Prior to yesterday’s game, the Tampa Bay Rays made several more cuts as they prepare for Opening Day, which is now just 10 days away.

There are still roster spots that need to be figured out as the bullpen is in total flux, and it’s anyone’s guess who will be starting at second base on March 29th.

The Rays optioned two bullpen candidates, Anthony Banda and Ryne Stanek, to minor league camp. There were seven other cuts as well with pitchers Kyle Bird, Ian Gibaut, Cody Hall, Adam Kolarek, and Colton Murray, and catchers Xorge Carrillo and Johnny Monell being reassigned.

The team is now down to 36 players in camp, but that includes Jose De Leon, who underwent Tommy John surgery last week and is out for the season.

Here are the pitchers left competing for the bullpen.

Jose Alvarado, Matt Andriese, Yonny Chirinos, Alex Colome, Daniel Hudson, Dan Jennings, Andrew Kittredge, Austin Pruitt, Chaz Roe, Sergio Romo, Jonny Venters*, Ryan Yarbrough

Game Report

Chris Archer threw into the sixth inning and registered 74 pitches as he revs up for Opening Day. During his next start, he’ll ramp up to the 100 pitch mark and then he’ll be ready to kick off the season. Archer faced the Tigers, striking out four, walked none, and allowed two hits before departing with an out in the sixth inning.

It was a solid day offensively for the Rays as well, with Carlos Gomez launching his first home run of the spring. Kevin Kiermaier and Denard Span both had multi-hit games along with several other Rays.

Tonight, the Rays play their first night game of the spring as they’ll take on the New York Yankees in Tampa with Blake Snell getting the start for the Rays. The game will not be televised, but the Rays Radio team will cover the game starting at 6:30

Rays Links

• Mallex Smith has been dealing with a hamstring issue, although not serious, it could still impact his hopes for the Opening Day roster
• Joey Wendle has been among the most impressive players in camp thus far, perhaps punching his ticket to be the team’s starting second baseman
• Dan Jennings could be left off the Opening Day roster
• RJ Anderson previews the Rays season for CBS Sports
• Shohei Ohtani has received the headlines this spring, but Brendan McKay has been working on his two way abilities in minor league camp

Around the League

• Rays fans should be paying close attention to the design of the Texas Rangers new ballpark