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Rays set roster for opening day

 
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer, left, and catcher Bobby Wilson talk after the first inning during a spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, Fla. on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. WILL VRAGOVIC  |  TIMES
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer, left, and catcher Bobby Wilson talk after the first inning during a spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, Fla. on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. WILL VRAGOVIC | TIMES
Published April 4, 2015

LAKELAND — The Rays opted for experience behind the plate and right-handers in the bullpen in setting their opening day roster, picking Bobby Wilson as the backup catcher and Kirby Yates and Steve Geltz for the final relief spots.

They also chose 2008 top overall draft pick Tim Beckham as the lone backup infielder but have yet to choose between Matt Andriese and Erasmo Ramirez as the fourth starter, though both will be on the team.

After indicating deliberations would continue until Sunday's 3 p.m. deadline, the Rays told the players Friday, then announced their final choices, barring unforeseen moves or an injury in today's exhibition finale.

"From my understanding, that's who we're going with," manager Kevin Cash said, "and we're excited about it."

The toughest decision appeared to be between Wilson of Seminole High and Curt Casali, as there was little difference beyond Wilson's edge in experience, 193 big-league games to 30, and implications on the roster given issues caused by a series of spring injuries.

"Rarely do you go through a season without the use of three catchers," Cash said. "We're going to need Curt at some point. We're lucky to have him. We view him as a big-league catcher. With the way things worked out this spring, he did everything he could to make this team."

By picking Wilson, 31, in camp on a minor-league contract, the Rays need to use the open spot on their 40-man roster created by placing starter Matt Moore on the 60-day disabled list.

That preserves catching depth with Casali going to Triple-A Durham (as the Rays likely would let Wilson go if he had a big-league opportunity elsewhere), but limits flexibility if the Rays wanted to add a fresh arm to their pitching staff. That's because during the first 10 days of the season optioned players can't be recalled unless there is an injury but non-roster players (such as reliever Brandon Gomes) can be added if there is room on the 40-man roster.

"Where we are today, moving forward, what we could do best for the organization right now is to have Bobby with us," Cash said.

Giving Yates and Geltz the final two bullpen slots ahead of C.J. Riefenhauser, who would have joined Jeff Beliveau as a second lefty, was a product of the schedule, with the first three series against the right-handed hitting heavy Orioles, Marlins and Blue Jays.

"They pitched themselves onto the team," Cash said. "At the same time, who we're playing and the matchups we have, the lineups we're going to be facing the first couple series are very heavy right-handed."

Beckham, 25, lost out on the starting shortstop job but emerged as the best — and rostered — chosen as the backup middle infielder based on his smooth glove over non-roster invitee Jake Elmore, who will go to Triple-A Durham. (Infielder Juan Francisco has until Sunday to decide whether to go to Durham or use his opt-out clause.)

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Beckham made his big-league debut in September 2013, but missed most of last season recovering from right knee surgery. He seems likely to get considerable playing time, as Logan Forsythe, the starting second baseman given Nick Franklin's injury, is also the backup at first, and the Rays have only one extra infielder as they are carrying veteran outfielder/DH David DeJesus, who doesn't have much a role but is owed $6 million.

"Beck did a nice job," Cash said. "His offense really picked up the last 10 days or so, he got aggressive at the plate. We like to see that. He can play defense. Stick him at second and short, he can be a very good defender for us."

Both Andriese, who has no big-league experience, and Ramirez, acquired from Seattle, will pitch in today's exhibition finale at the Trop, but Cash said they are not ready to say who will start Game 4 on April 10 in Miami. "We're not penciling in anything," Cash said.

But given all the changes necessitated with Alex Cobb, Drew Smyly and Alex Colome sidelined, they have a good idea what they are doing.

"We do have a plan," Cash said. "If the plan goes accordingly, we feel good about where we're at. You always have to adjust in this game, because somebody gets another injury … whatever it is, we have to be ready to adjust."

Contact Marc Topkin at mtopkin@tampabay.com or (727) 893-8801. Contact Matt Baker at mbaker@tampabay.com. Follow @MBakerTBTimes.