ORLANDO, FL (SNN-TV) – The Tampa Bay Rays pitchers and catcher reported to camp today at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.
Following damage to Charlotte Sports Park caused by Hurricane Ian, the Rays find themselves in Orlando for the next couple of weeks for camp, only to play their home opener against the Yankees on February 28th, before shifting camp to Tropicana Field for the rest of the spring season.
Last season, the Rays lost in the AL Wild Card round to Cleveland after finishing 3rd in the AL East with an 86-76 record. St. Pete’s finest enter this season with a keen focus on the starting rotation, with a returning and proven Shane McClanahan, a hopefully healthy Tyler Glasnow, a wealthier and extended Jeffrey Springs, and a new addition in former Philadelphia Phillies arm Zach Eflin.
Eflin, who signed a 3-year, $40M deal this offseason, is feeling at home this spring, as the Orlando-native says the Rays are capable of competing with the league’s best with a rotation like theirs.
“I mean there’s a reason why I wanted to come here. You look at all the guys that we have and everybody can post numbers, everybody can keep us in a ballgames to win games ultimately. It’s going to be fun to work with a staff like that. I had an awesome opportunity to work with a great staff in Philly and this is right up there with it, if not better. I’m really excited to get going and to really know these guys inside and out.” – Zach Eflin
The Rays open up their Spring Training schedule on the road in Fort Myers against the Minnesota Twins on Feb. 25th.
