Jose Siri Makes a Surprising Move to First Base
HOUSTON — Jose Siri didn’t see it as any massive deal. Some of his Rays teammates had a tough time believing what they had been seeing. In the underside of the eighth inning Friday night time, with the Rays trailing by a run in an essential sport, Siri moved from centerfield to first base. “I used to be already in (the clubhouse) noticed it and needed to do a double take,” reliever Kevin Kelly mentioned. “OK, positive … “
Manager Kevin Cash had restricted choices. The Rays had already pinch run for first baseman Yandy Diaz at third base within the prime of the inning after Diaz tweaked his proper hamstring on a first-inning double. They had pinch-hit earlier for infielder Curtis Mead. Brandon Lowe was the DH, and his flip within the order was doubtlessly arising within the ninth so that they didn’t wish to transfer him but (however might have later). Catcher Ben Rortvedt was the one participant left on the bench.
No matter that Siri by no means performed first at any stage and had made his solely two infield appearances as a professional in 2013. “Just as a result of he’s taken so many floor balls (throughout pre-game drills), he’s fairly athletic, and doubtless a man that it’s not going to hassle mentally, so he’ll go over there, be assured and play,” Cash mentioned. Siri welcomed the chance, and, having borrowed Lowe’s glove, wished he would have gotten to make a play. “I used to be ready for a minimum of a floor ball,” mentioned Siri, by way of staff interpreter Manny Navarro. “I really feel like centerfielders and shortstops can play any place on the sector.”
Brandon Lowe’s Transition to First Base
Brandon Lowe will assume some duties as the primary baseman with Isaac Paredes traded, and he obtained a refresher course from infield coach Brady Williams and further work there earlier than Friday’s sport. Lowe has caught to second base and DH the final three seasons however has some very restricted expertise at first (5 begins in 2019, one inning in every of 2020 and 2021) and mentioned he’ll work to be prepared.
“It’s been some time,” Lowe mentioned. “Obviously extra comfy at second, however that’s in all probability anticipated as I’ve performed nearly all of my video games over there. We’ve obtained numerous video games arising in a row, and buying and selling Isaac… you form of want someone else to go over there and fill the position. I’ve had expertise there earlier than, and if it’s one thing that comes down and I discover myself over there, a minimum of I’ve gotten slightly bit of labor in.”
The greatest adjustment? “There’s numerous footwork across the base, getting there from totally different positions, understanding the place you’ll be able to play… so you will get over to the bag,” Lowe mentioned. “I do not forget that being an enormous thought course of and an enormous key. And simply getting the reps, getting used to the massive glove.” Mead additionally has accomplished some work at first base and shall be within the combine.
Houston Homecoming for Shane Baz
Shane Baz was born and grew up within the higher Houston space and vastly loved the possibility to pitch at dwelling for the primary time as a professional. He labored into the sixth on Friday, permitting two runs, and had about 200 relations (together with his mother and father and sister) and mates cheering him on. “It was cool,” Baz mentioned. “If you instructed the little child sitting in the appropriate area stands in all probability 15 years in the past that he would get to pitch there, he’d be fairly excited. Yeah, it was good.”
Miscellany
New addition Hunter Bigge would be the opener Sunday with Tyler Alexander anticipated to work bulk innings. Drew Rasmussen (elbow surgical procedure) allowed two runs and three hits over two innings in one other rehab outing in Triple-A Durham’s rain-delayed Saturday sport, with the potential to rejoin the Rays as quickly as Tuesday. Ryan Pepiot had no points from his beforehand contaminated proper knee in a Friday bullpen session and can do a three-inning simulated sport on Monday. A rehab begin remains to be potential. Class A Bowling Green’s Cooper Kinney and Owen Wild had been named the Rays’ minor-league participant and pitcher of the month for July. Diaz homered to increase his highway sport on-base streak to 26, the longest lively such run within the majors. The Rays are slated to put on their City Connect uniforms Wednesday in St. Louis.
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Conclusion
Overall, the Rays’ adaptability and willingness to make unconventional strikes on the sector show their dedication to discovering options in difficult conditions. The seamless transition of gamers like Jose Siri and Brandon Lowe to new positions highlights the staff’s depth and flexibility. As they proceed to navigate accidents and roster adjustments, the Rays stay resilient and able to face no matter challenges come their manner.
FAQs
1. Why did Jose Siri transfer to first base?
Jose Siri moved to first base on account of restricted choices for the Rays attributable to accidents and strategic selections throughout a vital sport.
2. How is Brandon Lowe adjusting to taking part in first base?
Brandon Lowe is working diligently to arrange for his new position at first base, drawing on his earlier expertise and receiving steerage from the staff’s teaching employees.
3. How did Shane Baz really feel about pitching in his hometown of Houston?
Shane Baz was thrilled to pitch in Houston for the primary time as an expert, having fun with the help of his household and mates within the stands.
