Grapefruit League Preview (GM #2): Rays @ Red Sox

2. RACE AGAINST THE TIME

We've talked a lot about the pitch clock early on this spring, and with one game under everyone's belts, some of the Rays players who will see a back-to-back start this afternoon may have a better understanding of the timing coming into today's contest.

No, we don't expect the Rays to be clock managers right off the gecko, as players will still be working with the clock, "especially hitters," Mejia stated according to Marc Topkin.

It will be interesting to see how these second-day guys fare with the pitch clock now that they have at least the timing down and should be able to create at least an AB or two of more consistent instincts for the clock at the plate.