Tampa Bay Rays News and Notes: Will Mike Brosseau need to move to the bullpen?

After splitting a series with the Toronto Blue Jays, the Rays defeated the Orioles 4-2 on a tremendous Tyler Glasnow performance. But the bad news? Jalen Beeks, who has really stepped up in the Rays bullpen, left with a sore left forearm/elbow. The Rays opening day bullpen is now almost entirely on the IL. The Rays are now 20-11 for the season, in first place in the American League East.

Rays ruminations:

Josh Fleming, who was solid in his Sunday debut, will remain in the rotation for the time being, per Kevin Cash.

Yonny Chirinos underwent Tommy John surgery yesterday. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Nice to see some Lowe’d praise for our second baseman, from Fangraphs.

We don’t need this affirmation to know that the Rays have 80-grade media folks, but it’s nice to see their skill acknowledged.

Making sense of Willy Adames’ season. That high BABIP suggests he is lucky, but he’s also good ($)

Around baseball:

Here’s a look at the season at the halfway mark (Breaking: Rays are for real!)

What might a mid-season All Star team look like? ($)

Jeff Passan thinks this trade deadline will probably be boring (but still, click on his link).

Ken Rosenthal thinks there could be some surprises (none Rays related, but thanks Ken for pointing out that Yankees are not the only team with a crowded IL).

RJ Anderson goes through potential trades for all 30 clubs, including the Rays. Thanks, RJ, for reminding us how well Solak and Cronenworth are doing!

Great Onion column:

And lest you think the Onion has gone too far, check this actual newspaper column from UPI reporter Jack Cuddy.