Cody Ceci opened the scoring for the Maple Leafs with a shorthanded goal at 18:52 of the first period. Ceci’s goal is his first career playoff goal and first point of the 2020 postseason. He had a goal and seven assists in 56 games this season. He has four points (1-3-4) in 28 career playoff games. Ceci’s first period goal is his first NHL goal to come while shorthanded in regular season or postseason play. He is the first Maple Leaf defenceman to score a shorthanded goal in the playoffs since Jim McKenny on April 9, 1972 vs. Boston.
William Nylander scored the second Toronto goal of the night at 7:08 of the second period on the power play. Nylander’s goal is his first goal of the playoffs. He has points (1-1-2) in two consecutive games. In 23 career playoff games, he has recorded 13 points (3-10-13).
Nick Robertson scored the third Maple Leafs goal of the game at 8:48 of the second period. Robertson’s goal is his first in NHL competition. At 18 years, 330 days old, he is the third Maple Leaf in franchise history to score a playoff goal before the age of 19, joining Jack Hamilton and Ted Kennedy, per NHL Stats. He is the first NHLer to score a playoff goal before turning 19 since Sam Bennett with Calgary in 2015. He led the Ontario Hockey League and Canadian Hockey League in goal-scoring with this season with 55 goals in 46 games.
Alex Kerfoot registered the primary assist on Ceci’s first period goal and later added the secondary assist on Robertson’s second period goal. Kerfoot has assists (0-3-3) in two consecutive games. Tonight’s game is his first career multi-point and multi-assist playoff game. He has eight points (2-6-8) in 22 career postseason games.
Kasperi Kapanen collected the secondary assist on Ceci’s first period goal and later had the primary assist on Robertson’s second period goal. Kapanen’s first period assist was his first point of the 2020 playoffs. Tonight’s game is his third career multi-point and first career multi-assist playoff game. He had 13 goals and 23 assists in 69 games during the 2019-20 regular season. He has seven points (four goals, three assists) in 23 career playoff games.
Mitch Marner recorded the primary assist on Nylander’s second period goal. Marner’s assist is his first point of the 2020 postseason. He had 16 goals and 51 assists in 59 games during the 2019-20 season. In 23 career playoff games, he has recorded 17 points (5-12-17).
Auston Matthews picked up the secondary assist on Nylander’s second period goal. Matthews has points (1-2-3) in two consecutive games. He has 16 points (11-5-16) in 23 career playoff games.
The Maple Leafs went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and 1-for-2 on the power play tonight.
The Maple Leafs are 58-57-1 all-time in playoff overtimes.
Justin Holl was on the ice for a team-high 30 Toronto shot attempts-for at 5-on-5. He finished the game with a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 47.6 percent (30 for, 33 against).
Martin Marincin played in his first game of the series.
John Tavares won 83 percent (10 won, 2 lost) of his defensive zone faceoffs and was 11-for-16 (69%) in the faceoff circle against Columbus centre Pierre-Luc Dubois.
MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS
Shots
4 (Hyman, Nylander, Rielly)
Shot Attempts
7 (Mikheyev)
Faceoff Wins
16 (Tavares)
Faceoff Win Percentage
100% (Spezza – 2 won, 0 lost)
Hits
4 (Hyman, Marincin)
Blocked Shots
5 (Holl)
Takeaways
2 (Matthews, Tavares)
TOI
32:26 (Rielly)
Power Play TOI
2:10 (Nylander)
Shorthanded TOI
3:17 (Marincin)
Shifts
36 (Rielly)
5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage
73.3% (Spezza – 11 for, 4 against)
UPCOMING GAMES:
Friday, August 7, 8 p.m., Toronto at Columbus (Sportsnet, NBCSN, TVA)
Sunday, August 9, TBD, Columbus at Toronto (TBD)* *If Necessary
Stats reflect official NHL stats at the time of distribution. Please consult official NHL game sheets (links above) to confirm no statistical changes were made.
TODAY’S GAME: NATE PEARSON Taking a Major League mound for the 2nd time, both in interleague games (7/29 vs. WAS). Nate Pearson, RHP #24 Born: Odessa, FL AGE: 23 Making his 2nd MLB start tonight, coming off his MLB Debut on 7/29 vs. WAS…Threw 5.0 scoreless innings, taking a no-decision as the Jays were shutout, 4-0, by Max Scherzer and the Nationals… Allowed 2 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5 batters…Struck out the 1st batter he faced (Trea Turner), becoming the 7th pitcher in team history to debut as a starter and strike out the 1st batter faced (last: Matt Boyd on 6/27/15 vs. TEX)…Became the 3rd pitcher in Blue Jays history to throw 5+ scoreless innings in an MLB debut, joining Mauro Gozzo (8/8/89 vs. TEX) and Trent Thornton (3/31/19 vs. DET)…Also became the 49th player in team history to make his MLB debut as a starting pitcher, following up a debut by Thomas Hatch, 3 days earlier (7/26 at TB). Entered the season as Toronto’s top-rated prospect by MLB and Baseball America (7th overall by BA; 8th overall by MLB). ST: 5G, 2GS, 4.22 ERA, 10.2 IP, 7H, 5ER, 1HR, 5BB, 16K, .194 AVG 2019 HIGHLIGHTS: Started his campaign with A+ Dunedin and posted a 0.86 ERA (2 ER/21.0 IP) across 6 starts. Promoted to AA New Hampshire on 5/7 and held a 2.59 ERA (18 ER/62.2 IP) in 16 starts. Finished the year with 3 starts for AAA Buffalo…Went 1-0 while allowing 6 runs over 18.0 innings for a 3.00 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP (15K/3BB). Threw 7.0 shutout innings in his AAA debut on 8/20 at Rochester… Allowed 3 hits and struck out 3 batters without issuing a walk on what was his 23rd birthday. 2018 HIGHLIGHTS: Made just 1 start in the 2018 regular season before having his campaign ended with a fractured right ulna when he was hit by a line drive. Played for the Surprise Saguaros in the 2018 Arizona Fall League and went 2-2 over 6 starts…Had his fastball reach as high as 104 MPH while there and was named to both the AFL Rising Stars Team and the All-Prospect Team. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS: Ranked by MLB as Toronto’s No. 1 prospect heading into 2020… Listed as Baseball America’s 7th-best overall prospect. Selected by the Blue Jays in the 1st round (28th overall) of the 2017 First-Year Player Draft. Attended Florida International for a year before transferring to Central Florida Community College in Ocala, FL…Went 5-2 with a 1.56 ERA in his 13 starts for Patriots in 2017 and struck out 118 batters over 81.0 innings (23 walks). PITCH SELECTION (2020) Four-seam Fastball (55.1%, 95.7mph), Slider (33.3%, 84.6mph), Change (9.4%, 88.8mph) Curve (2.2%, 77.0mph) YEAR W-L ERA G GS IP H ER HR BB SO AVG 2020 0-0 0.00 0 0 5.0 2 0 0 2 5 .118 2019 (AA) 1-4 2.59 16 16 62.2 41 18 4 21 69 .186 2019 (AAA) 1-0 3.00 3 3 18.0 12 6 2 3 15 .185
– The 2020 postseason marks the Maple Leafs’ 69th appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Series History
– The Maple Leafs have played a total of 114 series in their previous 68 playoff appearances, winning 58 of them.
