Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Twins Overpower Smyly, Rays

Drew Smyly wasn't terrible yesterday, after all, he only gave up five hits in six innings. Only problem was that three of those, sailed out of the ball park as Trevor Plouffe and Kurt Suzuki each had two homer days, with Suzuki blasting his second one off of Jhan Marinez.

Outside of the five runs on three hits, Smyly hurled six innings, striking out four and walking one. Marinez followed him, giving up the lone home run and giving up a single that Eddie Rosario tried to stretch into a double, but severely underestimate Steven Souza's arm in right as he was caught in the cross-hairs at second. Tyler Sturdevant and Kyle McPherson would pitch scoreless eighth and ninth innings.

The offense had a quiet day as Ervin Santana dominated, striking out eight over six shutout innings, allowing three hits. Brandon Guyer had one of those hits as part of a two for three day, including a solo homer off a right handed pitcher and former Ray, Kevin Jepsen. Other than that, not much to add other than Curt Casali blasting an opposite field double, just moments after thinking he had struck out.

Links!

- Brad Boxberger has already began rehabbing after his surgery and expects to be back before his original time frame suggested.

- Following the loss, the Rays cut three more players as Mark Sappington, Kyle McPherson, and Juniel Querecuto were reassigned to minor league camp. This brings their roster total down to 40.

- One of the worst things imaginable could plausibly happen...James Shields has been linked to the Red Sox in trade rumors.

- So a team established in 1998 could possibly move to Montreal, and it's not the Rays.

- If Lenny Bruce were at this game, he wouldn't be afraid...but he'd probably be the only one

- The Rays were featured on MLB Network's 30 clubs in 30 days last night.