SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2015 Vs. NEW YORK METS RH Matt Andriese Vs

SALUTE TO BALF—Today RH Grant Balfour returned to Rays camp af- Jose Dominguez…C Rene Rivera hit a TODAY’S STARTING LINEUP ter 18 days at home in Australia tending to his father, David Balfour, who 2-run home run in the 4th, his first homer 7 David DeJesus (L) LF passed away on Wednesday after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer… in a Rays uniform…CF Kevin Kiermaier 2 Nick Franklin (S) SS he was 62…to honor Mr. Balfour—longtime GM of the Sydney Blue Sox added an RBI double in the 6th…LH C.J. 28 John Jaso (L) DH of the Australia Baseball League—the Rays will wear light blue socks for Riefenhauser recorded the final 3 outs 3 Evan Longoria (R) 3B today’s game just like the Sydney club does…on Feb 28, Grant was in- (2-SO) to earn the save. 21 James Loney (L) 1B ducted into the Australia Baseball Hall of Fame…the Hall moved up Grant’s 20 Steven Souza Jr. (R) CF 83 Jake Elmore (R) 2B induction, which usually happens after retirement, so his father could see it. LONGO THE LEADER—The longest-ten- 64 Corey Brown (L) RF ured current member of the Rays, 3B Evan 60 Bobby Wilson (R) C SLICE OF GRAPEFRUIT—The Rays have won 3 of their last 4 games, af- Longoria, is the franchise’s career leader 35 Matt Andriese RHP ter beginning the spring 1-5-1…today is the sixth of 14 games at Charlotte with 184 HR, 635 RBI, .494 SLG and 48 Sports Park this spring…the Rays also play 16 road games and one home sac flies…entering 2015, he needs only RAYS IN game at Tropicana Field (April 4 vs. DET)…this is the Rays 18th spring in the 4 2B to break Ben Zobrist’s club record SPRING TRAINING Grapefruit League and seventh calling Charlotte Sports Park home…the 2014 (229) and 3 extra-base hits to pass Carl 2015 4-6-1 24,644 Rays recorded the best spring record in the majors at 16-7-4 (.696), their third Crawford’s team mark (424)…he needs 2014 16-7-4 78,264 Grapefruit League title in a span of seven seasons (also 2008, 2010). 25 hits to reach 1,000 for his career…he 2013 15-17-2 90,935 2012 10-16-6 87,916 ÊÊ Since becoming the Rays in 2008, also enters 2015 with the majors’ longest 2011 15-14-2 95,859 the team has recorded at least 15 BEST RECORDS, MLB, active streak of games started, at 169. 2010 20-8-2 97,971 wins in six out of seven spring train- SPRING TRAINING, 2008-15 2009 15-16-1 103,255 ings—something they never did in 10 Kansas City 131-92 .587 CLEAN SLATE—The Rays enter their 2008 18-8-2 54,960 springs as the Devil Rays…the Rays LA Angels 129-95 .576 first season under Manager Kevin Cash, 2007 10-19-2 79,044 have compiled a 113-92 (.551) spring Detroit 128-99 .564 and also with Matt Silverman at the head 2006 13-16-1 70,756 record during this span, 4th best in Tampa Bay 113-92 .551 of the Baseball Operations department… 2005 13-16 61,261 NY Yankees 121-99 .550 the majors (see chart). Silverman assumed his role of President, 2004 11-8 43,916 Baseball Operations on Oct 14, and he 2003 8-19-3 51,324 2002 10-16-1 49,043 MINOR MATTERS—Today, a minor league intrasquad game will be held at hired Cash as the fifth manager in Rays 2001 12-15-1 57,081 11 a.m., with RH Kevin Jepsen, RH Ernesto Frieri, RH Brad Boxberger, history on Dec 5…they succeeded Joe 2000 14-17 67,089 RH Brandon Gomes and LH Jeff Believeau all scheduled to pitch…Rene Maddon and Andrew Friedman, whose 1999 14-14-1 59,230 Rivera is scheduled to catch in that game. nine years together made them the 1998 12-18 66,781 longest-tenured manager/GM pairing in Total 230-250-29 1,239,689 COMEBACK CORNER—LH Drew Smyly (left shoulder tendinitis) threw 30 baseball…Cash is the youngest current pitches today at 60 to 70 feet, and felt good…LH Jake McGee (offseason manager or head coach in the major four left shoulder surgery) is expected to throw his first bullpen on Tuesday… sports; Celtics head coach Brad Stevens (38) is the runner-up…on Open- RH Grant Balfour is expected to throw to hitters on Tuesday, including OF ing Day, Cash (at 37 years, 120 days) will be the youngest manager in MLB Brandon Guyer (oblique). since ARI A.J. Hinch, who debuted on May 8, 2009 (34y, 358d).

