Rays optimistic Tyler Glasnow will start Saturday against Guardians
ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays are optimistic pitcher Tyler Glasnow will start Saturday against the Guardians after missing his last scheduled start due to back spasms.
Glasnow, who was scratched from Sunday’s start in Detroit, received a shot earlier this week and was shut down Tuesday. On Wednesday, he threw out to 90 feet.
Manager Kevin Cash said Glasnow is “heading in the right direction.”
“(He) came back, said he felt good,” Cash said. “(It) still seems pretty optimistic for Saturday.”
Cash said the Rays won’t know if Glasnow can pitch for certain until Saturday morning.
Glasnow’s issue comes amid a string of pitching injuries for the Rays. Pitcher Zach Eflin recently missed time due to left knee discomfort, while pitcher Shane McClanahan is unlikely to play again this season after experiencing left forearm tightness.
Littell looks to build on last start
Rays pitcher Zack Littell will start Thursday. He turned in arguably his strongest outing as a Ray Friday at Detroit, throwing six shutout innings while allowing just three hits and a walk.
Littell primarily served as a relief pitcher after the Rays acquired him off waivers from the Red Sox in mid-May. But he’s recently moved into a starter’s role, throwing five and six innings in his last two starts, respectively.
The move has led to newfound soreness, Littell said. He didn’t feel his best during his last start but generally has been happy with his recovery in the days since.
The Rays haven’t developed a pitching plan in the event that McClanahan misses significant time. Littell’s approach hasn’t changed, either.
“(The coaching staff) have been fairly communicative that they just want me to go out there and do what I’ve been doing –– continue to try and eat innings, and take it one start at a time,” Littell said.
Injury updates on Mejia, Walls
Rays catcher Francisco Mejia and shortstop Taylor Walls were placed on the 10-day injured list just a day apart in July — Mejia with a left MCL sprain and Walls with a left oblique strain.
Cash is optimistic that Mejia could return to the field as soon as this weekend, competing in simulated games.
“As early as Friday, we could see him get going and maybe playing some games when we head on the road (on Monday),” Cash said.
Walls, however, isn’t ready to return any time soon, Cash said. He not provide more detail.
Miscellany
Matthew Liberatore will pitch for the Cardinals Thursday. It will be his first appearance against the Rays, who drafted him in the first round in 2018 before sending him to St. Louis in January 2020. Randy Arozarena was one of the players the Rays acquired in that deal. … Centerfielder Jose Siri had his second multi-homer game of 2023 on Wednesday and the third of his career. … The Cardinals snapped a five-game losing streak at Tropicana Field that dated back to June 11, 2014. ... The Rays have not won back-to-back home games since a five-game stretch spanning May 28-June 9. ... Pitcher Jalen Beeks, who started Wednesday, has now pitched against every major-league team except the Rays.
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