The Opening Day box:
On Opening Day at Fenway Park the Rays stuck to the formula that got them to the World Series the last three seasons, winning two of them: outstanding pitching and just enough hitting as they got by Boston 3-1 to kick off the 2035 season. As you can see above Najera was dominating in his start, the new-look bullpen held the fort, and Pino came through with a big 2-run homer.
Game 2: 3-8 L. LP-Lennon (0-1, 5 7 4 4 1 7). As great as the pitching was yesterday it was terrible today. They did come back from a 3-1 deficit to tie it in the 6th but Lennon put some men on in the bottom of the inning and Little imploded as it went south from there.
Game 3: 8-9 L. LP-Segura (0-1). Starter-Jimenez (6 8 5 1 3 5). HR-K.White (1). Well this was a kick in the teeth. The Rays trailed 5-4 going into the 9th before rallying for 4 runs to go up 8-5, only to see new closer Segura only record one out while giving up 4 runs to lose it, the killing blow a 3-run walk-off homer by former Ray Wander Franco. White had a 2-run homer and Hardy drove in 3 for the Rays while Jimenez made his debut and pitched decently, hurt by his own fielding error for 4 early unearned runs.
Transactions: Just call it waiverpalooza as the Rays claimed 3 players on waivers, two of whom were pitchers. Incoming are former Atlanta righty
David Whitfield, who saved 13 games last season and is rated 60/70/55, righty
Manny Whitehead from Boston who was 11-6, 3.69 as a starter last year but will be used in long relief (rated 65/55/45 as a reliever), and OF
Oscar Castro from Detroit, rated for 55 (60 potential) contact and 60 power and who's a righty batter who can platoon with Bell at DH. Castro has yet to play in the bigs. Making room for this trio are Ps
Alex Salazar and
Danny Zavala, and OF
Victor Munoz. Also swingman Christian Rodriguez, whom we waived because he was out of options, was claimed by Colorado.
Game 4: 7-3 W. WP-Vargas (1-0, 6 6 3 3 0 5). HR-Pino (2), J.Jones (1). Massive game from Pino who drove in 5 with a 3-run homer, RBI double and sac fly to lead the way. The bullpen was fine as well today with new waiver claim Whitfield fanning a pair in a scoreless 9th - he could be the closer before long if Segura continues to struggle.
Team record: 2-2. Next up: Off to Kansas City for 3.