The Rays host the Pirates today at 1:05.
Jeff Niemann will take the mound. Niemann ended last season with poor stats after a shoulder injury. His performance this spring has been impressive, he and David Price have both pitched ERA's below 3.50.
Todays Line-up: via Marc Topkin
Zobrist rf
E. Johnson 2b
Longoria 3b
Ramirez DH
D. Johnson 1b
Upton cf
Shoppach c
Brignac ss
Fuld lf
Johnny Damon and Sean Rodriguez are getting some well deserved rest today, both men hit RBI doubles in yesterday's 11-3 victory over the Astros.
Also from Topkin, John Jaso is on the road to recovery from a groin contusion earlier this month. He is slated to catch a few minor league innings Saturday.
People to keep your eye on:
- Sam Fuld is striving for the fourth outfield slot, and has been making quite a case thus far. He blasted a homerun yesterday, and has three stolen bases on the preseason.
- Elliot Johnson is batting second in the line up. Rookie Johnson is competing with veteran Felipe Lopez for the backup infield position. Johnson currently has 11 stolen bases, compared to Lopez's 0.