The Tampa Bay Rays won another game yesterday, improving their record to 13-4 on the young season. They have a 5.5 game lead on the New York Yankees for the division lead, and they’re the only team in the American League East to be over .500. The Rays also hold the largest division lead of any team in baseball.

During last night’s game, Tyler Glasnow didn’t have his best stuff, but still showcased his vastly improved command as he worked seven innings, yielding two runs on seven hits, while he picked up three strikeouts and didn’t walk anyone. Jose Alvarado and Diego Castillo continued their dominance with a scoreless 8th and 9th to close out the game.

Avisail Garcia had the big blow for the Rays offense, a go-ahead two run home run, as he continues his stellar start to the season. Tommy Pham was hitless in three at-bats, but drew a walk to extend his on-base streak.

News and Links

• The unstoppable Rays are redefining the super-bullpen - Jonah Birenbaum, The Score
• Chris Archer, Kyle Crick, and Jameson Taillon Ruminate on Their Sliders - David Laurila, FanGraphs
• Blake Snell broke his toe after attempting to move a ‘decorative stand’ in his bathroom - Adrian Garro, Cut4
• Tuesday’s top prospect performers - Mike Rosenbaum, MLB.com

Rays: Brendan McKay, LHP/DH (No. 3, MLB No. 28) -- 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K (Double-A Montgomery)The two-way standout was sharp in a no-decision, tossing four innings of one-run ball in the Biscuits’ win over Mobile. He struck out the side in order in the second and did it once again in the fourth, albeit while allowing a run on two hits and a walk. While he’s yet to complete five innings in a start, McKay has been very tough to hit, permitting five knocks and racking up 18 strikeouts in 8 2/3 frames.

• Meet Veronica Alvarez, the only woman to coach at Spring Training this year - Gemma Kaneko, Cut4
• New FanGraphs “Plus” Stats! - David Appleman, FanGraphs
• Tuesday’s Champion — Jasmine - The Ray Tank
• Rays journal: Pagan returns, Meadows reflects, Wendle close to action - Eduardo A. Encina, Tampa Bay Times ($)
• Hot Starts to Believe In - Dan Szymborski, FanGraphs

Tyler Glasnow and Austin Meadows

Meadows has been healthy and shown a real bump in his power, and Glasnow having an elite walk rateis something I didn’t see coming. Glasnow in particular showed signs of improvement after joining the Rays in 2018. One big difference is his faith in his curveball, a top 10 curve in baseball that Glasnow is throwing twice as often as in 2018, a change significant enough to indicate a real change in approach. Incidentally, the Rays have three of the top 10 curveball pitchers in 2019.

• Montgomery Biscuits Update: 16-Apr-19 - Mat Germain, WanderRays