Playoff Record
– Toronto has a record of 262-285-4 in 551 franchise playoff games.
Best of Five
– The Toronto franchise (Arenas, St. Pats, Maple Leafs) has played in 15 best-of-five series in its history and have a 7-8 record in that span
Toronto vs. Columbus
– This is the first time the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets have met in a postseason series.
Postseason Experience
– Frederik Andersen, Kasperi Kapanen, Zach Hyman, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly have appeared in all 20 postseason games contested by the Maple Leafs since the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, per NHL Stats.
In the Atlantic
– Toronto finished third in the Atlantic Division and 13th in the NHL standings with a record of 36-25-9 (.569 points percentage).
Team Discipline
– The Maple Leafs took the sixth-fewest penalties in the NHL (219) and averaged the third-fewest penalty minutes per game (6.7).
Faceoffs
– The Maple Leafs finished third among NHL teams in faceoff win percentage (52.5%) and tied for second among NHL teams in offensive zone faceoff win percentage (54.0%).
Goals by Strength
– The Maple Leafs were third in the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (159).
Power Play
– The Maple Leafs have the third fewest power play opportunities (195) among NHL teams that have scored at least 40 power play goals (45).
Penalty Kill
– Toronto was shorthanded 193 times this season, which was the eighth-fewest times shorthanded in the NHL.
Scoring First
– Toronto had a .774 win percentage when scoring first, which tied for the third highest in the NHL.
MAPLE LEAFS NOTABLES
Frederik Andersen
– Stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced in game one. He has allowed one or fewer goals in 12 of his 49 playoff appearances.- Since joining the Maple Leafs in 2016-17, Andersen is 9-12 in 22 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances. He is tied for eighth among Maple Leafs goalies in all-time playoff wins.
Tyson Barrie
– Averaging 18:34 in ice time and 21.49 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time through two games in the series.- Has appeared in 23 career playoff games and recorded 14 points (one goal, 13 assists).
Jack Campbell
– Could make his Stanley Cup playoff debut this postseason.- Had a 3-2-1 record with a .915 save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against average after being acquired by the Maple Leafs.- Has made two career appearances against the Blue Jackets and is 1-0-1 with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.
Cody Ceci
– Has recorded four blocked shots through two games of the series after recording 79 blocked shots in 56 games during the 2019-20 regular season.- Has skated in 27 career playoff games, recording three assists.
Kyle Clifford
– Has appeared in 57 career playoff games and is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion (2012, 2014) with the Los Angeles Kings.
Justin Holl
– Leads the Maple Leafs in shorthanded ice time per game (3:47) in the series thus far. – Made his Stanley Cup playoff debut on August 2 vs. Columbus.
Zach Hyman
– Registered his first point of the postseason with an assist in game two. Ranks fourth among Toronto skaters in even-strength time on ice per game (15:38).- Has appeared in 22 career playoff games and recorded nine points (3-7-10).
Kasperi Kapanen
– Has drawn a team-high three penalties through two games of the series.- Has appeared in 22 career playoff games and recorded five points (4-1-5).
Alex Kerfoot
– Leads the Maple Leafs in hits with six through two games.- Has appeared in 20 career playoff games and recorded five points (2-3-5).
Mitch Marner
– Had a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 68.1 percent (47 for, 22 against) which leads the Maple Leafs.- Has appeared in 22 career playoff games and recorded 17 career points (5-12-17).
Auston Matthews
– Ranks third among NHL forwards in ice time per game (23:22) through two games of the series.- Had his fourth career multi-point playoff game on August 4 vs. Columbus (1-1-2). – Has skated in 22 career playoff games and recorded 11 goals and four assists.- Per NHL Stats, Matthews’ 11 career playoff goals (20 GP) are tied for the second-most among Maple Leafs before age 23. He trails Ted Kennedy (20 G in 38 GP) and is tied with Wendel Clark (11 G in 23 GP).
William Nylander
– Registered his first point of the postseason with an assist on August 4 vs. Columbus. Has started 65.2 percent of his 5-on-shifts in the offensive zone.- Has recorded three goals and eight assists in 20 career playoff games.
Jason Spezza
– Leads the Maple Leafs in career playoff games (82), goals (25), assists (45) and points (70).
John Tavares
– Recorded his first point of the playoffs with a goal on August 4 vs. Columbus. Leads the Maple Leafs in shots on goal (10) through two games. – Has skated in 33 career playoff games and recorded 28 points (14 goals, 14 assists).
INJURY REPORT
Andreas Johnsson (Knee)
On injured reserve.
Jake Muzzin
Left Toronto’s game on August 4 and has been ruled out for the remainder of the series.
MAPLE LEAFS – BLUE JACKETS FINAL 2019-20 TEAM STATS
Q. (Chris Johnston, Sportsnet): I’m wondering if you could tell us if Jake was taken to hospital and if you have any update on his condition yet?
