good first impression. "I was a little bit nervous because it's a new team, a new start, new fans, a new stadium, everything was new for me," he said. "I feel ready. I feel good. My arm, my body, my mind, everything is ready to do whatever they want me to do, if they want me to relieve one day or go and start, I'm up for everything, that's no problem. What I want is … the chance to pitch."

PITCHING IN: LHP Drew Smyly (shoulder tendinitis) said Saturday's first live batting practice session went "great," and based on how he recovers from the 42-pitch session he could move straight into a rehab start, another sign of an accelerated return.

Smyly will need at least a couple of starts, and maybe three or four, to get to the 75-pitch threshold where the Rays would consider bringing him back.

Though frustrated by a lack of progress that will push his return into May, RHP Alex Cobb (forearm tendinitis) said he has no concerns of a more severe injury based on the MRI exam of his elbow ligaments. "From Day 1 I knew it was just tendinitis," he said. "We're just being smart with it, taking our time."

SELLOUTS: It took until Saturday afternoon, but the Rays announced that Monday's opener was a sellout, the 10th straight year they've sold out their first home game. Tickets for the next two games against the O's are readily available.

TAMPER, TAMPER: Major League Baseball's investigation into whether the Cubs tampered in hiring former Rays manager Joe Maddon will not be completed by commissioner Rob Manfred's goal of opening day. "There's still some work to be done," MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said.

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GAME ACTION: Martinez's second-inning homer off Ramirez was the only run. … The Rays didn't have a baserunner until Desmond Jennings singled with two outs in the fifth off Alfredo Simon. … Their only other hit was a single to lead off the ninth by OF Brandon Guyer. … RHP Brandon Gomes, reassigned last week, posted two more zeroes and allowed one run in 141/3 innings over nine spring games (0.63 ERA) while striking out 20. … John Jaso played left so he had a chance to get used to the Trop roof and lights, with Jennings at DH. … Attendance was 8,934.

MISCELLANY: There is no formal workout today, per MLB/union rules, but several players, including opening day starter Chris Archer, are expected at the Trop for light work. … RHP Bradin Hagens, who pitched two games for Arizona last year, was acquired for cash considerations and will report to Double-A Montgomery. … INF Juan Francisco has to let the Rays know today if he will go to Triple-A Durham or opt out of his $175,000 minor-league deal in hopes of getting to the majors elsewhere. … The Rays have for the first time added a radio affiliate in Jacksonville.