Tampa Bay Rays Opening Day countdown: 25 days to go

There are 25 days until Opening Day

The number 25 throughout Tampa Bay Rays history, has been worn by three players:

• Russ Johnson (2001-2002)
• Damion Easley (2003)
• Matt Diaz (2003-2004)

The number has been very seldom used by those on the playing field for the Rays, however, as Charlie Montoyo has had the number on his back since joining the staff with Kevin Cash during the 2015 season.

He actually has the number retired with the Durham Bulls after his lengthy time spent coaching the Rays Triple-A affiliate.

As for the on the field guys, Russ Johnson was solid for Tampa Bay during the 2001 season as he put up the best year of his career. He would only play in 85 games for the team, but accrued 1.4 fWAR and a 120 wRC+ over 288 plate appearances.

Matt Diaz and Damion Easley meanwhile... well, their time didn’t go so great.

Easley is actually considered one of the worst players in franchise history as he performed well below replacement level in just over a month of games. He would ultimately put up -1.3 fWAR over 36 games, and a wRC+ of 15.

Matt Diaz recorded a total of 34 plate appearances from 2003 to 2004 for Tampa Bay. On October 3rd, 2004, Diaz played his last game for the Rays and with it, the last game any player in team history had the number 25 on their back.

Check back tomorrow as the countdown continues.