SHELDON KEEFE: Yeah, he was taken to hospital. I’m told he’s responsive and all of that. Just awaiting his assessment.
Q. (Josh Clipperton, The Canadian Press): Just wondering what the difference was today. You guys were able to generate a lot more. What was the difference from game one?
SHELDON KEEFE: Every game is going to be slightly different, it’s going to have its own personality. Today I thought we forechecked really hard right from the start of the game and some loose pucks became available, gave us an extra opportunity to attack the net. That was a really good sign for us but our guys brought it to another level today from a competitive standpoint and that really helped us in all regards.
Q. (Terry Koshan, Toronto Sun): What was happening in the defensive zone that really negated the forecheck that Columbus had in game one? What were you guys doing a lot better today?
SHELDON KEEFE: Well we were doing a better job up ice in their half of the ice. As a result, most of the time when it entered our half of the ice they were in line changes and not forechecking as a full unit. That makes it a lot easier for us. That’s obviously every team’s goal going into a game and today worked out for us there.
Q. (Kevin McGran, Toronto Star): I guess if Jake Muzzin is going to hospital he’s out of the bubble and can’t come back even if he could. What will you have to do without him? What will losing him mean to this team?
SHELDON KEEFE: I’m not really certain on exactly what the protocol is for this situation. There are protocols in place for these types of situations and I’m not exactly certain what the details are. Our focus is and always will be just on his well-being and making sure he’s okay.
Q. (Mark Masters, TSN): Was there any frustration with the fact Korpisalo seemed locked in and you’re getting the chances and you couldn’t find the back of the net? How do you feel the group handled that?
SHELDON KEEFE: I think we handled it well. It was on my mind, of course, just making sure that we stayed with it. I just kept monitoring our bench and monitoring our players’ mannerisms and how they were coming back to the bench. You see guys talking to themselves and I think we were just focused, focused on what we had to do on the ice and staying with it. So that was really good to see. It was not unlike what happened in game one in terms of us just staying with it, but obviously we were generating more today so there was a little bit more happening in and around the net. The goalie was a big difference for them but I really liked how our guys just took a drink of water and got ready for the next shift and stayed with it and believed in what we were doing.
Q. (Ken Campbell, The Hockey News): Mitch [Marner] just said that on the Muzzin play when you guys asked the official what had happened, he said that he was crosschecked. If that’s the case, do you wonder why they don’t call that more in the NHL? It seems like the crosscheck goes so uncalled and that might have been a reason why something like this could have happened.
SHELDON KEEFE: I think the refs are out there doing their best, doing their job and I’ve got to focus on doing my job, which is preparing our team and keeping us ready to go and that moment there was about keeping us focused. A lot of things happen in the game and it’s our job to just play through it.
Q. (Sean Farrell, NHL.com): What has Fred [Andersen’s] play through the first two games meant to the team?
SHELDON KEEFE: It means a great deal. Obviously, goaltender is very important. You’re seeing it on the other side as well with Columbus. He gives us belief in what we’re doing and if we crack, he’s going to be there for us. It’s two excellent games by him here now. Today when we did crack and they had a little bit of a look or a little bit of a push, he was there. He gives our guys even more life and energy.
AUSTON MATTHEWS AND JOHN TAVARES
Q. (Josh Clipperton, The Canadian Press): What’s it like, the feeling of being two minutes away from the win and then seeing a teammate go down like that and just the quietness of the building?
JOHN TAVARES: No question, seeing one of your teammates go down, especially a guy like Muzz, you know the type of warrior he is. I think what he brings to our team is unmeasurable. Obviously, very tough. All signs are very positive being around him and nice to close it out for him, but certainly tough to see, especially how much we love that guy.
Q. (Terry Koshan, Toronto Sun): Auston, could I get your thoughts on the goal that you scored and what you were feeling after Korpisalo had stopped the first 55 shots he saw in games one and two?
AUSTON MATTHEWS: Yeah, obviously excitement. It’s postseason, everything is tight out there and goals are hard to come by. It was nice to get that one and kind of jump start a nice push. I thought we played pretty well in the first period and second period and I think we just tried to stick with it. [Hyman] made a great play and I just tried to deflect it towards the net and it just happened to go in.
Q. (Rosie DiManno, Toronto Star): Question for John, earlier on in the first and second period, there were times when you were shaking your head during the power play and casting eyes to the ceiling in disbelief. Can you just contrast that with the celebration on your goal?
JOHN TAVARES: He made some great saves. I thought there was a couple that were deflected and were a little bit more fortunate on his side, but he’s obviously playing really well, he’s a really good goalie. You want to see those go in. I just tried to focus on the next shift, next opportunity. On the goal they really were aggressive and I think both D kind of jumped in and I was our last forward coming back and I kind of saw the play getting broken up so as I saw that, I just kind of anticipate that puck might be coming the other way so I was able to get a good bead on it and lucky enough to get that opportunity and nice to finish it off, especially after some of the chances I had.
Q. (Chris Johnston, Sportsnet): Auston, I’m wondering what the biggest factor was for the team in being able to create so many good looks in this versus the first one?
AUSTON MATTHEWS: I think both games, to be honest, we had some pretty good looks, probably more so tonight. I think just upping our compete level, getting to the net, dirty areas and trying to get on the inside where we can beat guys to the net. I thought we came out with a strong push to start the game and I think just the communication factor was there tonight for us and just full effort throughout the lineup.
Q. (Mark Masters, TSN): John, what allowed you guys to do a better job generating chances off the rush considering how well Columbus usually does against that?
JOHN TAVARES: I think we were just quicker tonight and that’s not just necessarily the way we’re moving our feet but I think just our execution and the way we moved the puck. I thought D did a great job of just handling their forecheck, which they do really well, and then I think as forwards we were just in sync reading off each other and doing good job of, when we had to, getting pucks in behind and getting on the inside and first on those races that allowed us to then set up the next couple of plays to break them down and create some opportunities, some more possessions. Obviously, it was a positive tonight for us, it’s something we have to continue, especially when you expect them to make some adjustments. I like the way we were just in sync and connected today.
