Versatile righty takes the mound Wednesday against Angels.
Looking around the Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse, you won’t find anyone smiling more than Erasmo Ramirez. Could it be because he’s a new papa? No doubt that is a big reason for the toothy grin you’ll see from the Nicaragua native. That smile is contagious and his arm is a prize. One Kevin Cash appreciates a lot.
“He’s shown a lot of versatility,” Cash said Wednesday. “He’s been able to get big outs in the eighth, big outs starting, go deep into ballgames. We’re very fortunate we have a guy like that.”
This season marks the third with the Rays for the 27-year old. He comes into Wednesday night’s game against the Angels ready to make his third start of the season.
In his first two starts, he’s 1-0 with a 2.61 ERA walking just one in 10.1 innings.
He’ll be facing an Angels lineup that he doesn’t have much experience with. However, Mike Trout has fared quite well to the tune of .353 in 17 at-bats with a home run. He’s has some success against LA. Coming into Wednesday’s start, Erasmo has had nine appearances against the Angels. He is 3-2 with a 2.41 ERA with five starts.
Game three of the series on deck.#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/whmOi3qgib
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 24, 2017
Rays have had Nolasco’s number
The Angels will send RHP Ricky Nolasco (2-3, 4.01) to the hill. Like Erasmo against LA hitters, Nolasco does not have much experience against this Rays lineup. In his career, Nolasco has struggled mightily against the Rays. Taking the hill nine times against Tampa Bay, he is 3-6 with a 6.57 ERA. The last time he was at Tropicana Field was as a member of the Twins back on April 24, 2014.
NOTEWORTHY
- Before the game tonight, RHP Diego Moreno was placed on the 10-day DL (shoulder). RHP Ryan Garton was recalled.
- Erasmo, tied with Michael Pineda (NYY) and Chris Sale (BOS) for the ninth-best strike-throwing ratio (67.8) in MLB.
