PORT CHARLOTTE (620 WDAE) -- The Tampa Bay Rays finished the third of their four days of full-squad practice Wednesday with a pair of the big arms taking their turn throwing live batting practice, and according to manager Kevin Cash, both looked sharp for their first time through with hitters in the box.
"I've seen them throw plenty, but you get hitters in, they were very crisp with their pitches," the Rays skipper said. "In the zone the entire time. Eovaldi's got just a huge pitch mix that he uses and it looked like they were all clicking on day one."
First baseman C.J. Cron also got a chance to work out with his new team after reporting to camp Tuesday afternoon, and Cash was equally as impressed with the slugger.
"He was cutting through the wind with every swing," he said. "We are excited to have him simply because of his track record. He's been with a veteran club. His playing time has been sporadic. I want to get him here and play."
The Rays also announced the starting pitchers for their split-squad openers Friday, as left-handed reliever Vidal Nuno will get the start in Friday's home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates, while righty Yonny Chirinos will go to Sarasota and start against the Baltimore Orioles.