Q. (Marty Klinkenberg, The Globe and Mail): In a game like this where you very much dominated but still it’s late in the second and it’s 0-0, does it start to get more tense as you’re playing?
JOHN TAVARES: Certainly those thoughts can creep in, but I think as a team when we’re playing like that I think we have so much belief in each other. I think the type of team we have that eventually it’s going to pay off, we’re going to find a way to break through. Don’t get discouraged and stick with it, we’re playing, we’re doing the things we want to do, we’re creating opportunities. Just sticking with it and not getting discouraged, like I said, just kind of staying one shift at a time. A little cliche but you’re just kind of staying in the moment, waiting for the next opportunity. Great play by [Matthews] to break the ice for us. It was a big goal and something he always does for us. As a team we just kind of fed off one another and he led the way.
FREDERIK ANDERSEN AND MITCH MARNER
Q (Kevin McGran, Toronto Star): Your thoughts on seeing Jake Muzzin go down. He’s been such a warrior for you guys and so close to the end of the game too. What’s going through your head when you’re seeing him lying there in injury and being taken off on a stretcher?
FREDERIK ANDERSEN: Yeah it’s difficult. Seeing a guy like Jake that everyone cares about, he’s well loved in the locker room. Being as tough as he is it’s really hard to see him being told to lay down and not move. We’re really just thinking about him and making sure all the right steps are being taken and hopefully he recovers soon.
MITCH MARNER: Yeah, just like Freddie said, he’s a big part of this team, penalty kill, even-strength against the best players against the other teams. He really does mean a lot to us. Being beside him there when he went down and stayed down, obviously it’s a little worrisome and to see the stretcher come out, a lot of things running through your mind. Like Freddie said we’re all on his side, we’re all praying for him and just want to make sure when he does come back he’s 100 percent. There are a lot bigger things than hockey.
Q (Josh Clipperton, Canadian Press): For Freddie, what are you thinking when you’re seeing the guy at the other stop shot after shot? I think it was the 55th or 56th shot that they finally found a way through. What’s your mindset when you see the other guy doing that?
FREDERIK ANDERSEN: Just keep doing what I’m doing. What happens in their end is useless to think about. Just keep doing what I can do and be ready for when they do come. They’re putting a hell of a pressure on him and both games I think we’ve had the puck a lot and obviously been playing well, but I think we did a better job of getting in and getting second chances and having confidence in guys being able to score.
Q. (Jonas Siegel, The Athletic): Mitch, you were right there with Jake. When did you realize something wasn’t right?
MITCH MARNER: I just remember clearing the puck, I remember kind of turning over and seeing him on the ground. Kind of saw him get up on all fours. At this time I think the puck just exit, I was still kind of standing beside him and then I realized after drawing up to the blueline to try and stop them from entering, they dumped it in and hit the ref. At that point he was back down, full lying down. I just kind of skated over to him, I just asked him if he was okay. Obviously, he just kind of said, just give him a second and a couple of other things that doesn’t matter, it’ll stay between us. Like I said, we just want to make sure all the right things are happening to make sure he’s back to being 100 percent. He’s a big part of this team. Hopefully he recovers quickly. Like I said, there’s a lot bigger things than hockey, especially outside this world and his family is a major priority. You’ve got to make sure you’re able to still play with your kids.
Q. (Mark Masters, TSN): What was it like reuniting with Auston and how did you feel your game grew in today’s game versus game one?
MITCH MARNER: For myself I think I was just a lot more competitive with the puck, on the puck, a lot more dialed into my battles and being better consistently all over the ice. I think we worked the puck nicely around, we were using our speed, something we’re going to have to just keep doing and keep using our speed coming through the middle and supporting each other. The chemistry kind of just kicked right back with [Hyman] as well and we were making plays, we’ve just got to find ways to get around these guys trying to block our shots.
Q. (Ken Campbell, The Hockey News): Mitch, I just wanted to ask you as a forward out there who’s in the thick of the battle, that hit on Jake Muzzin was a crosscheck from behind. It was a fairly innocuous one but still a crosscheck from behind that seems to go uncalled almost all the time in this league now. Do you think the League has to do more about crosschecking now? A couple of years ago it was the casual slash and now they’re cracking down on that. Do you think they need to crack down on the crosscheck?
MITCH MARNER: It’s hard for me to say at this moment. I was beside [Muzzin] when the play happened and I was turning and shooting it while he was coming down so I haven’t seen the actual play yet. I think the player’s off two to three feet from the boards and a crosscheck does happen, usually it doesn’t matter how good you are on your feet, there’s a possible chance of you going head first into the boards. It’s always a scary incident. Like I said, I have not seen that play yet, reviewed or on my phone or anything like that, but we were asking the refs and their response was just he got pushed, he got crosschecked, he hit one other player and that’s how it all happened. I think usually when a player is two or three feet from the wall, that’s when the dangerous stuff happens and the injuries come in part. Like I said, I haven’t seen it, we’ll leave it to the League to discuss what they think is necessary.
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 – Truist Park – Atlanta, Ga.
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Win: Max Fried (2-0, 2.04) | Loss: Matt Shoemaker (0-1, 5.91) | Save: None
First Pitch: 7:10 p.m. | Game Time Temp.: 86 degrees | Time of Game: 3:06 | Attendance: —
Series Information
Braves vs. Blue Jays: The Braves and Blue Jays tonight played the first of a three-game series, the only meetings between the teams this season…This is the fourth consecutive season Toronto and Atlanta have played…The Braves have gone 29-24 all-time in their regular season meetings, including 22-10 (.688) since 2009…Atlanta has not lost a series with Toronto in that time, going 5-0-3 in series play…The Braves took three-of-four games from the Blue Jays last season, including both games in Atlanta.
Toronto Blue Jays (3-5)
Return to Play: The Blue Jays returned to action tonight for the first time since last Thursday, July 30…Their three-game weekend series with Philadelphia was postponed…Toronto spent the weekend working out in Nationals Park in Washington, D.C…The Blue Jays played a four-game, home-and-home series with Nationals last week…All four games were at Nationals Park, and Toronto served as the “home” team for the final two games.
