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TAMPA — Cristopher Sanchez won the first battle with Curtis Mead.
The Phillies left-hander and the Rays infielder were traded for each other in November 2019 when they were young minor-leaguers.
They’d faced off in Triple-A and spring training games, but Wednesday was the first time when it counted — and Sanchez set Mead down twice during a dazzling six-inning, one-hit outing.
In the first, Mead batted with two on and two out and grounded into a force out. In the fourth, he struck out on a foul tip.
Mead said Wednesday afternoon that he was looking forward to the encounter.
“I’m excited,” he said. “I think it’s cool that we both were able to make the big leagues. And hopefully both teams are happy with their decision.”
Opinions on the deal have evolved.
Initially, it appeared the Rays won as Mead developed into one of the game’s top prospects and made an August 2023 big-league debut, but he has not had consistent success in the majors.
Sanchez, after struggling to establish himself in the majors from 2021-23, broke out in 2024, earning All-Star status while going 11-9, 3.32. With Wednesday’s win, Sanchez is 4-1, 2.89 this season.
Though Yandy Diaz was in enough pain to leave Tuesday’s game during a sixth-inning at-bat due to right hip tightness, he said afterward he would be back in the lineup Wednesday, and he was.
Diaz hit leadoff, and went 1-for-4 with an eighth-inning single to extend his on-base streak to 13 games.
“It is a relief without a doubt,” manager Kevin Cash said before the game. “I chose not to talk to him and ask him. They told me he was good, so I’m good with that. That’s enough information.”
Having Diaz back was important as the Rays are in a rare streak of facing three straight lefty starters: Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo in Thursday’s finale with the Phillies, and Jose Quintana on Friday to open the Brewers series.
Fresh off a winter swing makeover, rookie outfielder Kameron Misner had a sizzling start, hitting .400 (18-for-45) with a 1.176 OPS in his first 16 games. But in his next 15, he hit .157 (8-for-51) with a .404 OPS, and had an 0-for-16 streak that ended Tuesday.
Cash said the onus is on Misner, 27, to respond.
“He’s got to make an adjustment,” Cash said. “He’s a young player that got off to such a good start, the league has recognized, all right, he did a lot of good things, and now it’s kind of time for him, us, to provide the information and help him answer back.
“I do think there’s certain tendencies that all young players (have) that teams can pick up on, and they’re going to look to maybe exploit those at times more times than not. And what we’ve got to do, answer if it’s not missing certain pitches or looking in different areas.”
The Rays announced their 23rd sellout in 24 games at Steinbrenner Field, with a capacity of 10,046. ... With a first-inning walk, Danny Jansen extended his on-base streak to 14 games, one shy of his career high, with Toronto in July 2023. ... The Rays have now lost eight straight to the Phillies, their longest skid against a National League opponent in franchise history. Their last win against the Phils was Aug. 25, 2021. … The 7-0 final was the Rays’ largest home shutout loss since a 9-0 blanking by the Yankees on April 18, 2015. ... Outfielder Josh Lowe, sidelined since an opening-day right oblique strain, transfers his rehab from the Florida Complex League to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, with plans to play there into next week.
• • •
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Continue reading...
The Phillies left-hander and the Rays infielder were traded for each other in November 2019 when they were young minor-leaguers.
They’d faced off in Triple-A and spring training games, but Wednesday was the first time when it counted — and Sanchez set Mead down twice during a dazzling six-inning, one-hit outing.
In the first, Mead batted with two on and two out and grounded into a force out. In the fourth, he struck out on a foul tip.
Mead said Wednesday afternoon that he was looking forward to the encounter.
“I’m excited,” he said. “I think it’s cool that we both were able to make the big leagues. And hopefully both teams are happy with their decision.”
Opinions on the deal have evolved.
Initially, it appeared the Rays won as Mead developed into one of the game’s top prospects and made an August 2023 big-league debut, but he has not had consistent success in the majors.
Sanchez, after struggling to establish himself in the majors from 2021-23, broke out in 2024, earning All-Star status while going 11-9, 3.32. With Wednesday’s win, Sanchez is 4-1, 2.89 this season.
Yandy Diaz returns, as promised
Though Yandy Diaz was in enough pain to leave Tuesday’s game during a sixth-inning at-bat due to right hip tightness, he said afterward he would be back in the lineup Wednesday, and he was.
Diaz hit leadoff, and went 1-for-4 with an eighth-inning single to extend his on-base streak to 13 games.
“It is a relief without a doubt,” manager Kevin Cash said before the game. “I chose not to talk to him and ask him. They told me he was good, so I’m good with that. That’s enough information.”
Having Diaz back was important as the Rays are in a rare streak of facing three straight lefty starters: Sanchez, Jesus Luzardo in Thursday’s finale with the Phillies, and Jose Quintana on Friday to open the Brewers series.
Kameron Misner needs to adjust back
Fresh off a winter swing makeover, rookie outfielder Kameron Misner had a sizzling start, hitting .400 (18-for-45) with a 1.176 OPS in his first 16 games. But in his next 15, he hit .157 (8-for-51) with a .404 OPS, and had an 0-for-16 streak that ended Tuesday.
Cash said the onus is on Misner, 27, to respond.
“He’s got to make an adjustment,” Cash said. “He’s a young player that got off to such a good start, the league has recognized, all right, he did a lot of good things, and now it’s kind of time for him, us, to provide the information and help him answer back.
“I do think there’s certain tendencies that all young players (have) that teams can pick up on, and they’re going to look to maybe exploit those at times more times than not. And what we’ve got to do, answer if it’s not missing certain pitches or looking in different areas.”
Miscellany
The Rays announced their 23rd sellout in 24 games at Steinbrenner Field, with a capacity of 10,046. ... With a first-inning walk, Danny Jansen extended his on-base streak to 14 games, one shy of his career high, with Toronto in July 2023. ... The Rays have now lost eight straight to the Phillies, their longest skid against a National League opponent in franchise history. Their last win against the Phils was Aug. 25, 2021. … The 7-0 final was the Rays’ largest home shutout loss since a 9-0 blanking by the Yankees on April 18, 2015. ... Outfielder Josh Lowe, sidelined since an opening-day right oblique strain, transfers his rehab from the Florida Complex League to Triple-A Durham on Thursday, with plans to play there into next week.
• • •
Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.
Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.
Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X and Facebook.
Continue reading...
