THURSDAY, MARCH 3, 2016 Vs. BALTIMORE ORIOLES RH Erasmo Ramirez Vs

BASEBALL IS BACK—Today is the Rays BEST RECORD, MLB, any other visiting player in that span… TODAY’S STARTING LINEUP second of 29 games on the Grapefruit SPRING TRAINING, 2008-15 among all players with as many at-bats at 13 Brad Miller (L) SS League schedule, and second of 14 dates W-L-T Pct. Tropicana Field (73), his career .644 SLG 8 Desmond Jennings (R) LF at Charlotte Sports Park…not included Royals 141-101 .583 ranks 2nd to Travis Hafner (.648). 10 Corey Dickerson (L) DH is the March 22 game in Havana, Cuba, Angels 139-104 .572 11 Logan Forsythe (R) 2B against the Cuban National Team…the Rays 124-100 .554 NEW TO THE 40-MAN ROSTER (8)— 28 Steve Pearce (R) 1B schedule includes two split-squad days: Cardinals 121-100 .548 ÊÊ Signed as Free Agent (2): INF/OF 5 Brandon Guyer (R) CF Tigers 135-113 .544 38 Taylor Motter (R) 3B March 13 (vs. BOS, at TOR) and April 1 Steve Pearce, RH Ryan Webb 44 Rene Rivera (R) C Ê (at ATL, at DET). Ê Acquired in Trades (5): C Hank 68 Jaff Decker (L) RF ÊÊ This is the Rays 19th spring in the Grapefruit League and eighth call- Conger, OF Corey Dickerson, RH 30 Erasmo Ramirez RHP ing Charlotte Sports Park home…since becoming the Rays in 2008, Danny Farquhar, INF Brad Miller, the team has recorded at least 15 wins in seven out of eight spring 1B/OF Logan Morrison RAYS IN trainings…they never achieved this in 10 springs as the Devil Rays… ÊÊ Claimed off Waivers (1): RH SPRING TRAINING the Rays have compiled a 124-100 (.554) spring record during this Chase Whitley W-L-T Att. span, 3rd best in the majors (see chart)…the Rays are three-time 2016 0-1-0 4,432 2015 15-13-2 80,406 Grapefruit League champions (2008, 2010, 2014). — KEY LOSSES (11) 2014 16-7-4 78,264 Ê Ê Free Agent (5): SS Asdrubal Ca- 2013 15-17-2 90,935 RAYS vs. ORIOLES—Today is the first of 4 games this spring between the brera, RH Brandon Gomes, DH 2012 10-16-6 87,916 clubs…they meet again Saturday in Sarasota (Orioles are a split-squad), John Jaso, OF Daniel Nava, OF 2011 15-14-2 95,859 March 19 here, and March 20 in Sarasota…last spring the Rays went 2-1-1 Grady Sizemore 2010 20-8-2 97,971 with one rainout vs. Baltimore…the Rays haven’t lost at Sarasota’s Ed Smith ÊÊ Traded (4): RH Nathan Karns, LH 2009 15-16-1 103,255 Stadium since March 1, 2011, going 6-0-2 since then. Jake McGee, LH C.J. Riefenhaus- 2008 18-8-2 54,960 ÊÊ In 2015, the Rays went 9-10 against the Orioles (5-8 at Tropicana er, RH Kirby Yates 2007 10-19-2 79,044 2006 13-16-1 70,756 Field, 4-2 in Baltimore), despite outscoring them 78-64 and outhom- ÊÊ Released (1): C J.P. Arencibia 2005 13-16 61,261 ering them, 24-19…Rays pitchers limited Baltimore to a .210 avg. Ê OF Joey Butler Ê Waived (1): 2004 11-8 43,916 and .607 OPS…they had never before held an AL East opponent to 2003 8-19-3 51,324 such a low OPS while losing the season series. HOT STOVE TONIGHT—INF Brad Mill- 2002 10-16-1 49,043 er, bullpen coach Stan Boroski and major 2001 12-15-1 57,081 NATIONALS 6, RAYS 2—Yesterday the Rays opened their Grapefruit league coach Jamie Nelson are guests 2000 14-17 67,089 League schedule with a 6-2 loss to the Nationals here at Charlotte Sports on this week’s edition of the Hot Stove ra- 1999 14-14-1 59,230 Park…starter RH Jake Odorizzi retired the side in order in the 1st inning dio show, airing on WDAE 620 AM from 1998 12-18 66,781 (1-SO, 8 pitches, 6 strikes)…C Curt Casali made an errant pickoff attempt 7 to 8 p.m. tonight from Charlotte Sports Total 241-258-30 1,299,883 in the 3rd, putting the Nationals ahead, 1-0…the unearned run was charged Park…hosts Dave Wills and Andy Freed to LH Enny Romero (2-IP, 1-R, 0-ER, 2-SO)…the Rays claimed the lead will be joined by Neil Solondz. BEST RECORD, MLB, REGULAR SEASON, 2008-15 in the 3rd on a 2-out double by LF Desmond Jennings, scoring CF Kevin ÊÊ The radio broadcast of today’s W-L-T Pct. Kiermaier and DH Logan Morrison…LF Jaff Decker recorded an outfield game is available at raysbaseball. Yankees 735-561 .567 assist, throwing out 1B Matt Skole at home in the 6th…LH Blake Snell (1- com, Neil