Interleague Play: The Blue Jays fell to 2-3 (.400) in Interleague Play this season following tonight’s loss…Despite the loss, they are still just one victory shy of their Interleague win total in 20 games last season…Toronto’s 3-17 record against National League opponents in 2019 produced a .150 winning percentage, the third lowest all-time, trailing the 2010 Pirates and 2012 Rockies, who both went 2-13 (.133)…The Blue Jays’ 17 total losses in Interleague play last season were the most by any team in a single season.
Matt Shoemaker: Made his 100th career start tonight and allowed six hits and six runs over 4.2 innings to take the loss…The outing was the first of his career against Atlanta, and he has now pitched against 21 of the 30 major league teams.
Vlad Guerrero Jr.: Logged his first two doubles of the season and his second multi-hit game…Went 2-for-5 on July 26 at Tampa Bay…He opened the season batting just .172/.200/.276 with five hits in 29 at-bats.
RISP: The Blue Jays went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position tonight and are 10-for-54 (.185) in such situations through eight games…Toronto’s .185 average with runners in scoring position is third lowest in the majors, ahead of just Philadelphia (.179) and Detroit (.143).
Atlanta Braves (8-4)
Runs: Atlanta plated 10 men tonight and have scored a majors-most 69 runs on the season…Only one other team in the majors entered play with as many as 60 runs scored, the Padres with 64.
Max Fried Interleague: Turned in his second consecutively quality start, holding the Blue Jays to four hits and one run over 6.0 innings to earn his second win of the season…Fried has never lost an Interleague game in his career, going 5-0 with a 2.08 ERA (7 ER/30.1 IP) in five starts against the American League, striking out 37 in 30.1 innings (10.98 SO/9.0 IP)…Fried is one of just five pitchers since the advent of Interleague Play in 1997 to open their career with at least five straight victories against the opposing league, joining Justin Verlander (7 straight), Corey Kluber (6), Brett Tomko (6) and Francisco Liriano (5).
Max Fried Pickoffs: Fried allowed a first-inning single to Teoscar Hernández and immediately picked Hernández off first base, his second pickoff of the season…Fried’s two pickoffs are tied for most in the majors, and he’s needed just three pick-off attempts to do so…Since his major league debut on August 8, 2017, Fried’s 12 pickoffs are tied for most in the majors, and he has been successful on 18% (12-for-65) of his attempts…In that same span, the rest of baseball has picked off 645 runners on 37,859 attempts (0.017%).
Early Leads: Matt Adams opened the scoring with a home run leading off the second inning to give the Braves a lead…Atlanta has scored first in every game this season in which the opposing pitcher was not New York’s Jacob deGrom, and improved to 8-2 when doing so….The Braves went 75-26 (.743) last season in games they scored first, the second-best record in the National League…Only Los Angeles (72-21, .774) was better.
Leading After Four: Atlanta lead, 2-0, going into the fifth inning and held on to win, improving to 6-0 when leading after four this season…Braves pitchers held a lead after the fourth inning 77 times last season and the Braves went 71-6 (.922) in those games, easily the best record in baseball…No other team in baseball won even 90% of their games when holding a lead entering the fifth inning in 2019…Houston ranked second, going 76-11 (.874) when leading after the fourth.
Ronald Acuña Jr: Reached base four more times tonight, walking twice, doubling and logging an eighth-inning single… Acuña Jr. has batted .400/.500/.750 in his last five games, after going 4-for-28 (.143) with only one extra-base hit and 14 strikeouts in seven games to open the season…His double and single tonight left the bat at 104.5 and 102.1 mph, respectively, and each of his last seven hits have had exit velocities over 100 miles per hour.
Training Room: Matt Adams left tonight’s game in the bottom of the fifth inning with left hamstring tightness…Prior to his exit, he drove his second home run of the season out to center field.
Q. (Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun): Sheldon, how concerned were you about your offence tonight or was it just a case of Columbus doing what it does best?
SHELDON KEEFE: I think it’s both. Obviously, they did what they do best and what we were prepared for. We knew it was going to be difficult. Now we go out on the ice and you feel it. Obviously, we didn’t get one to fall for us here today. I thought we did have some chances to get more than what we got on the scoreboard, but it didn’t fall in for us, it fell in for them. That’s the difference.
Q. (Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun): How difficult is it when you’re putting Auston out there as much as possible and they’re matching with Jones as much as possible and there you have two of the great players in the NHL going up against each other?
SHELDON KEEFE: It’s a tough matchup. We can’t forget Werenski in that equation also because he’s a great player, and their forwards. They play as a group of five so no matter who is on the ice it’s going to be hard. This is all stuff that we were prepared for coming in. As I said, now we’re on the ice and you feel it. We didn’t generate as much as I wish we could have. At the same, as I said, it’s a very tight hockey game out there. One falls in for them early in the third period after we had what I thought was a pretty dominant start to the third and thought we were going to be rolling pretty good. All of a sudden, you’re down and it changes the nature of the game from there. Obviously we’ve got to find a way to score.
Q. (Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star): This obviously was the team you expected, the game you expected. Is there anything about this game that makes you worry about the way your team matches up against Columbus going forward or could you see places where the Leafs can handle this matchup better?
SHELDON KEEFE: Well, I think there’s going to be ways. We’re going to look closer at it and we’ll find ways that we can capitalize a little bit more on some of our opportunities and generate a little bit more. As I said, it’s a very tight game, it’s a good hockey team. It’s two teams that were tight together in the standings, two teams that are very competitive. I thought we played a good enough game to win today, but obviously you can’t win when you don’t score. We’ve got to work with that, but there’s a lot of things that we did do well in the game here today that gave us a chance going into the third period to win the hockey game. We’re going to have to regroup here obviously and push back and get one to go our way next time.
Q. (Chris Johnston, Sportsnet): I’m just wondering what your thoughts were on Freddie’s performance. Made some big saves but he wasn’t happy with the goal that beat him.
