All facets contribute to best seven-game start in team history.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – With a record of 5-2, the Rays are off to their best seven-game start in team history. It’s the first time they’ve been three games over the .500 mark since July 2, 2015. In 2016, the Rays didn’t win their first homestand until the 6-4 mark between July 29-August 7.
Did you get all that? Has it sunk in, yet?
How have they seen such unprecedented success? Looking at their injury report – one would be even more surprised at their 5-2 start. Three starters, SS Matt Duffy, LF Colby Rasmus, and C Wilson Ramos, are all on the DL. Ramos isn’t due back until June. Duffy and Rasmus are reported to be back by the end of the month…if all goes well with their rehabs. Then there’s RHP Brad Boxberger (10-day DL) who’s timetable is still unknown. Former Rangers closer and free agent pick up, RHP Shawn Tolleson is also on the 60-day DL.
Maybe “unprecedented” is a bit dramatic. After all, it’s only the second week of a six month season. Seven games out of 162 might be a bit harsh to judge one way or the other. That doesn’t mean the players aren’t enjoying the early season success.
“Our pitchers have done a great job, so keep trying to score runs and ride this thing out as long as possible,” CF Kevin Kiermaier said. “We’re definitely having fun right now.”
Here’s a “by the numbers” look at some keys to this surprising week one:
- The 33 runs scored is their most through seven games since 2009 and tied with the Rangers for 2nd in the AL.
- Offense leads the AL in walks (32), OBP (.356), and 7 SB and their .291 batting avg is 2nd only to the Angels…who are 6-1.
- The pitching staff’s 3.18 ERA and .209 batting avg against are both good for 4th in the AL.
- That “patch work” bullpen has the 5th best ERA in baseball through one week (1.64) with rookie RHP Austin Pruitt accounting for four of the five runs they’ve given up.
So which players are contributing out of the gate? Let’s just say – they aren’t all who you’d have expected.
How about @SouzaJr this series?
7-for-14, 3 2B, HR, 6 RBI#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/5ohr0IyZp1
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) April 9, 2017
- RF Steven Souza Jr is tied for 3rd in the AL with a .417 avg and .533 OBP and has reached base safely in all seven games…with a career-high 15 straight going back to last season. He’s also only struck out TWICE in 30 plate appearances.
- DH Corey Dickerson has reached base multiple times in five straight games, longest streak since 2014 with the Rockies. He’s also tied with the team lead in HR (2) and is hitting .360/.407/.680 through the first week.
- RHP Jumbo Diaz has been busy early. He’s already pitched in four games and come in during key spots for as few as one out and as many as six. He hasn’t walked a batter, struck out three, and not given up a run in 4.1 innings.
- RHP Alex Colome is a perfect three-for-three in saves with one of those being of the six-out variety against the Blue Jays.
- SP Chris Archer is back. In two starts, he’s 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA. More importantly – he’s gone at least seven innings in each of those starts.
A division-heavy April might have been just what the Rays needed, in hindsight. Kevin Cash has gone on record saying it’ll be a good test for them to see where they stand in the AL East. Can’t argue that. So far they’re off to a pretty convincing start.
This upcoming road trip will be their next test. With a three-game series beginning Monday in New York, they’ll then head to Boston for three before coming back to the Trop. Detroit comes to town on April 18 when the Rays finally get a break from the East.
Where will they be after this road trip? Stay tuned for our weekly “Rays Rewind” next Monday to find out!
