AROUND THE HORN

Rays: A number of Rays pitchers decided not to wear rainbow-colored logos on their uniforms as part of the team’s annual “Pride Night” on Saturday that recognized the LGBTQ community. Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed it after Sunday’s game, saying he doesn’t think it’ll negatively impact the clubhouse because discussions among the players over last few weeks were constructive and emphasized the value of differing perspectives. “First and foremost, I think the organization has done a really good thing to have Pride Night’s supporting our gay community to come out and have a nice night at the ballpark,” Cash said. “Impressed that our players have had those conversions and we want to support our players that choose to wear or choose not to wear to the best of our capabilities.” Reliever Jason Adam was among those who opted out, and said it was a “faithbased decision” for him. “It’s just what we believe the lifestyle he’s (Jesus) encouraged us to live for our good, not to withhold,” Adam told the Tampa Bay Times. “But we love these men and women, we care about them and we want them to feel safe and welcome here.” According to the Tampa Bay Times, the other Rays who elected to remove the logos were Jalen Beeks, Brooks Raley, Jeffrey Springs and Ryan Thompson. Earlier this year, Florida legislators passed a law, which Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, signed, that forbids classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. Critics argue that the law’s true intent is to marginalize LGBTQ people and their families. Members of the LGBTQ community took part in pregame activities and mini LGBTQ flags were given out to fans. Saturday’s attendance at Tropicana Field was 19,452, above the season average of 16,868. The turnout for Sunday’s series finale against the White Sox was 11,162.

Astros: The Astros and DH/OF Yordan Álvarez finalized a six-year, $115 million contract. The new deal covers 2023-28. The 24-year-old has a one-year deal for 2022 calling for $764,600 while in the major leagues and $304,500 should he be assigned to the minors. Álvarez’s deal calls for a $5 million signing bonus payable within 30 days of the contract’s approval by Major League Baseball and salaries of $7 million next year, $10 million in 2024 and $15 million in 2025, covering his three years of arbitration eligibility. Álvarez, who won AL rookie of the year in 2019 and was the MVP of last year’s ALCS, receives $26 million annually from 202628, when he would have been eligible for free agency. His salary can escalate from 2024-27 based on finish in MVP voting $1.5 million for first, $750,000 for second and $750,000 for third. The increase would apply to all subsequent seasons. For 2027 and ’28, Álvarez gets a limited no-trade provision allowing him to list 10 teams he can’t be dealt to without his consent. Álvarez hit .277 last year and set career highs with 33 HRs and 104 RBIs. He entered Monday’s series opener against the Mariners with a .295 average, 16 HRs and 34 RBIs, all team highs. Álvarez has served primarily as a DH since making his debut in 2019. But he has appeared in left field 71 times, including 20 this season.