SHELDON KEEFE: I thought he did make some big saves, for sure. There was a few times they had some real quality looks. He was very good on those and there was some perimeter chances down the wing and stuff like that that he did a really good job of holding his ground on. Obviously, he misread the one in the third there that got by him, but he kept them to one goal. He, as far as I’m concerned, did his job. We’ve got to find a way to give him some help.
Q. (Justin Cuthbert, Yahoo Sports): It seemed Mitch Marner and John Tavares had trouble getting going tonight. What challenges did you see in front of them and what needs to happen for them to get going in the rest of the series?
SHELDON KEEFE: I thought they had a pretty good first period, actually. They had some pretty good offensive zone shifts and were around the net a little bit. They didn’t really get a chance to build upon that so we’ll have to look at it a little bit closer. Obviously, that’s another part of it is they’ve got a tough matchup there too, right? Gavrikov and Savard are tough defenders just the same as we’ve already talked about the other two. It’s a tough matchup for them, we need to get a little bit more from them but we need more from everybody obviously. We didn’t get anything from anyone today, we only generated one power play. All those types of things make it harder than it needs to be, but we expected it to be hard, we expected it to be uncomfortable. I thought this one today could have gone either way. It didn’t go our way so we’ve got to regroup here and find a way to be better next time out.
Q. (Kevin McGran, Toronto Star): Just a couple of words if you could on your third and fourth lines. Start with Nick Robertson, what you thought of a teenager playing in his first game tonight, and then also your decision to limit the Gauthier line, I guess obviously looking for offence there.
SHELDON KEEFE: First, I thought Robbie had some good moments in the game. In fact, he had a great look early in the hockey game, just got the toe of the goaltender there and obviously that was a big moment that could have put us in a real good spot. It was good to see him get into that position, available to get the shot. Otherwise, I thought he was good in a game that was difficult to play. That would be, by far, the hardest game he’s ever played in, I would imagine. He’s going to have to continue to find his way through that. I thought that Kerfoot and Kappy again, I thought those guys had legs and they were on the puck and gave us some pretty good shifts as a line. As for our fourth line, I thought they had a real tough start to the game, some long sequences in our own zone, just not what you want out of your fourth line. It made it difficult to really find any sort of rhythm with them and then, of course, once we’re down early in the third period, it becomes even harder.
AUSTON MATTHEWS & MORGAN RIELLY
Q. (Lance Hornby, Toronto Sun): What happened to you offensively tonight? What do you have to do in game two?
MORGAN RIELLY: I don’t know. I think we’ve got to look at it. I think that there were chances that we generated, obviously not capitalizing on any, but I think there are good things you have to look at and areas we have to improve on and we’ll do that tomorrow at practice.
Q. (Steve Simmons, Toronto Sun): It’s one thing to hear about how tight they play and to even watch the film of how tight they play. What was it like to experience it?
AUSTON MATTHEWS: Well, first of all, it’s unfortunate that I’m getting a question from you at this point, Steve. I just wanted to say I didn’t really appreciate the article you wrote about me a couple months ago. It was a bit unethical, to be honest. Moving along, I thought they obviously play a really structured defence and they make it hard on you to get on the inside. I think we’ve just got to do a better job of maybe shooting more pucks and have guys coming down on it.
Q. (Chris Johnston, Sportsnet): Was there anything that surprised you that they did or was it kind of what you guys were expecting?
AUSTON MATTHEWS: I don’t think anything really surprised us. They play a pretty straightforward and you know what you’re going to expect every night. They’re going to compete, they’re going to play physical. I thought we did some good things, there are some things we can clean up. Obviously, we’ve got to create more offence, get guys more on the inside and capitalize on some opportunities. Their goalie made some good saves as well.
Q. (Jonas Siegel, The Athletic): Auston, what’s it like to face somebody as big and who can move like Seth Jones, shift after shift?
AUSTON MATTHEWS: They’re good players. They’re good on both sides of the puck. We’ve got to be aware when they’re out there and obviously try to be strong down low, physical on the offensive side as well as the defensive side.
FREDERIK ANDERSEN & ZACH HYMAN
Q. (Josh Clipperton, The Canadian Press): How frustrating is it to play against that team, their style?
ZACH HYMAN: They play playoff hockey, this is playoff hockey. I thought we had our chances, we just couldn’t capitalize. You’re not going to win any games if you don’t score any goals. They got one and we couldn’t get on the board.
Q. (Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star): Freddie, if you could just take us through what you saw on that goal and how it went for you?
FREDERIK ANDERSEN: I saw him coming down the wing and his initial release looked to be a little bit higher. I reacted up and obviously made a little mistake. It cost us a goal and eventually the game, unfortunately. That’s what I saw.
Q. (Jonas Siegel, The Athletic): Zach, what kind of challenges does Seth Jones present?
ZACH HYMAN: He’s obviously an elite defenceman. He’s big and strong, he can skate. He plays well on the defensive side and the offensive side. Just trying to make his life and just out there and battle against him.
– The 2020 postseason marks the Maple Leafs’ 69th appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Series History
– The Maple Leafs have played a total of 114 series in their previous 68 playoff appearances, winning 58 of them.
Playoff Record
– Toronto has a record of 262-285-4 in 551 franchise playoff games.
Best of Five
– The Toronto franchise (Arenas, St. Pats, Maple Leafs) has played in 15 best-of-five series in its history and have a 7-8 record in that span
Toronto vs. Columbus
– This is the first time the Maple Leafs and Blue Jackets have met in a postseason series.
Postseason Experience
– Frederik Andersen, Kasperi Kapanen, Zach Hyman, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Morgan Rielly have appeared in all 20 postseason games contested by the Maple Leafs since the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs, per NHL Stats.
In the Atlantic
– Toronto finished third in the Atlantic Division and 13th in the NHL standings with a record of 36-25-9 (.569 points percentage).
Team Discipline
– The Maple Leafs took the sixth-fewest penalties in the NHL (219) and averaged the third-fewest penalty minutes per game (6.7).
Faceoffs
– The Maple Leafs finished third among NHL teams in faceoff win percentage (52.5%) and tied for second among NHL teams in offensive zone faceoff win percentage (54.0%).
