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Rays: Souza achieves rare triple feat

 
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 26:  Pitcher Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait at Charlotte Sports Park during photo day on February 26, 2014 in Port Charlotte, Florida.  (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 26: Pitcher Chris Archer #22 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a portrait at Charlotte Sports Park during photo day on February 26, 2014 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Published April 16, 2015

Elite company

OF Steven Souza Jr. joined a select group as the fourth Rays player to have a home run, a bunt base hit and a stolen base in the same game. The first three — and, no, you wouldn't guess them — were OF Alex Sanchez (2005), SS Jason Bartlett (2009) and INF Elliot Johnson (2012).

Hey, rooks

With RHP Jose Dominguez replacing RHP Kirby Yates in the bullpen, the Rays are carrying a majors-most eight rookies on their roster: RHP Matt Andriese, INF Tim Beckham, Dominguez, 1B Allan Dykstra, RHP Steve Geltz, RHP Nathan Karns, OF Mikie Mahtook and OF Steven Souza Jr. Dominguez, who has prior big-league time with the Dodgers, will be the 11th player to make their Rays debut thus far.

Rays at Blue Jays

When/where: 7:07 tonight; Rogers Centre, Toronto

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Probable pitchers Rays: RH Chris Archer (1-1, 2.13) BLUE Jays: RH Aaron Sanchez (0-1, 8.10) On Archer: Was dominant in Miami, allowing 2 baserunners in 7 IP. Has allowed fewer than 3 earned runs in 14 straight road games. Is 2-1, 3.38 vs. Jays in 9 starts, most against any team.

On Sanchez: 22-year-old hard thrower lasted 31/3 innings in first big-league start vs. Orioles, allowing 7 hits, 3 runs. Worked 24 games in relief last season.