Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Rays are front runners for Adeiny Hechavarria

Yesterday afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles managed to overcome the Rays bullpen over the final innings of the game to take an 8-5 win as well as the series victory. Jake Odorizzi lasted one out into the sixth, with Tommy Hunter providing a strong relief outing after him as he set down all five batters he faced. Chase Whitley and Alex Colome did not, as they allowed four runs to cross the plate.

Evan Longoria homered for the Rays on the offensive side of things, setting a new record for most home runs hit by a third baseman against the Orioles, so that’s nice.

With the loss, the Rays fell to 40-38, but Boston and New York both lost as well so the Rays remain just two and half games back in the division. However, they also lost their spot in the Wild Card race as they’re now a game behind the Cleveland Indians for the second spot.

• The Rays are believed to be the front runner for Marlins short stop, Adeiny Hechavarria, with Miami seeking a pitching prospect in return. The Orioles and Cardinals, plus a mystery team are rumored to be after Hechavarria as well.

• Blake Snell will make his return to the majors on Wednesday as the Rays announced they’ll be promoting him
• Ryan Yarbrough left his start for the Durham Bulls early after being hit by a comebacker, but some fine detective work from our own Brad Neveu (asking Neil Solondz), yielded it was just precautionary

• Hey, Tim Tebow is still playing and he just got promoted!
• James Shields was always one to help rookies get accustomed to the majors, this weekend he allowed first career homers to three of them
• David Ortiz hasn’t thrown a baseball in a while as his first pitch missed badly
• The Oakland A’s designated Stephen Vogt for assignment, he has already been claimed by the Milwaukee Brewers