OFF DAY…MOSTLY—Tomorrow is the Rays first of two off-days this spring, SEVEN YEARS AS THE RAYS (2008-14)—Since changing their name the other coming March 24…but it’s not an off-day for RH Jake Odorizzi, to the Rays in 2008, the Rays are 627-508 (.552) in the regular season, who pitches in a minor league intrasquad game at 10 a.m. fourth-best record in the majors after the Yankees (.571), Angels (.554) and Cardinals (.554)…the Rays have won 90-plus games five times, most in the RUN PREVENTION—The Rays lead all major league teams with a 2.23 ERA majors in this span…they have advanced to the postseason four times; only (97-IP, 24-ER)—45 points better than the next lowest (Reds, 2.68) and 53 the Cardinals (five) have been more often. points better than any other Grapefruit League club (Yankees, 2.76)…only ÊÊ The Rays pitching staff has allowed only 4,536 runs, fewest by an one staff has yielded fewer home runs than the Rays (4): the Cardinals (3). AL team over a span of seven full seasons since 1974-80 (Orioles ÊÊ The Rays have committed 17 errors this spring, most in the Grape- 4,271; Yankees 4,353)…they have thrown 96 shutouts, most by an fruit League…they’ve erred only once in the last 3 games. AL team over a seven-year span since the 1975-81 Yankees (also 96)…they achieved all this while starting a pitcher under the age of MARGINS ARE TIGHT—Seven of the Rays first 11 games have been de- 30 in 93.5 pct. of their games (1,062 of 1,135). cided by one run (2-5), and one ended in a tie (March 7 at PIT)…the Rays find themselves at 4-6-1 despite outscoring their opponents, 35-32…the RAYS ON THE RADIO—Today is the fourth of 9 games this spring airing Rays have allowed the fewest runs in the majors, while the offense has on the Rays Radio Network…10 additional games are airing on MLB.com… scored the 2nd fewest, ahead of only the Pirates (31). broadcasters Andy Freed and Dave Wills are entering their 11th season ÊÊ The Rays are batting .224 as a team, 3rd-lowest mark in the ma- together in the Rays booth…among all 30 major league broadcast teams, jors…they also have the majors’ 2nd-lowest OBP (.274). only three have a longer tenured radio broadcast duo: ÊÊ Of the Rays 35 runs scored this spring, 31 have come in the 5th in- ÊÊ Tigers—Dan Dickerson & Jim Price entering 13th season together ning or later. ÊÊ Orioles—Joe Angel & Fred Manfra entering 12th season together ÊÊ Giants—Jon Miller & Dave Flemming entering 12th season together RAYS vs. METS: A GRAPEFRUIT RARITY—The last two occasions the Rays and Mets played in Grapefruit League games were both at Tropicana NON-ROSTER INVITES TO MAKE RAYS OPENING DAY ROSTER— Field: April 2, 2010 (Rays won, 4-2; Matt Garza beat Mike Pelfrey) and 1998 RH Rolando Arrojo March 31, 2007 (Rays won, 8-3; James Shields beat Pelfrey)…the last 2000 RH Dave Eiland, INF Herbert Perry time the clubs met at either team’s spring training site was March 20, 2003 2001 RH Ken Hill at Port St. Lucie, when David Cone beat Joe Kennedy, 8-2. 