Glasnow gains efficiency in third spring outing
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PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- After struggling in his last Grapefruit League start against the Phillies on Saturday, Tyler Glasnow was much more efficient Thursday in the Rays' 11-2 loss to the Blue Jays at Charlotte Sports Park.
Glasnow was able to get into the third inning for the first time this spring, allowing just one run in 2 1/3 innings. The right-hander struck out two, and saw his fastball top out at 98 mph.
“Today was definitely more about mentality and trying to tap into that in-season game,” Glasnow said. “A little better sequencing today.”
Despite giving up just one walk, Glasnow said his control with his offspeed pitches wasn’t quite where he wanted it to be. Of his 39 pitches, he threw 21 for strikes.
“I was happy with the fastball today,” Glasnow said. “Offspeed stuff wasn’t really there. I just have to remain throwing [the offspeed pitches] with intent, and not trying to pop it in for strikes. It feels good coming out, just have to get the shape right.”
Glasnow -- who will likely be the third starter in the rotation to begin the regular season for the Rays -- has been working on a new delivery during Spring Training, and feeling comfortable with it has been his main priority. He says the adjustment is going smoothly.
“It’s not really something that I’m thinking about right now,” Glasnow said. “Mostly just [thinking] about attacking hitters, but it definitely feels comfortable.”
Glasnow's next start could come either on Tuesday against the Blue Jays or Wednesday against the Phillies.
Poche struggles
Left-hander Colin Poche -- who is vying for a spot on Tampa Bay's Opening Day roster -- had some more command issues in the Rays’ loss to Toronto. Poche allowed five earned runs, raising his Spring Training ERA to 12.27 in five appearances. He faced five hitters and was unable to record an out.
Poche finished with an 0.82 ERA and 110 strikeouts over 66 innings in the Minors last season, and he has made a good impression on the coaching staff, despite now having nine walks in just 3 2/3 innings.
“Obviously he’s not commanding the baseball, and that’s not him since we’ve got him,” manager Kevin Cash said. “I’m confident that he’ll get back in a groove; it’s just taking a little more time than we would all like to see.”
Injury updates
Ryan Yarbrough threw a successful bullpen session Thursday and should be inserted into games in the next couple of days.
“His workload will be managed to get back in,” Cash said. “But talking to him today, he seemed very optimistic.”
As for Matt Duffy, he expects to play Saturday after another good day of running. The third baseman has been limited this spring with a left hamstring injury.
Up next
Jake Faria will make his first Grapefruit League start Friday against the Twins in Fort Myers at 1:05 p.m. ET. The 25-year-old is looking to make the Rays' Opening Day roster after a tough 2018 season, where he finished with a 5.40 ERA. In three appearances this spring, Faria has limited opposing hitters to a .143 batting average.