Last year’s loss to the Astros in Game 5 of the American League Division Series served as motivation for the Rays throughout the offseason. Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier said he thought about that loss during his workouts, helping him get one last rep at the gym or do one more sprint.
Tyler Glasnow, who acknowledged that he was tipping his pitches in the Game 5 loss, said he thought about the game a few times during the offseason -- though not obsessively -- and tried to study his mechanics in order to fix his career-long pitch-tipping problem.
Now, after beating the Yankees, 2-1, in Game 5 of this year's ALDS, the Rays are confident they can keep their momentum alive as they head into a rematch against the Astros in the AL Championship Series, one they’ve been looking forward to for a little over a year.
“I think that we’re better this year than we were last year,” said Kiermaier. “And also, I know they have a lot of talent over there still, but they don’t have Gerrit Cole or Justin Verlander, and we definitely like that.”
Manager Kevin Cash said he thought the experience gained in the Game 5 loss last season possibly helped the Rays get over the hump and eliminate the Yankees in a similar situation this postseason. That experience plus the overall talent the Rays possess -- especially in their pitching staff -- could be a dangerous combination heading into the ALCS.
“We respect how talented they are. We are the team that took it to Game 5 and fell short,” Cash said. “That experience probably helped us get to where we are right now. And the irony is that we’re playing them again now, [but] with seven games.”
After the Astros’ cheating scandal took center stage during the offseason, many baseball fans with no predetermined rooting interest will likely be tuning in and adopting the Rays for a week. Tampa Bay, which is usually the underdog -- and was certainly that in its series against New York -- will embrace the added support.
“I’ll enjoy that,” Kiermaier said with a smile. “Nobody has forgotten what they have done or chose to do in years past, and they have to live with that, but we want to end their season this year.”
Roster plans
Cash said that it’s “fair to assume” that the club will go with 14 pitchers in the ALCS, as opposed to the 13 it carried against New York in the ALDS.
Some of the pitchers who could be added include Josh Fleming, Brent Honeywell, Ryan Sherriff and José Alvarado, who has been recovering from left shoulder inflammation since Aug. 15. Fleming, who went 5-0 with a 2.78 ERA in seven appearances (five starts) this season, would appear to be the top candidate for the 14th spot, as he can provide multiple innings and is available to start a game. There’s also the possibility that the Rays add Fleming for Trevor Richards and carry another reliever.
By adding another pitcher, the Rays will have to drop a position player, which will hurt their overall flexibility -- a strength throughout the season. Brett Phillips could be dropped, but the outfielder has proven to be a big asset on defense and on the basepaths. Yoshi Tsutsugo could also be an option if the Rays decide to stick with multiple right-handed bats, including Hunter Renfroe.
Arozarena, Phillips rested after big dance battle
In what is becoming a tradition after big moments for the Rays, Randy Arozarena and Phillips got into another dance battle after Friday’s win. Arozarena, who was the clear loser in the first dance battle outside of Citi Field on Sept. 23, appeared to have won the second round, evening up the score.
“I’m thrilled to know that Randy and Phillips woke up and there were no injuries, because it looked like some of the moves that they were performing, somebody could’ve gotten hurt,” Cash joked. “Man, they are some athletic guys.”
Though Arozarena was declared the winner, Kiermaier thought Phillips got robbed. If the Rays keep winning, there will likely be a Round 3.
“I think Randy had some good moves in there, but I think Brett won,” Kiermaier said.