Goals by Strength
– The Maple Leafs were third in the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (159).
Power Play
– The Maple Leafs have the third fewest power play opportunities (195) among NHL teams that have scored at least 40 power play goals (45).
Penalty Kill
– Toronto was shorthanded 193 times this season, which was the eighth-fewest times shorthanded in the NHL.
Scoring First
– Toronto had a .774 win percentage when scoring first, which tied for the third highest in the NHL.
MAPLE LEAFS – BLUE JACKETS FINAL 2019-20 TEAM STATS
TORONTO
COLUMBUS
GOALS FOR (Rank):
237 (2nd)
180 (t-28th)
GOALS AGAINST (Rank):
222 (25th)
183 (t-3rd)
POWER PLAY [%] (Rank):
45/195 [23.8%] (6th)
31/189 [16.4%] (27th)
PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank):
150/193 [77.7%] (21st)
138/169 [81.7%] (12th)
SHOTS (Rank):
2302 (4th)
2272 (6th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank):
3466 (3rd)
3133 (14th)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank):
52.0% (6th)
49.2% (19th)
FACEOFF % (Rank):
52.5% (3rd)
48.5% (26th)
MAPLE LEAFS 2019-20 LEADERS
CATEGORY
LEADER
GOALS
47 (Matthews)
ASSISTS
51 (Marner)
POINTS
80 (Matthews)
POWER PLAY POINTS
25 (Matthews)
SHORTHANDED POINTS
2 (Engvall, Kapanen)
PIMs
43 (Holl)
SHOTS
290 (Matthews)
FACEOFF WIN%
55.3% (Tavares)
5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT %
54.6% (Nylander)
BLOCKED SHOTS
110 (Muzzin)
TAKEAWAYS
78 (Matthews)
HITS
109 (Muzzin)
TOI PER GAME
24:12 (Rielly)
PP TOI PER GAME
3:13 (Marner)
SH TOI PER GAME
2:50 (Ceci)
MAPLE LEAFS NOTABLES
Frederik Andersen
– Since joining the Maple Leafs in 2016-17, Andersen is 8-11 in 20 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances. Only nine goaltenders have recorded more postseason wins in a Toronto uniform.- Fourth among NHL goaltenders in wins (29).- Fourth in the NHL in saves (1,434).- Is 6-2-3 in 11 career games against Columbus with a .918 save percentage and a 2.79 goals-against average.
Tyson Barrie
– Has appeared in 21 career playoff games and recorded 14 points (one goal, 13 assists).- Had eight multi-assist games, which was tied for the fourth-most among NHL defencemen.- Finished 2019-20 tied for third among NHL defencemen in multi-point games (12). – Averaged 14.26 shot attempts per game at 5-on-5, which was the sixth-highest average among NHL defencemen who played in at least 50 games.- Ranked 19th among NHL defencemen in 5-on-5 time on ice per game (18:12).
Jack Campbell
– Could make his Stanley Cup playoff debut this postseason.- Had a 3-2-1 record with a .915 save percentage and a 2.63 goals-against average after being acquired by the Maple Leafs.- Has made two career appearances against the Blue Jackets and is 1-0-1 with a 1.99 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage.
Kyle Clifford
– Has appeared in 55 career playoff games with the Los Angeles Kings and is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion (2012, 2014).- Finished 10th among NHL left wingers who have appeared in 50 games in 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage (53.6%). – Averagesd14.85 shot attempts per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranked 18th among left wingers.- Averaged 10.33 hits per 60 minutes of ice time, which ranked 32nd among NHL skaters.
Pierre Engvall
– Could make his Stanley Cup playoff debut this postseason.- Was fifth among NHL rookie forwards who appeared in 40 games in 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage (52.0%). – Had an on-ice goals-for percentage of 52.6 percent at 5-on-5, which was the seventh highest among NHL rookie forwards who have appeared in 40 games.- Ranked third among rookie forwards who skated in 40 games in 5-on-5 shot attempts per 60 minutes (14.08).
Justin Holl
– Could make his Stanley Cup playoff debut this postseason.- Started the eighth-lowest percentage of 5-on-5 shifts (42.3%) in the offensive zone among right-handed defencemen.- Ranked second in 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage (51.8%) among NHL defencemen who have started less than 45 percent of their 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone (42.3%).- Had the highest unblocked shot attempt percentage at 5-on-5 (52.6%) among NHL defencemen to have started fewer than 45 percent (42.0%) of their shifts in the offensive zone.
Zach Hyman
– Has appeared in 20 career playoff games and recorded nine points (3-6-9).- Tied his career-high for goals in a season (21).- Ranked fifth among Maple Leafs skaters in points per game (0.73).- Finished the 2019-20 season tied for third among Toronto forwards in even-strength time on ice per game (16:08).- Ranked third among Toronto forwards in shorthanded time on ice per game (1:52).
Kasperi Kapanen
– Has appeared in 20 career playoff games and recorded five points (4-1-5).- Drew 20 penalties this season and took eight, which gave him the highest net penalties among Toronto skaters (+12) and ranked tied for 14th among NHL forwards.- Fourth among Maple Leafs and 19th among NHL right wingers who appeared in 50 games in assists per 60 minutes of ice time (1.19) at 5-on-5.
Alex Kerfoot
– Has appeared in 18 career playoff games with the Colorado Avalanche and recorded five points (2-3-5)- Ranked second among Toronto skaters who appeared in 50 games in assists per 60 minutes of ice time (1.22) at 5-on-5.- Ranked eighth among Maple Leafs in even-strength points (8-17-25).- Was tied for second among Maple Leafs in primary assists at 5-on-5 (11).
Mitch Marner
– Has appeared in 20 career playoff games and recorded 17 career points (5-12-17).- Leads Maple Leafs players with 17 postseason points since 2017 (5-12-17 in 20 GP), per NHL Stats.- Was tied for ninth among NHL skaters in assists (51).- Had 13 multi-assist games, which was tied for the sixth-most among NHL skaters.- Averaged 1.12 points per game, which was the 17th-highest average in the NHL.- Averaged 1.69 assists per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which ranked 14th among NHLers who have appeared in at least 50 games.- Was tied for ninth in the NHL with 32 primary assists.
