What’s Important Now: Davis a bit off

Spring Game 9: Red Sox 5, Rays 0

Wade Davis had a bit of a shaky start yesterday against the Red Sox, giving up 4 runs, 2 earned, on 3 hits and 4 walks in 2.2 innings. Not the start you want out of a guy competing for the fifth starting spot, especially against the Red Sox, who the Rays will be facing a lot. Burke Badenhop followed Davis, pitching well. He went 1.1 innings and allowed only 2 hits.

On offense, the Rays were unable to score any runs, getting 7 hits. Jeff Keppinger and Elliot Johnson each went 2 for 3 in this one. Ben Zobrist was 1 for 2 with a walk. Stephen Vogt was 1 for 3 with a double.

Spring Game 10: Pirates at Rays

Time: 1:05

Pitchers: Rays- Jeff Niemann, Brandon Gomes, Joel Peralta, Fernando Rodney, J.P. Howell

Pirates- Kevin Correia, Justin Wilson, Daniel Moskos, Jared Hughes, Bryan Morris, Doug Slaten

Rays fans will get their first look at Brandon Gomes for the spring. Gomes has been limited so far in camp after offseason surgery. Gomes should play a big role in the bullpen this year, after a great showing last year.

Rays News and Notes

• Joe Maddon felt that Wade Davis threw the ball well, according to Marc Topkin. Maddon cites a small strike zone as part of Davis’ problems last night.
• Topkin takes a look at the Rays brutal first month of the season. If the Rays can get through the first month of the season above .500, they should be well on their way to another postseason appearance.
• One final thing from Topkin. He looks at David Price‘s antics between his starts. Price sure is the character of the Rays, always up to something.
• Finally, Yahoo! Sports writes about the five Rays to avoid in your upcoming fantasy drafts.