Solondz and Doug Cardinals 728-568 .562 IP, 3-H, 3-R/ER, 1-BB) took the loss in his spring debut after allowing a 3-R Waechter are in the booth…Sat- Angels 713-583 .550 home run to 3B Scott Sizemore. urday and Sunday will air on the Rays 707-590 .545 Rays Radio Network, with Dave Dodgers 705-590 .544 THE VITALS—Due to an 8:30 a.m. team meeting, the Rays clubhouse is Wills and Andy Freed in the booth open to media today from 8–8:30, and again after BP from 11–11:30…Man- and Neil providing in-game reports. ager Kevin Cash will be available in his office at 9:30…players will do fun- damental drills at 10:00, and take BP at 10:20…for fans, parking lots open RAYS UP FOR OUR COMMUNITY—This Sunday, March 6 vs. MIN, is Lit- at 10:00 (parking is $10) and gates open at 11:00. tle League Day…Little Leaguers from Charlotte County area little leagues ÊÊ Spring training tickets are available online at raysbaseball.com, by will receive a free general admission ticket at the box office on the day of phone at 888-FAN-RAYS or in person at the Charlotte Sports Park the game by wearing their Little League jersey. Box Office…the Charlotte Sports Park box office opens at 10 a.m. ÊÊ This Wednesday, March 9 vs. TOR, is Heroes Day, when the Rays will honor first responders of the Charlotte County area…employees CUBA TRIP FINALIZED—On Tuesday, Major League Baseball and the of the Charlotte County area’s police departments, fire departments, Major League Baseball Players Association announced the Rays will of- EMTs and other first responder organizations will have the opportu- ficially travel to Cuba to play the Cuban National Team on March 22 at Es- nity to receive a free general admission ticket when they present their tadio Latinoamericano in Havana…ESPN and ESPN Deportes will provide employee identification badge at the Charlotte Sports Park box office live, national coverage of the game, and ESPN’s SportsCenter will have an the day of the game. on-site presence in Havana on March 21-22…the Rays will be only the sec- ÊÊ The Sixth Annual BaseBALL Dinner & Auction benefiting the Boys & ond major league club in the last 57 years to play a game in Cuba…most Girls Clubs of Charlotte County will be held on Friday, March 11 at recently, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Cuban National Team on March 6:30 p.m., at Charlotte Sports Park…to purchase tickets, fans should 28, 1999 by a score of 3-2 in 11 innings, before 50,000 fans at Estadio call (941) 979-8379…for the seventh consecutive year, the Rays Latinoamericano…see separate “Baseball in Cuba” packet for more details. will be featured at the event…expected this year are Rays Manager ÊÊ Media interested in traveling to Cuba for the event must contact John Kevin Cash, his coaching staff and several players. Blundell of the MLB Communications Department as soon as pos- sible to receive consideration…email [email protected]. EIGHT YEARS AS THE RAYS (2008-15)—Since changing their name to the Rays in 2008, the Rays are 707-590 (.545), fourth-best record in the ROLL CALL—All 64 players have reported to camp, consisting of 33 P, majors after the Yankees (.567), Cardinals (.562) and Angels (.550)…their 7 C, 14 INF and 10 OF…23 are non-roster invites…seven players on the four postseason appearances in this span have been equaled by only the 40-man roster joined the organization since the end of the 2015 regular Yankees (5), Tigers (4) and Rangers (4). season, five of those via trade…19 players on the 40-man roster were ac- ÊÊ During this span, the Rays pitching staff leads the American League quired via trade…only six players on the current 40-man roster made their with a 3.72 ERA, 10,085 strikeouts, a .240 opp avg. and 108 shut- Rays debut prior to 2013: 3B Evan Longoria, OF Desmond Jennings, RH outs…their 5,178 runs allowed are the fewest by an AL team over any Alex Cobb, OF Brandon Guyer, LH Matt Moore and RH Chris Archer. eight-year span since the Yankees of 1979-86 (5,173). ÊÊ In the Rays era, Tampa Bay has had 15 different players named to the STEVE PEARCE—Signed with the Rays as a free agent after spending