2003 OF Rocco Baldelli, LH Jim Parque, RH Steve Parris ÊÊ The 2015 interleague schedule brings the Mets to Tropicana Field 2005 OF Chris Singleton, RH Hideo Nomo for a weekend series, Aug 7-9…the Rays are 7-11 all-time against 2006 RH Jason Childers, RH Ruddy Lugo, INF Luis Ordaz the Mets (3-6 at home, 4-5 on road)…New York’s last visit to St. Pete 2007 RH Gary Glover, 1B Carlos Peña, RH Al Reyes was June 12-14, 2012, when the Mets swept the Rays in 3 games 2008 INF/OF Eric Hinske and outscored them, 29-9. 2011 RH Juan Cruz 2013 1B/OF Shelley Duncan, RH Jamey Wright LEANING LEFT—With RH Bartolo Colon on the hill, today ends a streak of 4 games against left-handed starter…the Rays have faced a southpaw UPCOMING PROBABLES—Today vs. NYM starter in 7 of their first 11 games. ÊÊ TB—RH Matt Andriese (start), RH Burch Smith, RH Jim Miller, RH Kirby Yates, LH Jordan Norberto YESTERDAY’S ACTION—The Rays defeated the Orioles, 3-2, their third ÊÊ NYM—RH Bartolo Colon (start), RH Carlos Torres, LH Dario Alva- win in the last 4 games…they improved to 5-0-1 in their last 6 games at rez, RH Jon Velasquez, LH Jack Leathersich Ed Smith Stadium, and still haven’t lost there since March 1, 2011…start- Tues., March 17 at PHI, 1:05 p.m. er RH Nathan Karns threw 4 perfect innings on 53 pitches (33 strikes), ÊÊ TB—RH Alex Cobb (start), relievers TBA with 2 SO…the Orioles didn’t have a base runner until 2 outs in the 5th ÊÊ PHI—RH Jerome Williams (start), RH David Buchanan, RH Ken inning, when 3B Taylor Motter committed a throwing error behind RH Giles, RH Phillippe Aumont, RH Nefi Ogando UPCOMING PROBABLES (cont.)— Wed., March 18 at TOR, 1:05 p.m. CHARLOTTE SPORTS PARK MEDIA INFORMATION Ê Ê TB—TBA Pregame Media Schedule (all 1:05 games) Ê Ê TOR—LH Mark Buehrle (start), LH Aaron Loup, RH Steve Delabar, Clubhouse opens to media 8:00 a.m. LH Jeff Francis, RH Wilton Lopez, RH Kyle Drabek Kevin Cash available (manager’s office) 9:15 a.m. Rays stretch 9:30 a.m. TODAY’S RAYS STARTER—RH Matt Andriese Rays batting practice 10:15 a.m. Ê Ê 2015 Spring: 0-0, 1.93 ERA (4.2-IP, 1-ER) in 2 G, 1 GS Visitors batting practice 11:15 a.m. ÊÊ 2014 w/Durham: 11-8, 3.77 ERA (162.1-IP, 68-ER) in 28 G, 25 GS ÊÊ 25-year-old makes his second start of the spring, third app…on Tue 2015 Rays Media Guides are available digitally on RaysPressbox.com at BOS, was charged with the loss opposite Justin Masterson as he and MLBPressbox.com…see a member of the Communications staff to allowed 2 runs, unearned, in the 3rd inning after a fielding error by SS request a hard copy. Nick Franklin…he threw 49 pitches (30 strikes) over 2.2 IP. Parking is available to media on the grass directly behind the paved lots ÊÊ On March 6 vs. MIN, worked 2 IP (2-H, 1-R/ER) in relief of Jake of the main ballpark entrance...media parking is free to those with spring Odorizzi…allowed an RBI double to Max Kepler and threw 18 of 22 training credentials...please see the Communications staff