The Tampa Bay Rays begin a four-game series with the Texas Rangers today at Tropicana Field, and will do so with another new pitcher in the bullpen, as right-hander Trevor Richards has been recalled from the alternate training site.
Richards, acquired by the Rays at the trade deadline in 2019 along with closer Nick Anderson in exchange for pitcher Ryne Stanek and outfielder Jesus Sanchez, appeared in three games this spring for Tampa Bay, going 0-2 with a 9.82 ERA in a start and two relief appearances. He allowed eight runs on twelve hits, including three homers, in 7.1 innings.
The 27-year-old has a 3-0 regular season record and 4.23 ERA in two seasons with the Rays, consisiting of 16 appearances. He struggled in 2020, though, with no record, and a career-worst 5.91 ERA in four starts and five relief appearances.
Richards takes the spot on the active roster of Brent Honeywell Jr., who was optioned to the alternate training site after his two perfect innings of work Sunday against New York.
Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 0.75 ERA) will start Monday’s opener, taking on Dane Dunning (1-0, 1.80 ERA).
Rays Starting Lineup
Tsutsugo 1B
Meadows DH
Arozarena RF
B. Lowe 2B
Margot LF
Wendle 3B
Mejia C
Phillips CF
Adames SS
Rangers Starting Lineup
Kiner-Falefa SS
Dahl DH
Gallo RF
N. Lowe 1B
Trevino C
Guzman LF
Solak 2B
Tejada 3B
Taveras CF
Steve Carney is the founder and publisher of St. Pete Nine. One of the people most associated with baseball coverage in Tampa Bay, he spent 13 seasons covering the Rays for flagship radio station WDAE, first as producer of Rays Radio broadcasts, then as beat reporter beginning in 2011. He likes new analytics and aged bourbon, and is the owner of one of the ugliest knuckleballs ever witnessed by baseball scouts.
