How do the Rays youngsters stack up?
After completing 31 games this season, there are two players that are rising in the Rays organization – the rookies. That would be pitcher Chih-Wei Hu and utility man Daniel Robertson.
California Dreamin’
Daniel Robertson came to the Rays in the massive deal that sent Ben Zobrist to Oakland in January 2015; the same trade that brought John Jaso back to Tampa Bay for a little bit. The 23-year-old from Upland, CA, was drafted (34th overall) by the A’s in 2012. Drafted out of high school, Robertson spent the first five years of his big-league career in the minors.
That is, until April fourth of this season.
Making my debut is a day I will never forget. The love and support I received is unmeasured. We’ll be back at it tomorrow! ????????
— Daniel Robertson (@D_Robertson28) April 5, 2017
Welcome to the Show
During the offseason, the Rays purchased the contract of Robertson from triple-A Durham and figured they would give him a shot. I am sure they are patting themselves on the back right about now.
Robertson started off slow. Breaking out of his shell, if you will.
On April 20th, he hit his first major league home run. Something that every baseball player dreams of from the first time they pick up a bat. As of May 5th, Robertson is batting only .200, going 9-for-45, but that number does not reflect his presence on the field.
Aside from his batting, Robertson has also shown hes got glove in the field. Having played almost every infield position so far, he is making plays to back up his offensive output.
Oh and a little side-note; after five games in May, Robertson is batting .250 with two home runs and only four strikeouts. Maybe he has found a groove?
That’s three runs home for the Rays in the fourth.#RaysUp pic.twitter.com/Ebud5nOd4l
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 6, 2017
The Taiwanese Sensation
Chih–Wei Hu, also 23-years old, signed as an amatuer free agent with the Minnesota Twins in 2012. After a trade that sent Kevin Jepsen up north, Hu entered the Rays minor league system on July 31st, 2015.
After some time with Durham, the Rays recalled Hu on April 23rd, and made his major league debut on the 24th in a relief capacity. This made him only the 11th Taiwan-born person to ever play in Major League Baseball; and the first for the Rays.
After being sent down to Triple-A on May 3rd, he was recalled again on May 4th.
In two appearences for the Rays so far, Hu has not given up an earned run. Now, that’s only over 1.2 innings of work, but still.
On May 4th, his family was at Tropicana Field. This was the first time that Hu’s family was able to see him pitch in America – and he did not disappoint.
Chih-Wei Hu is on to start the ninth.
It’s the first time his family has watched him pitch in the US. pic.twitter.com/uLQy2qP0kr
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 5, 2017
Hu was sent back down to Durham on May 5th, in exchange for LHP Justin Marks. With Xavier Cedeno on the 10-day DL, the Rays are looking for left-handed help out of the bullpen. Either way, the future is bright for the young righty. Just another example of how strong the Rays farm system is.