for a pass if pitches for strikes. you plan to cover a large number of games. ÊÊ In 2014 with Durham, went 11-3 with a 3.19 ERA (115.2-IP, 41-ER) in 20 games, 18 starts through July 17…after that went 0-4 with a 5.21 Rays Clubhouse will open at 8 a.m. on most days and close at 9 a.m. ERA (46.2-IP, 27-ER) in 8 games, 7 starts. …it will re-open after workouts and batting practice on game days and ÊÊ Ranked 2nd in the Rays system with 129 SO, trailing Durham team- when necessary in-game. mate Nathan Karns (153)…among International League pitchers, ranked 4th in SO, 3rd in IP (162.1) and 4th in WHIP (1.24). Media Workroom (in addition to the press box) is located at Charlotte ÊÊ Won both his starts in the International League playoffs, Sep 5 vs. Sports Park on the first floor of the building located beyond the right field Columbus (Indians) and Sep 11 vs. Pawtucket (Red Sox). fence that houses the Rays clubhouse and executive offices. Ê Ê Acquired along with Brad Boxberger and Logan Forsythe in a sev- Media Dining is located behind the press box...the Rays serve a meal en-player trade with the Padres on Jan 22, 2014. prior to all home games at Charlotte Sports Park at a cost of $8. Day-by-Day W/L IP H R ER BB SO HR HB WP Result Daily Credentials must be requested at credentials.mlb.com at least 24 3/6 vs. MIN — 2.0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 W, 2-1 hours in advance…credentials can be picked up at the reception desk 3/10 at BOS L-1 2.2 2 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 L, 1-5 located in the entrance of the Rays Clubhouse Building until 3 hours before first pitch, after which point they must be picked up at Guest Ser- 2015 SPRING INNINGS PLAYED (“A” GAMES)—Acosta (7-C, 3-DH), vices near the box office. Beckham (16-2B, 15-SS), Belnome (26-1B), Brett (22-2B), Brown (24-LF, 1-RF, 2-DH), Butler (4-LF, 26-RF, 9-DH), Cabrera (11-2B, 18-SS, 5-DH), RAYSPRESSBOX.COM & TWITTER Carter (2-RF), Casali (19-C), Casilla (19-2B, 8-3B), Coyle (3-2B), DeJesus RaysPressbox.com is a private, media-only website that serves as a (13-LF, 16-RF), Dykstra (17-1B), Elmore (13-2B, 6-3B, 8-SS, 6-RF), For- central location for all Rays media information. Content includes 2015 sythe (8-1B, 3-2B, 14-3B, 6-DH), Francisco (13-1B, 10-3B, 1-DH), Franklin Media Guide PDF files, press releases, game notes, statistics and other (14-2B, 14-SS, 9-DH), Gantt (1-LF), Guyer (5-LF), Jaso (11-LF, 23-DH), gameday documents as well as daily audio and video clips. Jennings (17-LF, 11-CF), Kiermaier (32-CF, 6-DH), Lee (22-SS, 4-DH), Username: media | Password: r@ys2015 Loney (28-1B), Longoria (29-3B), Mahtook (3-LF, 28-CF, 1-RF), Maile (14- Media are also encouraged to follow the private @RaysPressbox C, 13-DH), Motter (1-1B, 8-3B, 9-LF, 13-RF), O’Conner (10-C, 7-DH), Pow- Twitter account to be notified of all media alerts. ell (6-LF, 15-CF), Rickard (3-LF), Rivera (27-C), Robertson (1-3B, 12-SS), Shaffer (7-3B), Souza Jr. (3-1B, 10-CF, 22-RF), Velez (9-3B, 6-SS, 9-LF), RAYS COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT INFO Wilson (18-C, 9-DH). Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Rd., Port Charlotte, FL 33948

