Jack Flaherty had a strong final spring outing against the Rays, pitching 4.2 innings with 8 strikeouts. RH Jacob Waguespack competed for a spot in the Rays rotation, but Tyler Alexander claimed the final starter spot. Waguespack will be a multi-inning reliever. The Rays have finalized their opening day roster with both Alexander and Waguespack making the team.
LHP Tyler Alexander was claimed off waivers from #Tigers, former #BlueJays RHP Jacob Waguespack signed a minor-league deal after 2 seasons in Japan. Both pitchers made #Rays opening day roster. https://t.co/howHKvI5lq
Tyler Alexander To Begin Season In Rays' Rotation; Team Still Considering Bench Additions https://t.co/P4EqSbbohU https://t.co/XJOau1G9eF
Tyler Alexander claims Rays rotation spot https://t.co/EU6G6dJJBn
LHP Tyler Alexander gets the final starter spot in #Rays rotation, though he will pitch in Game 4 Sunday vs. #BlueJays (possibly behind an opener), with Ryan Pepiot in Game 5 Monday vs. #Rangers. RHP Jacob Waguespack will open season in bullpen, likely in long relief role.
Rays roster news: Jacob Waguespack has made the team and will be a multi-inning reliever. Tyler Alexander will either start the 4th game of the season or be the bulk reliever. It's a sign that Jake Odorizzi isn't ready. It's his call whether he'll stay in their extended camp.
#Rays have optioned RHP Kevin Kelly to AAA @DurhamBulls, which would seem to mean (barring a late acquisition) that Tyler Alexander and Jacob Waguespack both make the opening day roster
Only the 2 innings, and 40 pitches, for #Rays Waguespack, which seems like a short outing if he is going to take final spot in rotation. Alexander threw 89 pitches over 6 innings in a minor-league game Sunday.
RH Jacob Waguespack, competing with LH Tyler Alexander for final spot in #Rays rotation, allowed a leadoff single to Schwarber and a 2-out 2-run homer to Realmuto, also struck out Turner and Harper while hitting 96 mph, in 1st vs. #Phillies. Allowed 1 hit in 2nd.
Jack Flaherty's final spring outing vs. Rays: 4.2 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K He labored in 2nd inning but threw 63 of 87 pitches for strikes. His 13 swinging strikes included 6 off fastballs and 5 off sliders.
Jack Flaherty, making his final tuneup before his regular-season Tigers debut next Sunday at White Sox, battled Randy Arozarena for 9 pitches to strike out Rays in order in first inning: 3 foul balls, 3 balls, 3 called strikes, including a 94 mph fastball to end it.
Jack Flaherty, making his final tuneup before his regular-season Tigers debut next Sunday at White Sox, battled Randy Arozarena for 9 pitches to finish a clean first inning: 3 foul balls, 3 balls, 3 called strikes, including a 94 mph fastball in the zone to end it.