Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Matt Duffy is “100% and ready to go” at third base

The Tampa Bay Rays radio crew began their annual ‘Countdown to Opening Day’ show this week, and they were joined by the Rays star center fielder, Kevin Kiermaier, and the Rays General Manager, Erik Neander.

During Neander’s segment, he spoke about the oft-injured Matt Duffy, who has played in a total 21 games in the majors for the Rays since being acquired at the 2016 trade deadline as part of the Matt Moore deal. Neander went as far as to say that Matt Duffy was “100% healthy“ and is currently slated to be the Rays starting third baseman on Opening Day.

Dave and Andy also spoke about the Longoria trade with Neander, and about the challenges of becoming the leader in the clubhouse with Kiermaier. They pulled no punches, and provided valuable insight in each interview. As always, the podcasts from Rays Radio are required listening for the informed Rays fan!

• The Rays made major progress towards a new stadium as they officially announced the Ybor City location as their preferred site for a new stadium
• Immediately following the team’s press conference, news broke of the Rays reportedly re-signing RHP Sergio Romo to a one year deal valued at $2.75M. The deal is pending a physical and, once completed some time next week, the Rays will have to make room on their 40-man roster.
• The Rays weren’t finished with Romo, later on in the day, the reportedly signed RHP Dustin McGowan to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training
• The MLB Players Association will go through with their plans to open up a free agent spring training camp. Players that have already signed will also show up at that camp to show their support