Guyer continues to adjust to Majors

ST. PETERSBURG -- Brandon Guyer made the Rays as an extra outfielder. And while he's pleased to be in the Major Leagues, he knows he's going to experience a period of adjustment.

Guyer played every day in the Minor Leagues. Now he will get an occasional start in the outfield or at DH, but the bulk of his work will be late-inning work, such as pinch-hitting, pinch-running, and defense. Thus, Guyer has been trying to figure out the best approach.

"A lot of it is hanging around [Sean Rodriguez] and Logan Forsythe," Guyer said. "They've been through it before. So they have a lot of pointers."

Guyer added that being in the dugout and staying mentally prepared will be important for his new role, too.

"You might not be physically loose until later in the game, fifth or sixth inning, but mentally be in there and know that at any time you could be put in there with an injury or what not," Guyer said.

Thus far, Guyer has retreated to the batting cage after the fourth inning when the Rays are in the field. He'll hit some and throw some to stay loose.

Just to be ready and prepared to go it," Guyer said.

Hitting coach Derek Shelton said Guyer watching the game and talking about guys he might hit against is an important facet of staying ready, but he added: "It's more about staying loose and preparation for the pitcher."