Rays’ Randy Arozarena is excited to take his All-Star swings

ST. PETERSBURG — Playing in Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Seattle should be fun for Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena.

But he is taking his appearance in Monday’s Home Run Derby seriously.

After campaigning his way into the eight-player field, Arozarena took advantage of the Rays being on-site last weekend to get in some pregame practice at T-Mobile Park.

“I wanted to get a feel for what it’s like,” Arozarena said via team interpreter Manny Navarro.

Part of that was to get a better sense of where the ball carries best in the picturesque stadium. (His three career homers there, including two this past weekend, have been to leftfield.)

“This is a great park,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a fun park to hit at.”

Another reason was to get comfortable taking swings at a rapid, derby-style pace off Rays field coordinator Tomas Francisco. The first-year member of the coaching staff will accompany Arozarena back to Seattle to throw to him.

Saturday, Arozarena, who normally hits with the first group in batting practice that is thrown by manager Kevin Cash, instead faced Francisco.

“I wanted to hit in his group so I can get used to the rhythm, where to pitch me and where I like it so we can both get a rhythm into it,” Arozarena said.

Sunday, when no batting practice was scheduled for either team, the Rays arranged for Arozarena to hit on the field so he could take swings off Francisco in a timed session similar to the derby setting.

Arozarena, who has 16 homers this season, was pleased to hit 18 in about three minutes Sunday. He noted later he also homered in his first at-bat of the game, “so 19 for the day.”

Cash said the Rays probably will arrange a couple of similar sessions this week for Arozarena and Francisco, who will have his own adjustment to make throwing on such a big stage.

The 33-year-old, who has been a player, coach and manager in the Rays’ minor-league system, said he has thrown in some organizational derby-style events, but “nothing like this.”

Arozarena participated in one previous home run derby in 2017, during his first year in the minors. He represented the Cardinals’ Class A team at the Florida State League All-Star Game and won the rain-shortened event.

Diaz feels rewarded

Infielder Yandy Diaz typically prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

Now, he is an All-Star starter, voted by fans as the top first baseman ahead of one of the game’s top young stars, Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

“Vladdy’s a really good player, a popular player, but I’m happy that I’m getting voted for,” Diaz said via Navarro.

“It means a lot. You know that they’re watching all the hard work that we’re putting in, all the effort that I’ve put in to have a good season, and it’s really good to see that.”

When the Rays acquired Diaz from Cleveland in December 2018, he hadn’t even played a full season in the majors. But with his ability to work good at-bats and get on base often, he quickly became a key piece of Tampa Bay’s lineup.

Diaz, 31, was rewarded in January with a three-year, $24 million contract and then upped his game. He started hitting more homers, and after shifting primarily from third base to first is now being recognized on a bigger stage.

“I’m going to be around all the best players in the big leagues,” he said. “I’m very fortunate and I’m very grateful and very proud to be around that and be a part of it.”

Or at least, hopefully. Diaz’s wife is due to deliver their first child, a boy, “pretty soon,” and Diaz said he could end up skipping the trip to Seattle.

McClanahan thankful, more mature

Pitcher Shane McClanahan makes a point when talking to reporters after each start to mention the work of his teammates.

So when he was voted an All-Star by league players for the second straight season, based on an impressive 11-1 record and 2.53 ERA, he again made sure to laud his Rays mates for their help.

“It’s one of those things where this year it hasn’t necessarily been the most easiest year I’ve had,” said McClanahan, 26. “There’s been a lot of outings where I feel like I’ve had to really grind and grit and get through and trust the guys behind me. So, I’m super thankful for these guys behind me having my back.”

McClanahan, who won’t be able to pitch in Seattle (he is on the 15-day injured list due to back tightness), said the experience has aided his personal growth.

“I feel like I’ve experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, and I know how to handle everything in between,” he said. “Been there, done that and it’s one of those things you’ve just got to learn through experience, in my opinion.

“I think it’s helped me handle adversity on the field, off the field and how to be a better teammate, better leader, better competitor. I think this Shane McClanahan is more mature and a better player than last year, and vice versa. I’ve just got to continue doing the right thing, trying to learn every single day, work hard, and whatever happens, happens.”

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