Rays’ Zach Eflin receives his 2022 NL championship ring from Phillies
ST. PETERSBURG — Rays pitcher Zach Eflin didn’t get the win over his former teammates on Tuesday. But he managed to leave with a consolation prize: Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola’s game-worn jersey.
Nola, a close friend of Eflin’s going back to their Double-A days, asked Eflin to swap jerseys. Eflin’s response? “Absolutely.”
“It was really special,” Eflin said. “It was cool to talk to him after the game. It’s a nice piece I get to hang up.”
With Tuesday’s start behind him, Eflin on Wednesday was able to celebrate the Phillies’ 2022 National League championship, of which he was a part, and connect with old friends.
He also received his NLCS ring in a pregame ceremony. Eflin said beforehand he was “pumped” to see the ring. The Phillies went through years of rebuilding and losing seasons during his tenure, which he said made the success of 2022 so significant for the club.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who gave Eflin the ring, said their reunion was emotional.
“He’s such a pro on and off the field,” Thomson said. “I know he was happy. He was really happy when he saw the ring. ... I think the world of him.”
B-Lowe returns to form
Second baseman Brandon Lowe was back like he never left.
Lowe, who returned from a month-long stint on the injured list on Tuesday, was an anchor for the Rays Wednesday. He had a two-run double in the first inning, doubled again in the third and walked in the sixth. He only failed to reach base once, popping out in the eighth.
His efforts were a bright spot for the Rays’ offense, which managed just seven hits. They went cold in the middle of the game, failing to record a hit in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings as the Phillies came from behind to take the lead.
Lowe said he tried to “attack early” when facing Phillies starter Taijuan Walker. He also credited his time on the injured list with spurring his performance.
“The IL clarity is something different for hitters,” Lowe said. “To be able to go back, look at video, understand some subtle changes that need to be made — it’s nice to be able to get out there and see the payoff from doing everything.”
Potential start date for McClanahan
The Rays are eying a return date for pitcher Shane McClanahan: Sunday, July 16.
Manager Kevin Cash said he’s hopeful McClanahan will return from the injured list the first day he’s eligible, which will be that day’s matchup with the Kansas City Royals.
The Rays placed McClanahan on the 15-day IL on June 30 because of mid-back tightness. McClanahan, who was selected as an American League All-Star, will be unable to participate in the game due to the injury.
Miscellany
The Phillies’ win Wednesday broke the Rays’ streak of nine consecutive unbeaten (7-0-2) home series. … The Rays’ pitching staff allowed 17 hits, their most since May 23. … Pitcher Shawn Armstrong will make his second start of 2023 against the Phillies on Thursday. … Former Rays prospect Cristopher Sanchez will be the starting pitcher for Philadelphia. He was sent to the Phillies in November 2019 in exchange for Curtis Mead, who is now the Rays’ top prospect. … Leftfielder Randy Arozarena earned the fifth seed in the All-Star Home Run Derby and will compete against close friend Adolis Garcia of the Rangers in the first round.
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