ST. PETERSBURG (SNN-TV) – The Tampa Bay Rays held a workout this morning in preparation for Thursday’s ALDS game one, where the Rays will host either the Red Sox or the Yankees.
The Rays, courtesy of the AL’s best record, await tonight’s winner in the American League Wild Card game between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees.
Of course, the Rays are familiar with both squads, being that all three compete in the AL East. The Rays look to complete thus far one of the most successful season’s in franchise history with a deep run into the playoffs, ending with a World Series victory after falling short just last season in the Fall Classic to the LA Dodgers.
One Rays player, rookie phenom Wander Franco has yet to experience postseason play. Franco and his translator elaborated on his excitement earlier today. “I’m very excited. I’m already looking forward to the game starting, so I can experience that feeling of being in the playoffs.”
Franco’s recent play down the stretch is one of many reasons why the Rays find themselves in the position that they are.
Another, is the stellar play lately and all season from veteran Brandon Lowe. Lowe having been around the block with much success many times against both New York and Boston, knows either match up will be must see. “I feel like every time we’ve played these guys they’ve been on a rough stretch of their season, or we’ve been on a rough stretch in our season. We’ve played really good baseball against each other and its going to make for a very good series.”
The Rays alongside a stellar offense will need their pitching staff to keep up its positive play as well. With multiple arms on the Rays roster capable of starting any game, Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash broke down the plan for the first 3 games of the ALDS on the mound. “Shane McClanahan will start Game one. Shane Baz will start Game two. From then, highly likely, it’ll be Drew (Rasmussen) pitching Game three. One and two will depend on that, we’ll want to have as much availability in the bullpen for these first two ballgames.”
Following tonight’s AL Wild Card game from Fenway Park, the Rays await the winner in ALDS Game 1 on Thursday from Tropicana Field at 8:07pm.