Rays option Brandon Gomes; Jamey Wright makes roster
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/26/2013) Tampa Bay has optioned pitcher Brandon Gomes to Triple-A Durham Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Times reports. "I knew it was a possibility," Gomes said. "I'm not happy about it, but that's how it goes."
With Gomes cut, that means reliever Jamey Wright has made the Rays' bullpen. Wright, 38, has allowed seven earned runs this spring over 10 innings for a 6.30 ERA with three strikeouts and had an opt-out clause if he didn't make the team.
Gomes, 28, pitched to a 1.74 ERA this spring over 10 1/3 innings with 11 strikeouts. He made 15 appearances for the Rays last year and went 2-2 with a 5.09 ERA. Gomes was much sharper the year prior for Tampa Bay with a 2-1 record and 2.92 ERA over 40 appearances.
Rays nearing decision on Jamey Wright
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013) The Rays need to make a decision regarding the roster status of pitcher Jamey Wright by Tuesday, reports MLB.com. That is when Wright can request out of his minor-league contract if he's not made the club.
If you ask manager Joe Maddon, he'll tell you the Rays have been happy with Wright to this point. "The ball's been up a little bit, that's been it," Maddon said. "Otherwise, the gun numbers are good, breaking ball's good. He feels well. I think here's a guy who wants to get to the regular season when it matters, and you're going to see the ball where it's supposed to be. ... That's what I think.
"There's so much I like about him also, just personality-wise and what he does with the entire group. If you give up a couple of home runs or hits during spring training, that really does not bother me. I think he's off a little bit with command, but not because there is anything wrong with him. I think it's just that time of the year yet."
Wright, 38, has allowed seven earned runs this spring over 10 innings for a 6.30 ERA with three strikeouts.
Wright seeking bullpen role
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (2/25/2013) Rays pitcher Jamey Wright tossed a scoreless inning of relief during Tampa Bay's 6-3 win over Boston in Grapefruit League play Monday. Wright, who signed a minor-league contract with the Rays that included an invitation to spring training, racked up two strikeouts as he retired the side in order to replacing starter Alex Cobb. "That's what you hope for. You hope you get out of there unscathed, and that's what I did. I was lucky. Felt strong for February," said Wright, who appeared in 66 games for the Dodgers last season, going 5-3 with a 3.72 ERA.
