Chirinos throws five hitless innings in victory

ST. PETERSBURG -- Despite not being recognized as an official starter, Yonny Chirinos has been a critical part of the Rays’ pitching staff this season.

Chirinos has pitched every fifth day all season for Tampa Bay, and his start on Monday afternoon might have been his best of the season. The right-hander delivered five no-hit innings, helping the Rays open up their seven-game homestand with an 8-3 win over the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field.

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The 25-year old hurler was taken out of the game with a no-hitter intact, despite having thrown only 69 pitches, because Tampa Bay want to be cautious with Chirinos' workload. It was the first time since May 4 that he pitched as many innings in a game.

“Not at all,” said Rays manager Kevin Cash, when asked if it was a tough decision to pull Chirinos with a no-hitter. “We’re going to prioritize a guy’s health and be responsible with him. I don’t even think he knew he had a no-hitter until the crowd started booing after Drake gave up a hit.”

Chirinos, who threw just 49 pitches in his last outing on May 22 against the Dodgers, understood the reasoning behind it.

“I was surprised because I was prepared to go as deep as I could in the game,” Chirinos said. “But those are things that I can’t control. But now I’m just getting ready for my next outing.”

Even with what Chirinos did on Monday, Tampa Bay won’t be naming the righty as its third starter anytime soon. The Rays like the versatility that he gives them, and they want to continue to play the best matchups.

“We didn’t have an opener today because our bullpen was so used, but we’re going to continue to do that,” Cash said. “Obviously right now we’re banged up and Tyler [Glasnow] is still on the IL, but if we have an opener available and we think it’s the best matchup for us, we’ll open a guy in front of Yonny. But Yonny continues to pitch well in whatever role he’s been asked.”

Chirinos admitted that he feels more comfortable as a starter, and while the right-hander has better numbers in the rotation this season, he has been effective in both roles. In five starts, he is 3-1 with a 2.09 ERA over 30 1/3 innings. As a reliever, Chirinos is 3-0 with a 3.91 ERA over 25 1/3 innings.

“Normally I like to start games,” Chirinos said. “But it’s something that they put me as a starter or out of the bullpen. I just mentally prepare myself to whatever opportunity the team gives me. I don’t really think about my role that much.”

Chirinos isn’t known as a big strikeout pitcher, but he had the fastball, sinker and slider working on Monday, striking out seven Toronto batters. His nine swings and misses on Monday were his most since getting 14 in his first start of the season on March 31 against the Astros.

“He’s always been very good and he’s got that bowling ball sinking action on his fastball, and he did a good job today,” said Blue Jays manager and former Rays bench coach Charlie Montoyo. “It’s nothing new for me to see. That’s what they’ve got over there -- good pitching.”

With the win, Chirinos improved to 6-1 this season and lowered his ERA from 3.20 to 2.91. The Rays are 9-2 when he makes an appearance this season.

“He’s on a good run,” Cash said. “He’s throwing the ball really well.”

Offensively, Tampa Bay had six hits and two walks through three innings, but it was only able to get one run across the plate early. In the fourth inning, the Rays took advantage of their opportunities, scoring three runs in the frame and extending their lead to 4-0.

Austin Meadows, who went 4-for-4 on Sunday, went 3-for-5 with his 11th home run of the season -- a two-run eighth-inning blast -- on Monday, also driving in Tampa Bay’s first run of the game with a two-out RBI single in the second inning. Meadows is hitting .417 (10-for-24) with two home runs and six RBIs in his last five games. Tommy Pham went 2-for-4 and extended his hitting streak to 13 games, which is the longest streak in the Majors.

"Meadows has been incredible," Cash said. "Had three hits and finished it off with a home run. He's seeing the ball really, really well."