The Rays Tank: Rays pile on Astros before rain, to face Pirates Wednesday

Tampa Bay Rays stars Evan Longoria and David Price got their first action of the spring, Tuesday, in a rain-shortened blow-out over a Houston Astros split-squad team that barely resembled a major league lineup.

After surviving a scary come-backer that grazed off his left wrist on the first pitch of the game, Price went on to post a scoreless frame, telling reporters after the game that he felt good.

Longoria started hot, notching a couple of hits, as well as testing out his surgically repaired hamstring on the base-paths were he was thrown out at home and later scored a run during a 5-run 2nd inning rally. Every Rays starter collected at least one hit, with Ryan Roberts hitting a home-run and Wil Myers going 2-3 at the plate.

Heavy rains began to fall in Port Charlotte and the game was suspended in the middle of the 6th inning with the Rays leading 7-2.

Wednesday, the club will head north to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton. Jeff Niemann is scheduled to start and Jeremy Hellickson will pitch in relief. The game will start at 1:05 p.m. EST with radio play-by-play available via MLB.com.

• Mark Topkin writes that the Rays still harbor high hopes for prospect Tim Beckham.
• Meanwhile, Andrew Friedman said his first impressions of Wil Myers "have been very strong."
• Reporters are still bugging David Price about his lack of a contract.
• Here is a cool list with video links of the most unique home-runs since 2006. B.J. Upton and Tropicana Field make an appearance.
• Sean Kane of Painted Glove Collectables made this pretty awesome glove for a Rays fan to commemorate game 162.