Rays Make Waves with Young Talent in Win Against Pirates
When the Rays talk about maximizing every opportunity on the 40-man roster, they mean business. Just over a week ago, Jake Mangum, Kameron Misner, and Hunter Bigge were gearing up for the Triple-A season with Durham. Fast forward to Monday night at Steinbrenner Field, where these three players shined in a 6-1 victory over the Pirates.
Mangum notched his first big-league hit in the third inning and proceeded to collect three more hits, two stolen bases, two RBIs, and a run scored. Misner contributed with an RBI double, while Bigge impressed with two scoreless innings in relief.
All three players were called up due to injuries in the big-league camp, with Bigge replacing Shane McClanahan, Misner stepping in for Richie Palacios, and Mangum filling in for Josh Lowe.
Drew Rasmussen also played a crucial role, throwing five shutout innings – his longest outing since May 2023. Rasmussen’s return to form after elbow surgery in the summer of 2023 has been a significant boost for the team.
A Rare Feat: Jose Caballero’s Patient Approach
A noteworthy moment in Monday night’s game was Jose Caballero drawing walks in his first two plate appearances. This marked a rare occurrence for the aggressive hitter, who last achieved this feat on May 5 last year after 369 plate appearances.
Rasmussen’s Impact on the Rotation
Excluding a few games as an opener in 2021 and 2024, Rasmussen has started 45 times in the rotation, with the Rays boasting an impressive 30-15 record in those games.
Upcoming Schedule
– Tuesday: vs. Pirates at 7:05, Steinbrenner Field, Tampa
– Wednesday: vs. Pirates at 1:10, featuring Ryan Pepiot for the Rays and Paul Skenes for the Pirates
– Thursday: Off day
– Friday: at Rangers at 8:05, with Zack Littell on the mound for the Rays
– Saturday: at Rangers at 7:05, Taj Bradley starting for the Rays
– Sunday: at Rangers at 2:35, Drew Rasmussen scheduled to pitch
Rays Injury Updates
- RHP Alex Faedo (15-day, right shoulder inflammation)
- INF Ha-Seong Kim (10-day, right shoulder surgery recovery)
- LHP Nathan Lavender (60-day, left shoulder surgery recovery)
- OF Josh Lowe (10-day, right oblique strain)
- LHP Shane McClanahan (15-day, left triceps nerve-related issue)
- INF/OF Richie Palacios (10-day, right ring finger fracture)
Stay updated on all things Rays at raysbaseball.com
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Conclusion
The Rays showcased their depth and resilience in a convincing win over the Pirates, with young talent stepping up to the plate and established players making significant contributions. As they navigate a challenging schedule ahead, the team’s ability to adapt and thrive will be crucial for their continued success.
FAQs
Q: Who were the standout performers in the Rays’ victory over the Pirates?
A: Jake Mangum, Kameron Misner, Hunter Bigge, and Drew Rasmussen played pivotal roles in the win.
Q: How has Drew Rasmussen’s return from injury impacted the team?
A: Rasmussen’s strong outings have bolstered the Rays’ pitching rotation and contributed to their success.
Q: What can fans expect from the Rays in the upcoming games?
A: With a mix of experienced and emerging talent, the Rays aim to build on their recent performance and stay competitive in upcoming matchups.