SPRING TRANSACTIONS— Main Number, Rays Office (941) 235-5025 Mar 5 Signed RH Jim Miller to a minor league contract with an invita- Communications Department (941) 235-5044 tion to major league spring training. Press Box (941) 235-5082 Mar 10 Signed LH Jonny Venters to a minor league contract. Rick Vaughn, Vice President [email protected] Mar 12 Reassigned INF Daniel Robertson and OF Boog Powell to mi- Cell – (727) 439-0671 nor league camp. Dave Haller, Sr. Director [email protected] Cell – (727) 773-6904 Carli Todd, Sr. Coordinator [email protected] (handles credential requests) Cell – (732) 606-3915 Dukes Knutson, Press Box Attendant

2015 TAMPA BAY RAYS SPRING TRAINING SCHEDULE DAY DATE OPPONENT SITE R/TV TIME/SCORE W-L WP LP ATT Thu March 5 Baltimore Charlotte County M L, 2-3 0-1-0 Davies (1-0) Zarate (0-1) 4,884 Fri March 6 Minnesota Charlotte County M W, 2-1 1-1-0 Norberto (1-0) Achter (0-1) 4,158 Sat March 7 @Pittsburgh Bradenton R T, 1-1 (10) 1-1-1 — — 8,303 Sun March 8 Philadelphia Charlotte County R L, 4-5 1-2-1 Slowey (2-0) Archer (0-1) 5,837 Mon March 9 @New York Yankees Tampa L, 3-4 1-3-1 Pineda (1-0) Karns (0-1) 9,821 Tue March 10 Pittsburgh Charlotte County M L, 3-4 1-4-1 Beckman (1-0) Romero (0-1) 3,989 @Boston Fort Myers L, 1-5 1-5-1 Masterson (1-0) Andriese (0-1) 10,156 Wed March 11 @Minnesota Lee County W, 5-2 2-5-1 Dominguez (1-0) Thielbar (0-1) 7,454 Thu March 12 Toronto Charlotte County M W, 10-3 3-5-1 Gomes (1-0) Estrada (0-1) 5,776 Fri March 13 @Philadelphia Clearwater L, 1-2 3-6-1 Biddle (1-0) Archer (0-2) 9,338 Sat March 14 @Baltimore Sarasota R W, 3-2 4-6-1 Karns (1-1) Berry (0-1) 8,219 Sun March 15 New York Mets Charlotte County R 1:05 p.m. Mon March 16 OPEN DATE Tue March 17 @Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05 p.m. Wed March 18 @Toronto Dunedin 1:07 p.m. Thu March 19 Minnesota Charlotte County M/T 1:05 p.m. Fri March 20 Toronto Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Sat March 21 Minnesota Charlotte County R 1:05 p.m. Sun March 22 @Toronto Dunedin R 12:37 p.m. Mon March 23 Pittsburgh Charlotte County M 1:05 p.m. Tue March 24 OPEN DATE Wed March 25 @Minnesota Lee County 1:05 p.m. Thu March 26 New York Yankees Charlotte County M/T 1:05 p.m. Fri March 27 @Baltimore Sarasota 1:05 p.m. Sat March 28 Boston Charlotte County R/T 1:05 p.m. Sun March 29 @Boston Fort Myers R 1:05 p.m. Mon March 30 Baltimore Charlotte Sports Park M 1:05 p.m. Tue March 31 Boston Charlotte Sports Park M 1:05 p.m. @Baltimore Sarasota 1:05 p.m. Wed April 1 @New York Yankees Tampa 1:05 p.m. Thu April 2 @Philadelphia Clearwater 1:05 p.m. Fri April 3 @Detroit Lakeland 1:05 p.m. Sat April 4 Detroit Tropicana Field R/T 12:35 p.m. Home Games in Bold (R) Rays Radio Network (T) Sun Sports (M) MLB.com Radio