Rays meet with sleep specialist

Don't sleep on this

Rays players were up early for a Wednesday morning meeting with a sleep specialist, who stressed the importance of quality Zzzzzzs despite their late-night-heavy schedules. "It's a balancing act," C Curt Casali said. "It has to be a top priority in order to get the benefits."

Birthday wishes

Wednesday marked the 21st anniversary of the day MLB formally granted Tampa Bay an expansion franchise and original owner Vince Naimoli introduced the team as the Devil Rays.

Helping hands

RHP Chris Archer and CF Kevin Kiermaier will take part in tonight's Athletes & Causes event at Amalie Arena that highlights the charitable causes of Tampa Bay area pro players. Archer is representing his Archway Foundation, Kiermaier the Suncoast Children's Dream Fund.

The dish Rays vs. Pirates

1:05 today, Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte

Radio: raysbaseball.com (signup required)

Tickets: See below

Gates open: 11 a.m.

Directions: Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: Interstate 75 south to Toledo Blade Road. Go west 6½ miles to El Jobean Road (SR 776). Go right 2 miles. Stadium complex is on left.

Parking: $10, lots open at 10

Pitchers: Rays — Drew Smyly, Danny Farquhar, Andrew Bellatti, Brad Boxberger, Kyle McPherson, Adam Wilk; Pirates — Francisco Liriano, Jameson Taillon, Neftali Feliz, Jorge Rondon, Curtis Partch, Rob Scahill.

Heads-up

RHP Brad Boxberger is slated for his second appearance as the Rays plan to limit his workload this spring in preparation for a full season as closer.

On deck

Friday: at Pirates, 1:05. Rays — Jake Odorizzi; Pirates — TBA

Saturday: vs. Yankees, 1:05. Rays — Matt Moore; Yankees — TBA

Sunday: vs. Red Sox, 1:05. Rays — Erasmo Ramirez; Red Sox — TBA; at Blue Jays, 1:05. Rays — Matt Andriese; Blue Jays — TBA

Exhibition schedule

Rays tickets: Range from $10-29, available at raysbaseball.com, calling toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS), and at CSP or Tropicana Field box offices, team Tampa Store (400 N Tampa St.). Prices increase to $15-$32 on March 12-13.

All games 1:05 p.m. unless noted.

March

14 at Braves

15 vs. Phillies

17 at Phillies

18 vs. Red Sox

19 vs. Orioles

20 at Orioles

22 at Cuban national team (Havana)

23 at Twins

24 at Yanks, 6:35

25 vs. Twins

26 at Pirates, 6:05

27 vs. Jays

29 at Jays

30 vs. Red Sox

31 vs. Pirates

April

1 at Braves, at Tigers