PORT CHARLOTTE (WDAE) -- The Tampa Bay Rays have seen almost every player invited to major league spring training arrive already, so while the coaching staff spent most of the first two days watching pitchers throw bullpen sessions, manager Kevin Cash used Friday to start getting reacquainted with the position players who worked out separately.
"I didn't see much of the pitchers," Cash said. "I threw to some of the position players and hit a lot of ground balls."
The main focus for Cash Friday was infielder Brandon Lowe, who reported Friday and is expected to see time during the spring, especially during full-squad workouts at first base.
"He will be a part of that [at first base] any time we are doing infield drills," Cash said. "I think he has to spend a little more time at first base just understanding where he is supposed to be on some of those things. He has a really great grasp of it at second base, and I would expect that he will pick up really quick on some of those things."
FIVE YET TO REPORT: With Lowe and outfielder Kevin Kiermaier reporting to Charlotte Sports Park Friday, that bring the total number of players in big-league camp to 61 of the 66 invited.
The five players yet to report are: 1B/DH Ji-Man Choi, INF Yandy Diaz, minor-league INF Lucius Fox, OF Tommy Pham, and minor-league OF Jesus Sanchez. Report day for position players is Sunday.
SATURDAY'S SCHEDULE: The Rays will again go through a workout for pitchers and catchers, with Tyler Glasnow, Ryan Yarbrough and Yonny Chirinos among those scheduled to throw their second bullpen session of the Spring. The workout is scheduled to begin at 10:30, and last about 90 minutes.
Listen to comments from Kevin Cash and Daniel Robertson below!