It's another Spring Training day on which one team has to travel a bunch to get to find competition. It is the Phillies' turn today in the form of a long bus ride to Port Charlotte. While one may think the Rays could simply train in St. Petersburg where they play, but with average attendance in Port Charlotte strong the team can make some money.
Kyle Kendrick will make the trip and start for the Phillies. Kendrick has been roughed up a little bit in the early going. In two starts Kendrick has thrown four innings and given up five earned runs.
Opposing Kendrick will be Rays ace David Price. Price has yet to be scored upon this Spring. In two starts and four innings he has given up two hits and a walk.
Not making the trip: Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, and Ben Revere. Darin Ruf returns to left field after strong day at the plate and Domonic Brown heads to right field. John Mayberry gets his first start at first base this spring. Michael Martinez, not seeing much action in his Spring Training invite, will start in center field and bat eighth.
The Rays lineup features many of their regulars including Evan Longoria and Matt Joyce. Phillies fans familiar with the Iron Pigs will see a familiar face in the Rays' lineup in Rich Thompson. Thompson was a popular Iron Pig. Thompson was traded to the Rays last May for Kyle Hudson, now with the Texas Rangers organization.
Unfortunately for Phillies fans, there is no Phillies broadcast of today's game. The lone option is a radio broadcast on the Rays radio network. Fans with a subscription to MLB.tv or audio will be able to listen at rays.mlb.com. Otherwise, Gameday on Phillies.com or your MLB At Bat phone app are good bets.
Game time: 1:05 p.m.
Phillies Lineup:
1. Freddy Galvis SS
2. Kevin Frandsen 2B
3. Michael Young 3B
4. Carlos Ruiz C
5. John Mayberry 1B
6. Darin Ruf LF
7. Domonic Brown RF
8. Josh Fields DH
9. Michael Martinez CF
Kyle Kendrick pitches first
Rays Lineup:
1. Yunel Escobar SS
2. Kelly Johnson 2B
3. Evan Longoria 3B
4. Matt Joyce RF
5. James Loney 1B
6. Leslie Anderson RF
7. Chris Giminez C
8. Stephen Vogt DH
9. Rich Thompson CF
David Price pitches first
