PORT CHARLOTTE (620 WDAE) -- The Tampa Bay Rays (6-4-1) will welcome the Colombian National team to Charlotte Sports Park Wednesday evening for an exhibition prior to the start of the World Baseball Classic Friday against Team USA. Chase Whitley is scheduled to start, taking on Yohan Pino with first pitch scheduled for 6:35. Coverage on WDAE starts at 6:30.
Rays Starting Lineup
Beckham SS
Morrison DH
Longoria 3B
Miller 2B
Weeks 1B
Souza RF
Casali C
Bauers LF
Smith CF
Team Colombia Starting Lineup
D. Solano SS
Rodriguez RF
Urshela 3B
Alfaro 1B
J. Solano C
Ramos LF
Valdez DH
Sanchez 2B
Polo CF
MASH UNIT UPDATE: Shortstop Matt Duffy, recovering from season-ending surgery on his left Achilles, said today that his timetable of trying to get into games in mid-March was being pushed back due to lingering soreness. Both he and manager Kevin Cash say that they are hopeful of playing in games by Opening Day, but did not rule out the possibility of not being ready for the start of the regular season.
Reliever Brad Boxberger also has not pitched in a Grapefruit League game yet this spring, and Cash said it will likely be at least another week before he gets on the mopund, as he is dealing with tightness in his lat which he experienced while playing catch.
Reliever Shawn Tolleson is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday after his back spasmed following his first spring appearance.
Minor-league reliever Cory Rasmus has also been dealing with a groin issue that has allowed him to pitch in just one spring game.