Tampa Bay Rays weekly preview: Spring Training games are here

The Tampa Bay Rays will open up their Spring Training exhibition games this weekend, so we roll out our weekly preview alongside them

First, what is the weekly preview? Well, it is exactly what it sounds like. From this point on, every Sunday, you can expect an article outlining whatever is ahead for the Tampa Bay Rays that week. Games, pitching matchups, milestones, deadlines, and the like.

For this week, the Tampa Bay Rays play three contests. You can not expect to see Blake Snell or Charlie Morton in those tilts, Kevin Cash has already shut that notion down.

In fact, we already have the lineups for Friday’s contest with the Phillies.

A ton of regulars in the lineup for the Rays to start the weekend, and the Spring Training exhibitions off. Arguably the biggest name is Kevin Kiermaier, who is hoping for a bounce back season. The fan favorite who has yet to reach the age of 30 (sitting at 28 years old) played in just 88 games and hit for a .217 average looking lost at the plate all year long.

Another battle to watch out for is Yandy Diaz and Ji Man Choi who will battle it out for the everyday first base spot for the Tampa Bay Rays.

After Matt Duffy pulled up lame running to first base during a workout, Diaz slides to the hot corner for Friday. Duffy just experienced some tightness, and it is not expected to be serious.

Coming up this week:

The Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Phillies on Friday at 1:05 EST. No TV coverage for Friday’s affair but you can hear the game on MLB.Com. The Rays will toss Austin Pruitt to start and the Phillies will throw out left handed hurler Cole Irvin.

On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Rays will take on a split squaded Twins team at 6:05 EST. Starting for that game not listed yet by either side. You can listen to this game on the Rays Radio Network WDAE, or via the MLB at bat app.

Sunday, we get our first glimpse at the Rays squad in beautiful HD technicolor. Fox Sports Sun will pick up the noon tilt between the Yankees and Rays with first pitch slated for 1:05 EST. This game will also be carried live on MLB Network.

Check back Sunday for another Weekly preview, and from that point forward every single Sunday at Rays Colored Glasses.