Eflin makes good first impression with Rays
The most expensive free agent in Tampa Bay history made a good first impression with the Rays.
Zach Eflin struck out three of four Minnesota Twins batters on Thursday in his first spring training start, a game played at Tropicana Field. The right-hander signed a $40 million, three-year contract during the offseason, the most money the Rays have given to a free agent.
“Felt really good,” Elfin said. “Felt like I was in control. I felt like my offspeed was pretty good today, which is kind of a good foundation to start with.”
Eflin began last season in Philadelphia's
rotation but his last start was June 25 before being sidelined by right knee soreness. He returned Sept. 14 and made seven appearances out of the bullpen with a 1.17 ERA, then pitched in relief in 10 postseason games for the National League champions. He threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings over four World Series games.
His 2021 season was cut short by a torn patellar tendon in his right knee that required surgery. He had surgery on both knees in 2016, the same year he made his big league debut with the Phillies.
Eflin joins a Rays rotation that includes All-Star lefty Shane McClanahan and right-hander Drew Rasmussen. Tyler Glasnow, a 6-8 righty, is expected to miss six to eight weeks with an oblique injury.
ROCKIES WOES >> It was a double dose of less-than-encouraging news for the Colorado Rockies on Thursday.
Manager Bud Black said Gold Glove-winning second baseman Brendan Rodgers could be looking at surgery after he dislocated his left shoulder while diving for a grounder up the middle in a spring training game Wednesday.
Black also said left-handed reliever Lucas Gilbreath has been dealing with an elbow issue and may be facing Tommy John surgery.
Rodgers was the third overall pick by the Rockies in 2015. He hit .266 with 13 homers and 63 RBIs last season.
“This setback is a tough one,” Black said of Rodgers. “I do really think that he was ready for a big year. I think he was in great shape, he was in a good frame of mind mentally, confidence. Everything was pointed in the right direction for success. And now this is a setback.”
QUICK K >> Well, that was a fast 1-23. The New York Yankees' Wandy Peralta needed only about 20 seconds to strike out Pittsburgh's Tucupita Marcano on three pitches in Thursday's spring training game. The Yankees lefty who has always exceled as disrupting the timing of hitters can now take advantage of the new pitch clock.
“It's right up his alley,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “It just gives him something else to mess with.”
After a quick 85 mph slider that a seemingly surprised Marcano took for a strike, he swung at and missed a 94 mph slider before watching a 86 mph changeup that was called strike three to end the second inning.
ODOR WITH PADRES >> Infielder Rougned Odor started at second base for the Padres on Thursday after finalizing a minor league deal. Manager Bob Melvin said Odor will get the opportunity to play this spring training since the Padres are short on infielders, especially with the upcoming World Baseball Classic.