The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Philadelphia Phillies yesterday, 8-2.

Avisail Garcia homered again for Tampa Bay, his 3rd of the spring. Jake Smolinski, a non-roster invitee, also homered (his second longball this spring). Kevin Kiermaier doubled twice, just narrowly missing a first inning home run. Brandon Lowe continued his excellent spring, adding a double to his stat sheet.

The Rays are now tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for the Grapefruit League lead in home runs, having launched 30 home runs thus far.

Pitching wise, Blake Snell delivered two perfect innings, striking out two along the way. He faced most of the Phillies expected starters, including Bryce Harper, who Snell dominated in the at bat.

The rest of the Rays pitching staff looked fairly impressive over the course of the afternoon. Ryan Yarbrough struck out two in his return from injury. Jalen Beeks allowed two runs, but looked solid otherwise. Wilmer Font and Yonny Chirinos also delivered solid performances.

Today, the Tampa Bay Rays will take on the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin.

Starting Lineup:

Austin Meadows, RF

Tommy Pham, DH

Ji-Man Choi, 1B

Yandy Diaz, 3B

Joey Wendle, 2B

Daniel Robertson, SS

Kevin Kiermaier, CF

Guillermo Heredia, LF

Mac James, C

Ryan Merritt, SP

News and Links

• Kevin Kiermaier will never change, and that’s a good thing - John Romano, Tampa Bay Times ($)
• Rays journal: Snell focused, sharp, adamant he’ll be ready for opener - Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times ($)

Important news in that article.

Charlie Morton and Chaz Roe will throw in a simulated game in Port Charlotte, which also features the first time Tommy John rehabbers Jose De Leon and Brent Honeywell face hitters.

• Who’s left in Rays camp? - Neil Solondz, Rays Radio
• Rays use 4 man outfield against Harper - Ralph Long, MLB.com
• Tampa Bay Rays Roster Outlook: Who is on first? - Austin Reimann, Rays Colored Glasses
• Tampa Bay Rays mailbag: Which youngsters are on the verge of a breakout season? - Josh Tolentino, The Athletic ($)
• Who Will Be Baseball’s Breakout Hitter In 2019? - Baseball America Staff, Baseball America
• Back to the minors: Jacob Faria draws comfort and motivation from his father, a 33-year police vet - Josh Tolentino, The Athletic ($)

Sounding off