CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Right-hander Shawn Tolleson (right flexor strain) and catcher Wilson Ramos (continued ACL rehab) will both begin the season on the 60-day disabled list.
The Rays have not yet officially announced the moves, though.
"I like the way our offense has performed here of late," said Rays manager Kevin Cash, asked about the strength of this year's Rays team. "I really like the way Corey Dickerson has swung the bat this spring. Our starting pitching -- we're going to lean on them heavily. I think our defense … our defense has looked pretty good. We've got guys who are catching the ball right now. That eluded us a little bit last year, and it looks like we're in a good spot from that point of view."
Brad Boxberger, who will begin the season on the DL due to a sore right lat, has not taken part in any baseball activities for the past week. The right-hander said he was hopeful he'll be able to start playing catch on Sunday or Monday.
Outfielder Colby Rasmus will start the season on the 10-day DL, but Cash is optimistic that he'll be back with the club quickly.
"We're hopeful that he's going to be playing some games in Port Charlotte on [Thursday or Friday]," Cash said.
Timothy Beckham arrived to camp ready to become a super utility player. But shortstop Matt Duffy's lingering recovery from left-heel surgery has changed his duties, as he's had to concentrate more on shortstop, since he'll begin the season in that role while Duffy's away.
Cash allowed that he has a lot of confidence in Beckham.
"He's had a good spring," Cash said. "And Beck is going to move around. He's going to be at short a lot right now, because Matt Duffy's hurt, but when he gets back, Beck's versatility will be a big thing for our lineup."
Cash has had to balance Beckham's assignments throughout the spring.
"It was kind of a difficult situation simply to get him out in left field when we've got to get him ready to play short at the same time," Cash said. "So that balance has been a little difficult. We'll welcome Duff back when he gets here. Then Beck will show that versatility again."