ST. PETERSBURG Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who starts in Sundays series finale against the Marlins at Tropicana Field, hopes to build upon the dominance he displayed in his past three outings.
Glasnow has won twice and registered a 1.93 ERA (along with 30 strikeouts and just five walks) in the 18 innings of those three starts. Overall, hes 2-1 with a 4.24 ERA.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said Glasnow set the bar high last season. Glasnow opened 6-0 with a 1.47 ERA and 46 strikeouts in his first seven games before going on the injured list with a forearm strain.
I dont know how you can improve on that,' Cash said. What hes doing now seems to fall right in line with that.'
Glasnow said he has a better approach now. To paraphrase former Rays manager Joe Maddon, Glasnow is trying easier.
What I took away (from last seasons early outings) was I put too much into the effort level,' Glasnow said. If Im going to do this for 30 starts a year, Im going to need to mellow out a bit.
The biggest difference is not trying to throw the ball 1,000 (miles per hour) every single pitch. You cant really do that for 30 starts a year. Once I realized that being relaxed and having very little tension was good, almost holding the ball lighter and trying to be more smooth, it allowed me to stay the same, if not better. My overall recovery and arm health has been much better.'
Glasnow, who has four consecutive games with eight strikeouts or more, leads the majors with 15.09 strikeouts per nine innings (minimum 25 innings pitched). Its an extremely small sample size. But for perspective, Gerrit Cole set the major-league season record (13.81 strikeouts per nine innings) last season, 13.81 strikeouts per nine innings, with the Astros.
Natural first baseman Nate Lowe, who was recalled from the alternate training site at Port Charlotte last week, started at third base Saturday. In 50 games last season with the Rays, Lowe had one start at third, but he has been working more at the position.
The more he can help us in different roles (the better),' Cash said. The (coaches in Port Charlotte) have been very complimentary of Nate and the work he put in at third base. It was part of his daily routine to get reps there. We tell our guys were not asking for anything spectacular. Just put yourself in position to make the routine play.'
Lowe said he feels more agile after dropping about 20 pounds (it had been about 35, but he has gained some back).
Losing weight never was the end goal,' Lowe said. I never said I have to lose 5 more pounds or 10 more pounds. It was about being the healthiest version of me. I played in the minors at 250, 255, and in the spring, I saw 212, 210. Thats a pretty big window, but a lot of guys have success doing it different ways. As long as I can stay on top of my sleep and diet, that puts me in a good spot to show up and compete every day.'
Saturday was Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at Tropicana Field. Rays players wore yellow ribbons on their jerseys to commemorate the occasion. Centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who works with the Childrens Dream Fund for kids with life-threatening illnesses, said the cause is especially meaningful.
The positivity and the mindset these kids and families have are truly incredible,' Kiermaier said. I dont think I could be that positive and happy as some of these families. Especially having a young son, I know how fortunate it is to have a healthy, functional son who lives a healthy life.
Its tough for me to find words for how powerful and emotional this is to be around these kids. They have no idea what impact they bring on my life. Im grateful I can have a small impact.'
On the strength of a 21-4 run heading into Saturday tying the best 25-game stretch in club history Kiermaier said the teams confidence remains high.
Confidence is something that I dont think the people on the outside realize how much it can do for an individual or a team,' Kiermaier said. Theres a certain confidence thats just flowing in our clubhouse, whether home or on the road. Its a true joy each day to show up and compete with these guys and see whos going to be the hero on any given night.
Were one of the best teams in baseball, and were aware of that. The greatest thing about us is were not content with that. We want to be the best team in baseball, when all is said and done. We want to be the last team standing. We want to let people know were dangerous and were not messing around.'
Left-hander Ryan Yarbrough (left groin tightness) threw a successful bullpen session Friday. Hes scheduled to come off the 10-day injured list Tuesday, when he could draw a road start against the Nationals. Cash said right-handed reliever Oliver Drake (right biceps tendinitis) is progressing well but remains about a week away from active duty. After Sundays series finale, the Rays have 19 games remaining (nine at home, 10 on the road, although the Rays will be at home during one of the road' games against Baltimore, making up for the Aug. 27 postponement). The Rays also have three more off-days in September. ... At Port Charlotte, left-hander Shane McClanahan suffered a left knee hyperextension while attempting to cover first base on a ground ball. He is expected to miss about two weeks.
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Rays Tyler Glasnow hopes to keep the good times rolling in series finale - Tampa Bay Times
