The Rays (55-39) fell to the Orioles (31-62) 6-1 on Monday night at Tropicana Field. All Star catcher Mike Zunino left the game with hip flexor tightness, while third baseman/designated hitter Yandy Diaz left the game with neck spasms.
After the game, Mike Zunino said he hoped to avoid an IL stint. When asked about Yandy Diaz, Rays manager Kevin Cash said "He's better - he got some treatment. Hopefully they're both day-to-day - hopefully they both wake up and feel better tomorrow. That's our hope."
The Orioles got the scoring started with two runs in the first inning, but pulled away in the sixth inning with a four-run frame. Randy Arozerena drove in the only run of the day for the Rays in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Ryan Yarbrough (6-4, 4.59) allowed all six runs for the Rays on eight hits in five and two-thirds innings in which he struck out five and walked two. Spenser Watkins (2-0, 1.65) put together the best start of his young career, throwing six innings of one-run ball on four hits while striking out seven and walking two for the Orioles.
The Rays now look to even their three game series with the Orioles on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. First pitch Tuesday is scheduled for 7:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz at 6:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES