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Rays journal: Starting pitchers struggling to work deep into games

 
Starter Matt Andriese, admitting he isn’t sharp, throws 88 pitches in a five-inning outing.
Starter Matt Andriese, admitting he isn’t sharp, throws 88 pitches in a five-inning outing.
Published April 24, 2017

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays starting pitchers are averaging just less than five innings during the past 12 games, 4.94 to be exact. In eight of those games, the starter has pitched five or fewer innings.

That's not what the Rays need or expect from a pitching staff that is struggling to live up to its reputation.

RHP Chris Archer, who faces the Orioles tonight in Baltimore during the first game of an eight-game, three-city road trip, said that needs to change.

"It's important (to pitch deeper) because that's how we're going to be successful, so we have to go out there, fill up the strike zone, compete and try to stay in there as long as we possibly can," Archer said.

The short outings place a burden on any bullpen, especially one like the Rays that is hamstrung by injuries and inexperience.

On Sunday, RHP Matt Andriese lasted only five innings in a 6-4, 10-inning loss to the Astros despite being handed a four-run first-inning lead. The Astros chipped away, tying the score in the ninth off RH closer Alex Colome and winning it with two runs in the 10th off RHP Ryan Garton, who was recalled Saturday to replace injured LHP Xavier Cedeno (left-forearm tightness).

RAYS FALL TO ASTROS: Late lapses are costly in "frustrating" 10-inning loss.

Andriese admitted he wasn't sharp, allowing six hits and three runs in his five innings. He allowed two more home runs, which is an issue. He was pulled after 88 pitches.

"Still felt like I had more in the tank, that's for sure," he said, "but that's the way it goes sometimes."

All then nothing

The Rays batted around in the first inning off RHP Joe Musgrove, scoring four with five two-out hits, the big blow a two-run homer by CF Steven Souza Jr. off the leftfield foul pole.

C Jesus Sucre's RBI single would be their last hit until SS Tim Beckham singled with one out in the ninth.

"Unfortunately, we let up on the gas for a little bit," Souza said. "I don't think intentionally. We just barreled some balls, popped them up, fell into a groove there, couldn't get anything going."

Musgrove settled down and allowed just a walk to 2B Brad Miller over his last six innings.

Hu recalled

RHP Chih-Wei Hu was recalled Sunday from Triple-A Durham when RHP Tommy Hunter (right-calf strain) was placed on the disabled list.

Acquired for RHP Kevin Jepsen at the 2015 trade deadline, Hu is the first Taiwan-born player to play for the Rays and the 12th overall in MLB history.

Hu said his family has never seen him pitch in person since he came to the United States in 2013. He's hoping they can make it to Baltimore this week.

"I know they're very happy for me," Hu said. "My friends and my family and my sister, too. My sister told me, 'I can't wait to come to America and watch you.' "

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TAKEAWAYS: Staff writer Roger Mooney's takeaways from the Rays' loss to the Astros.

Number of the day

24 Runs scored by the Rays in the first inning, most in the majors. They scored only eighth first-inning runs in their first 20 games last season, and five of those came in one game.

Miscellany

. OF Colby Rasmus (hip surgery) was 0-for-4 for Double-A Montgomery on Sunday during the second game of his minor-league rehab assignment. OF Mallex Smith (right-hamstring strain) was scheduled to play for Class A Charlotte, but the game was rained out.

. The Rays led 4-0 and 3-1 in both losses on their homestand.

. RF Steven Souza Jr. has a seven-game hitting streak.

. 2B Brad Miller is batting .353 with two doubles, three triples, a home run and six RBIs in his past 10 games.