Rays Journal: Tommy Pham stresses urgency to start season

FORT MYERS — Tommy Pham is set to return to the outfield Monday with his throwing shoulder properly strengthened and his long list of personal spring training boxes — from controlling the strike zone at the plate to taking advantage of errant throws in moving up a base — close to being all checked off.

He also wants to make sure his Rays team is ready to open a season of grand aspirations coming off last year's unexpected 90 wins.

Specifically right from the start as they host 2018 playoff qualifiers Houston and Colorado, then head to San Francisco to open a three-city road trip.

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"I would say the first 10 games are crucial because you can ride that wave for a little bit,'' Pham said before Sunday's 3-2 loss to the Red Sox. "As a member of this team and a guy with a little bit more service time, I want to make sure everyone understands that importance because we open up with a pretty tough schedule …

"There's no surprise in this league. I think that's what everyone in this locker room has to understand — we're not going to walk up on someone any more. Teams know us. They know we're young and they know that we're good. We're going to have to bring it because they're coming for us now. I think when everyone understands that we'll be better off.''

The Rays got off to a miserable start last year, losing 12 of their 15, including eight straight after their opening day win, and didn't get over .500 again until May 29. Pham joined the Rays in trade from St. Louis on July 31, and after that they went 36-19.

D-Robbed

Versatile infielder Daniel Robertson, playing third on Sunday, had the play of the day, diving to his right to spear a line drive with two on and no out in the second. "It's always fun to make a play like that,'' he said. "It definitely felt good. Just focusing on seeing the ball, as dumb it sounds, defensively and offensively.'' Manager Kevin Cash called it a "tremendous play we've grown accustomed to seeing out of him.'' Robertson has spent most of the spring at second base and shortstop, and said there is a slight acclimation period to being comfortable at each position. "It's not an easy task,'' he said. "Obviously (taking) ground balls you can only replicate it so much, but seeing the ball off the bat in game action definitely helps a lot to see the angles.''

Game details

The Rays (10-11-2) led 2-1 in the eighth before relief prospect Colin Poche, pitching the day after being reassigned, continued his rough spring allowing three hits and two runs. … Hunter Wood and Emilio Pagan both had solid outings in what may be a battle for a final bullpen spot. "Good thing we've got another 10 days or so to decide,'' Cash said. … Cole Sulser, acquired from Cleveland with Yandy Diaz, continued his impressive spring with a fifth scoreless outing, striking out J. D. Martinez in posting nine Ks and no walks over 5 1/3 innings. "The slider's a weapon,'' Cash said. "Very, very interesting guy.'' … Cash also noted the solid spring by lefty Hoby Milner. … The Rays had only four hits. … Ex-Ray David Price was slated to start for Boston but called in sick.

Spring things

* Third baseman Matt Duffy felt good in taking ground balls and batting practice swings in Port Charlotte in showing continued progress with his left hamstring, Cash said, but likely won't play in a game until Thursday, which would be a week before opening day. Duffy has played in just one on Feb. 28 so far, but is optimistic of being ready for the March 28 opener.

* Top relievers Jose Alvarado, Diego Castillo and Chaz Roe were slated for a sim game in Port Charlotte Sunday rather than facing the rival Red Sox.

* Charlie Morton will make the start Monday in Port Charlotte against his former Pirates mates, and Tyler Glasnow on Tuesday in Tampa vs. the Yankees.

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* Before Monday's pre-game work, Rays players will attend MLB's annual presentation on domestic violence issues.

* For St. Patrick's Day Sunday, the Rays wore white hats with a green bill, burst and shamrock, and some wore green-striped socks.

Quote of the day

"I'm throwing like KK right now. If you guys see my arm you'd think KK threw that ball.'' — Outfielder Tommy Pham, using teammate Kevin Kiermaier as a benchmark for how good his arm feels after a shoulder strengthening program.

Contact Marc Topkin at [email protected]. Follow @TBTimes_Rays.