Chris Archer Not a Fan of Rays Scheduled Doubleheader

The Tampa Bay Rays are going old school on June 10, with a scheduled doubleheader. Yet, not everyone is a fan, with Chris Archer in particular against the idea.

Back in the olden days, doubleheaders were a common occurrence. These doubleheaders became the basis for Ernie Banks‘ famous catchphrase “It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame. Let’s play two!” However, as the years passed, doubleheaders began to disappear from the schedule. Now, the only times that they appear are in response to rainouts or other unforeseen circumstances that preclude a game from being played on its original day.

The Tampa Bay Rays, however, are bringing the scheduled doubleheader back, at least for one day. On June 10, fans will be treated to two games for the price of one, with a banner parade between the contests. It should be an enjoyable experience for everyone at the ballpark, and a true old school treat for the fans.

However, not everyone is enamored with the idea. Several of the Rays players, led by player representative Chris Archer, are not fans of the doubleheader. Archer, likewise, is also annoyed with the process that led to the decision to have the scheduled doubleheader, instead of the regularly scheduled game on June 12.

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Archer’s complaints are twofold. First, he feels that the front office should have discussed the idea with the players prior to putting it on the schedule. Second, he says that the doubleheader now puts the pitching staff in a “brutal” situation, with four games in a 45 hour span.

However, there is also the trade off for that doubleheader. While June 10 will put a strain on the pitching staff, the Rays will end up getting an extra day off in what would have been a 16 day stretch without an off day. Yet, even that has led to a bit of annoyance for Archer, as the off day will be spent on the road in Toronto, since the Rays will be flying out after their game on Sunday.

And yet, this decision by the Rays makes sense. If not for the doubleheader, the Rays would be flying out for Toronto later on Monday, giving them less time to recover before the game. It may not be the same as relaxing at home, but being able to kick back and relax at the hotel is certainly better than boarding a flight around midnight.

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In this case, Chris Archer seems to be mistaken. That doubleheader is well worth the extra day off, especially given the team’s schedule.