All-Star Team, and none of them had been an All-Star prior to joining the last three seasons with Baltimore…he’s slugged 36 HR over the past the organization. two seasons after hitting 25 total in his first seven major league seasons… the Lakeland native enjoyed his greatest success against the Rays…his VIDEO ON A SILVER PLATTER—The Rays provide a daily postgame video 10 career HR vs. the Rays all came with Baltimore, and are twice as he’s feed of 17 non-televised spring training games…this will include about two hit vs. any other opponent…has 7 HR in 73 AB lifetime at Tropicana Field, minutes of highlights plus two short interviews…for day games, video should and his 10.43 AB/HR ratio there is the best of any player (min. 20 G)…all 7 be uploaded by 5:15 p.m. …to receive email updates or for more informa- HR at Tropicana Field have come over the last two seasons, 2 more than tion, contact Chris Tilley ([email protected] or 727-434-0497). UPCOMING PROBABLES—Today vs. BAL ÊÊ TB—RH Erasmo Ramirez (start), LH Dana Eveland, RH Matt Andri- CHARLOTTE SPORTS PARK MEDIA INFORMATION ese, RH Danny Farquhar, RH Steve Geltz, RH Jaime Schultz Pregame Media Schedule (all 1:05 games) ÊÊ BAL—RH Miguel Gonzalez (start), LH T.J. McFarland, RH Dylan Bun- Clubhouse opens to media 8:30 a.m. dy, RH Brad Brach, RH Chaz Roe, RH Hunter Harvey Kevin Cash available (manager’s office) 9:30 a.m. Fri., March 4 at BOS Rays stretch 9:30 a.m. ÊÊ TB—RH Chris Archer (start), RH Kyle McPherson, RH Jhan Mariñez, Rays batting practice 10:20 a.m. LH Adam Wilk, RH Adam Reifer, RH Jacob Faria, RH Parker Markel Visitors batting practice 11:20 a.m. Ê Ê BOS—RH Joe Kelly (start), RH Steven Wright, RH Junichi Tazawa, 2016 Rays Media Guides are available digitally on RaysPressbox.com RH Craig Kimbrel, RH William Cuevas, RH Roman Mendez and MLBPressbox.com…see a member of the Communications staff to Sat., March 5 at BAL request a hard copy. ÊÊ TB—LH Drew Smyly (start), RH Andrew Bellatti, LH Enny Romero, RH Eddie Gamboa, LH Justin Marks, RH Ryan Garton, RH Mark Sap- Parking is available to media on the grass directly behind the paved lots pington of the main ballpark entrance...media parking is free to those with spring ÊÊ BAL—RH Kevin Gausman (start), relievers TBA training credentials...please see the Communications staff for a pass if you plan to cover a large number of games. TODAY’S RAYS STARTER—RH Erasmo Ramirez Rays Clubhouse will be open from 8:30–9:30 a.m. on most days…it will ÊÊ 2015 with Rays: 11-6, 3.75 ERA (163.1-IP, 68-ER) in 34 G, 27 GS re-open when necessary in-game. ÊÊ Makes his first spring start in a Rays uniform…in 2015, set career highs with 27 starts, 163.1 IP and 11 wins…his 11 victories finished one shy Media Workroom (separate from the press box) is located at Charlotte of Chris Archer for the team lead and tied Matt Garza (11-9 in 2008) Sports Park on the first floor of the building located beyond the right field for most by a Rays pitcher the season after he was acquired via trade. fence that houses the Rays clubhouse and executive offices. ÊÊ Yielded 2 ER or fewer in 18 of his 27 starts; 1 ER or fewer in 13 of 27. ÊÊ From April 19–season’s end, he was one of the best pitchers in the Media Dining is located behind the press box...the Rays serve a meal AL…during that span ranked among league leaders with a 3.02 ERA prior to all home games at Charlotte Sports Park at a cost of $8. (4th), .223 opp avg. (4th), .274 opp OBP (3rd), .344 opp SLG (4th) and Daily Credentials must be requested at credentials.mlb.com at least 24 1.04 WHIP (2nd)…his ERA stood at 25.31 (5.1-IP, 15-ER) after his first hours in advance…credentials can be picked up at the reception desk 2 apps, prior to April 19. located in the entrance of the Rays Clubhouse Building until 3 hours Ê Ê His 11-6 record (.647) tied for the 10th-best winning pct. in the AL…led before first pitch, after which point they must be picked up at Guest Ser- the AL with a 6-1 (.857) record on the road, 2nd in the majors to CHC vices near the box office. Jake Arrieta (13-1, .929)…lone road loss came in his first road start (April 