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Rays morning after: Not quite sure what to make of Yarbrough’s outing? Cash neither.

He worked five innings, allowed five runs.
 
Published May 10, 2018|Updated May 10, 2018

Not sure what to make of rookie LHP Ryan Yarbrough's start against the Braves Wednesday in which he allowed five runs over five innings?

Neither was Rays manager Kevin Cash.

"Kind of a unique outing," Cash said. "He got his punch-outs and got his swings-and-misses, but they also had at-bats where it seemed like they were on everything. Not quite sure what to make of it. Obviously the home run was the dagger."

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The three-run home run in the third by Nick Markakis certainly was, as part of a four-run third in which Yarbrough quickly loaded the bases on two singles and a hit batter, then allowed a sac fly and the homer.

His take, on his second big-league start, and ninth overall appearance?

"Some positives, some negatives," Yarbrough said. "Obviously what stands out is the Markakis home run. In that situation throwing him something that he can do damage with. Bbut also some positives when the fact that when I was executing and doing what I needed to do, I felt like I was in control of the game. It's just a matter of making some adjustments and going forward."

Yarbrough allowed the five runs on six hits, but didn't walk anyone and struck out seven, relying more on the changeup as hit cutter wasn't as effective.

In the two starts (against the Phillies and Braves), Yarbrough is 0-2 with a 6.52 ERA, hurt both times by a big inning. In his seven relief outings, which include multi-inning stints, he is 2-0, 3.20. Yarbrough seems likely to be used as a starter for the next couple weeks, at least until Nathan Eovaldi joins the rotation in late May, and then could return to more of a hybrid role.