Game 2: Rays vs Pirates — Pregame News and Notes

Updated 11 a.m. After a 3–1 win on Friday night in Ft Myers, the Rays play their home opener in Port Charlotte today against the Pirates. Several of the Tampa Bay regulars remain out of the lineup, with a lengthy spring training and a number of players coming back from surgery.

Here’s the Rays lineup:

Dickerson DH

Kiermaier CF

Weeks 1B

Bauers LF

Franklin 2B

Casali C

Adames SS

Leonard 3B

Peterson RF

Before the game, Kevin Cash discussed the players making their spring training debut on Friday, plus the excitement about Willy Adames and Jake Bauers:

While it’s too early to read much into lineups, Dickerson today’s leadoff hitter, could be a leadoff candidate against righties, if Kiermaier hits second.

Rickie Weeks will make his first appearance at first base. Weeks said Logan Morrison has been very helpful, and that the biggest adjustment will be positioning.

Willy Adames was surprised and excited to make his first ever Spring Training start with the big club.

Shane Peterson is the team’s iron man, starting a day game in the field after a night game. Peterson played in only 15 games last year due to injury, and he’s excited for the opportunity.

On the mound, David Carpenter will get the start. Dana Eveland, Danny Farquhar, Cory Rasmus, Justin Marks, Jaime Schultz, Neil Wagner, and Taylor Guerrieri also are expected to pitch.

Here’s the Pirates lineup, with John Jaso facing his original organization:

Harrison 2B

Mercer SS

Jaso 1B

Wood DH

Terdoslavich RF

Osuna LF

Gosselin 3B

Meadows CF

Stallings C

The Pirates will throw Josh Lindblom to begin the game, with the other expected pitchers being Tyler Eppler, Dan Runzler, Edgar Santana, Jared Lakind, Dovydas Neverauskas, and Cody Dickson.

Coverage on the Rays Radio Network begins at 12:30 p.m. with Countdown to Opening Day, and Matt Duffy and Chad Mottola will be the featured guests. Dave and Andy will have the call beginning at 1 p.m. with first pitch at 1:05.