March 31 — Rays at Detroit and Atlanta — Pregame News and Notes
By RaysRadio
It’s the final day of Spring Training for the Rays, with the unusual split-squad matchup on the final day. Most of the regulars have taken the shorter drive to Lakeland to face the Tigers, while the rest are in Orlando to meet the Braves. Most of the pitchers were at Tropicana Field this morning as camp broke Thursday in Port Charlotte. All of the players up for remaining two roster spots — Andrew Bellatti, Dana Eveland, Danny Farquhar and Mikie Mahtook, have lockers at Tropicana Field.
Kevin Cash expects to announce roster decisions on Saturday. He also had no further news on James Loney, who was told earlier this week he will not make the team barring injury.
Here’s the Rays lineup in Lakeland against Detroit, wtih Evan Longoria making his first appearance in a game since Sunday. He has been taking full batting practice and has taken ground balls each day. Cash says Longoria and the other regulars will get two at-bats today:
Guyer CF
Morrison 1B
Longoria 3B
Jennings LF
Kiermaier DH
Souza Jr RF
Pearce 2B
Beckham SS
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Conger C
Matt Moore is on the mound to begin in Lakeland with non-roster invite and LHP Adam Wilk starting in Orlando. Here’s the lineup against the Braves:
Forsythe 2B
Miller SS
Dickerson DH
Casali C
Decker LF
Leonard 3B
Seitzer 1B
Varona RF
Field CF
Final rosters for the start of the 2016 season have to be submitted by noon on Sunday. Below is audio from Kevin Cash, who discussed Evan Longoria’s return, and the bullpen:
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