15 at TOR), and was 6-0 in 13 road starts after that, longest road CONNECT WITH US unbeaten streak in Rays history (prev. 10 starts by Alex Cobb in 2014). Wireless Internet is available in the Press Box and Media Workroom. ÊÊ Led all AL pitchers with a .193 opp avg. and .255 opp OBP against left- Network: MLB-Press2016 | Password: MediaPressWiFi handed batters (min. 200 BF). ÊÊ Averaged only 14.75 pitches per inning, 3rd fewest in the AL behind RaysPressbox.com is a private, media-only website and central location TOR Mark Buehrle (14.24) and CLE Corey Kluber (14.74). for all Rays media info, including 2016 Media Guide PDF files, press ÊÊ vs. Orioles: Went 1-2 with a 3.71 ERA (26.2-IP, 11-ER) in 5 games (4 releases, game notes, statistics and other gameday documents. starts) in 2015…recorded 18 SO and only 1 BB…in fact, in 40.2 career Username: media | Password: r@ys2016 innings, has 30 SO and only 1 BB. Media are also encouraged to follow the private @RaysPressbox ÊÊ Acquired from Seattle a week before Opening Day 2015, in exchange Twitter account to be notified of all media alerts. for LH Mike Montgomery, after losing a battle for a rotation spot to Taijuan Walker. RAYS COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT INFO Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte, FL 33948

SPRING TRANSACTIONS— Main Number, Rays Office (941) 235-5025 Feb 18 Signed RH Ryan Webb to a major league contract; placed RH Communications Department (941) 235-5044 Chase Whitley (Tommy John surgery) on the 60-day DL. Press Box (941) 235-5082 Rick Vaughn, Vice President [email protected] 2016 SPRING INNINGS PLAYED (“A” GAMES)—Beckham (4-SS), Brett (5- Cell – (727) 439-0671 2B), Casali (5-C), Conger (4-C), Decker (5-LF), Field (5-RF), Franklin (4-2B), Dave Haller, Sr. Director [email protected] Gillaspie (5-1B), Jennings (4-LF), Kiermaier (4-CF), Loney (4-1B), Longoria Cell – (727) 773-6904 (4-3B), Mahtook (4-RF), Maile (5-DH), Morrison (4-DH), Robertson (5-SS), Craig Vanderkam, Sr. Coordinator [email protected] (handles credential requests) Cell – (616) 389-9863 Shaffer (5-3B), Varona (5-CF). George Pappas, Sr. Coordinator [email protected] Cell – (727) 542-6932 Dukes Knutson, Press Box Attendant

2016 TAMPA BAY RAYS SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE DAY DATE OPPONENT SITE R/TV TIME/SCORE W-L WP LP ATT Wed March 2 Washington Charlotte County M L, 2-6 0-1-0 Martin (1-0) Snell (0-1) 4,432 Thu March 3 Baltimore Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Fri March 4 @Boston Fort Myers 1:05 p.m. Sat March 5 @Baltimore Sarasota R 7:05 p.m. Sun March 6 Minnesota Charlotte County R 1:05 p.m. Mon March 7 @Boston Fort Myers 1:05 p.m. Tue March 8 @Detroit Lakeland 1:05 p.m. Wed March 9 Toronto Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Thu March 10 Pittsburgh Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Fri March 11 @Pittsburgh Bradenton 1:05 p.m. Sat March 12 New York-AL Charlotte County T/R 1:05 p.m. Sun March 13 Boston (SS) Charlotte County R 1:05 p.m. @Toronto (SS) Dunedin 1:05 p.m. Mon March 14 @Atlanta Disney 1:05 p.m. Tue March 15 Philadelphia Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Wed March 16 OPEN DATE Thu March 17 @Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05 p.m. Fri March 18 Boston Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Sat March 19 Baltimore Charlotte County R 1:05 p.m. Sun March 20 @Baltimore Sarasota R 1:05 p.m. Mon March 21 OPEN DATE Tue March 22 Cuban National Team Havana, Cuba E TBA Wed March 23 @Minnesota Lee County 1:05 p.m. Thu March 24 @New York-AL Tampa R 6:35 p.m. Fri March 25 Minnesota Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Sat March 26 @Pittsburgh Bradenton R 6:05 p.m. Sun March 27 Toronto Charlotte County T/R 1:05 p.m. Mon March 28 OPEN DATE Tue March 29 @Toronto (SS) Dunedin 1:05 p.m. Wed March 30 Boston (SS) Charlotte County T/M 1:05 p.m. Thu March 31 Pittsburgh Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Fri April 1 @Atlanta (SS) Disney 1:05 p.m. @Detroit (SS) Lakeland 1:05 p.m.

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