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Rays use Saturday to set up rotation for start of season

 
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns delivers against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during an exhibition spring training baseball game, Saturday, March 28, 2015, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) FLBA101
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Nathan Karns delivers against the Boston Red Sox in the first inning during an exhibition spring training baseball game, Saturday, March 28, 2015, in Port Charlotte, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson) FLBA101
Published March 29, 2015

PORT CHARLOTTE — After having their top three starters all pitch Saturday, the Rays are positioned to set up the front part of their rotation, with RHP Chris Archer set to be followed by RHPs Nathan Karns and Jake Odorizzi in the opening series vs. Baltimore.

With injuries sidelining ace RHP Alex Cobb and No. 3 LHP Drew Smyly, the Rays used Saturday to re-set the rotation. Archer and Odorizzi both pitched in minor-league games and did well, while Karns struggled over four innings in a 9-6 loss to Boston.

"It's starting to line up a little bit better for us," manager Kevin Cash said.

Archer struck out eight while throwing 105 pitches over 62/3 shutout innings in the Triple-A game, but he said the best part was working — at his request — with new starting C Rene Rivera, who had caught him for only two innings.

"It was nice to, No. 1, get on the same page as Rene," Archer said. "And the fact that I was good showed him where I'm at when I'm good."

Odorizzi was pleased with his work, throwing 100 pitches over seven innings in the Double-A game to C Bobby Wilson, striking out eight while allowing two unearned runs.

"It was really good," said Odorizzi, who got crisper as he went, mixing in curveballs and cutters. "I got my innings and my pitches in and got good results."

Karns, who found out a few days ago he made the team, was not sharp, allowing six runs on five hits and three walks over four innings, including a two-run windblown homer by Mike Napoli, using 72 pitches to do so.

"It was a combination of things," Karns said. "My body didn't feel the best today. … A lot was a little bit different. My command was a little off, I fell behind a lot and the guys took advantage of that. … Today was just not a good day at the office."

Archer will take his normal five-day turn Thursday but will throw only two innings then have three days' rest before the April 6 season opener. Karns also will pitch Thursday in Clearwater then have the usual four days' rest before starting April 7. Odorizzi will get an extra day off, throw four innings Friday and be on a five-day schedule to pitch April 8.

ALEX SQUARED: Cobb was pleased after playing catch for the first time since leaving the March 17 game with what was diagnosed as forearm tendinitis.

Cobb, who made 30 tosses at a distance of 60-75 feet, said all went well, though there was still some tightness, as expected, similar to the first day of throwing in the offseason.

Cobb said he will have to go through the progression to build up to game condition, but "absolutely" expects to rejoin the Rays sometime in April. "We're starting at square one, but I don't think there's as many squares to go through," he said.

MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Alex Colome (pneumonia) threw a 40-pitch bullpen but also was placed on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Friday. Colome is eligible to return April 11, though he is expected to need several more weeks. … Smyly (shoulder tendinitis) throws his fourth bullpen session today and could advance next to facing hitters.

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GAME ACTION: Down 6-0 and hitless into the fourth vs. Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright, the Rays (11-10-1) rallied for five runs with two outs, including a stretch of three singles, a walk and a two-run single by OF Steven Souza Jr. … RHP Brandon Gomes allowed his first run in seven spring appearances on a two-out RBI double by Jemile Weeks. … RHP Steve Geltz had a second straight solid outing. … OF Kevin Kiermaier was 2-for-6 DHing in the minor-league games.

MISCELLANY: SS Brandon Martin and OF James Harris, two supplemental first-round picks from what was supposed to be the big 2011 draft haul, were released. … Cash said the decision between Wilson and Curt Casali for the backup catcher job will be difficult. … Cash is looking forward to a test run of the replay system, which will be used for Saturday's exhibition at the Trop. … Saturday's crowd of 7,030 was the first sellout this spring at Charlotte Sports Park.