Auston Matthews
– Per NHL Stats, Matthews’ 10 career playoff goals (20 GP) is the third-most among Maple Leafs before age 23. He trails Ted Kennedy (20 G in 38 GP) and Wendel Clark (11 G in 23 GP). – Ranked third among NHL skaters in goals (47).- Finished tied for first in the NHL with 35 even-strength goals.- Led the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (30).- Was tied for first in the NHL in wrist shot goals (28).- Finished tied for second in the NHL in multi-goal games (10).- Ranked seventh in the NHL in multi-point games (25).- Was ninth among NHL skaters in points (47-33-80).- Ranked fourth in the NHL with 290 shots on goal.
William Nylander
– Has recorded three goals and eight assists in 20 career playoff games.- Established a new career-high for goals (31), which was tied for 15th in the NHL in goals scored.- Led the Maple Leafs and was tied for fifth among NHLers in game-winning goals (7).- Was tied for 14th in the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (19).- Ranked sixth among NHL forwards who averaged 14:00 per game (14:29) in 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage (54.6%).
Jason Spezza
– Leads the Maple Leafs in career playoff games (80), goals (25), assists (45) and points (70).- Averaged 1.98 points per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which was the fourth-highest average among Toronto skaters who appeared in at least 50 games.- Averaged 0.77 goals per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5 this season, which ranked fifth among Maple Leafs who appeared in at least 50 games.- Averaged 1.21 assists per 60 minutes of ice time at 5-on-5, which was tied for the third-highest average among Toronto skaters.
John Tavares
– Has skated in 31 career playoff games and recorded 27 points (13 goals, 14 assists).- Finished tied for 20th among NHL skaters in multi-point games (18).- Ranked 10th among NHL centres in 5-on-5 ice time per game (15:26).- Ranked 14th in the NHL in faceoff wins (617)- Has recorded 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists) in 27 career games against Columbus, which is tied for the 16th most points against the Blue Jackets among active NHLers.
How he feels in the morning obviously is more important, but for now Kemba Walker is feeling pretty good. Out of an abundance of caution, the Boston Celtics kept the star point guard on a minutes restriction in Friday night’s loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, and he’ll likely be limited throughout the seeding round. It’s…
Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Cavan Biggio hits a three-run home run during the fifth inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. on July 24, 2020. MARY HOLT/USA TODAY SPORTS VIA REUTERS
TORONTO BLUE JAYS 6, TAMPA BAY RAYS 4
Friday, July 24, 2020 Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Win: Romano (1-0) Loss: Morton (0-1) Save: Giles (1)
First Pitch: 6:41 p.m.Temps: 72-in, 79-out
Attendance: — Time of Game: 3:27
LINE SCORE
123456789 -RHELOB
Toronto (1-0)000330000-6916
Tampa Bay (0-1)000120010-45011
TAMPA BAY RAYS NOTES
THE LOSS—The Rays lost on Opening Day for a second consecutive season, falling to 11-12 all-time in season openers, 11-12 in home openers and 8-8 in Opening Day games at home…the Rays dropped to 2-3 all-time on Opening Day against Toronto, all at home, facing them for the first time since 2016 (lost 5-3)…this is the first shortened season since the 1995 players’ strike began on April 25 and was modified from 162 to 144 games.
Rays batters recorded 8 BB, tying the club record for an Opening Day game…excluding extra-inning games, they were the first team to lose with 8 BB (or more) on Opening Day since the 2009 Brewers (10-6 loss at SF) and the first AL team since the 2002 Yankees.
Tonight’s game took place 288 days after the Rays 2019 season ended with a Game 5 loss in the ALDS and 134 days after the final out was recorded in the final Grapefruit League game…this was the 11th consecutive year the Rays opened at their home ballpark
.CHARLIE MORTON—Allowed 6 runs, matching his most as a Ray (also Aug 27, 2019 at HOU), and his 4 IP tied his fewest with the Rays (3rd time)…it tied for the 3rd-shortest Opening Day start in franchise history; Wilson Álvarez went 2.1 IP in 1998 vs. DET and 3.1 IP in 1999 at BAL. Made his first Opening Day start…at 36 years, 255 days, was the oldest Opening Day starter in club history…became the fourth pitch-er since 1978 to make his first Opening Day start at 36 years, 255 days or older, joining TOR R.A. Dickey (38.155) in 2013, SEA Jamie Moyer (37.138) in 2000 and TOR David Wells (36.319) in 2000.
Tonight the Blue Jays went 2-for-2 with 1 HR, 1 BB, 2 SF and 6 RBI with RISP against him (teams hit .179 with RISP vs. him last year).
RYAN THOMPSON—Made his major league debut with two scoreless in-nings…is the eighth player since Stats LLC began tracking minor league phases of the Rule 5 Draft (2000) to be picked and make an Opening Day roster for that team…joined STL John Brebbia in 2019, CWS Omar Narvaezin 2017, MIA Justin Bour in 2016, TEX Alexi Ogando in 2011, MIN Brian Buscher in 2009, SF Eugenio Vélez in 2008 and NYM Eric Valent in 2004.
YOSHI TSUTSUGO—Homered off Hyun Jin Ryu in the 5th, his first career major league hit…became the sixth Japanese-born player to homer in his major league debut, according to Baseball Reference, joining LAD Kenta Maeda in 2016, CHC Kosuke Fukudome in 2008, SEA Kenji Johjima in 2006, NYM Kazuo Matsui in 2004 and STL Keith McDonald in 2000. Became the 24th player to homer in his Rays debut, first since Wil-ly Adames in 2018…is the sixth Ray to homer in his major league debut, joining Adames, Brandon Guyer in 2011, Elijah Dukes in 2007, Delmon Young in 2006 and Brent Abernathy in 2001.ÊIs the first Japan-born player to homer on Opening Day since MIL Nori Aoki in 2013; first in AL since NYY Hideki Matsui in 2010. According to Stats LLC, 16 of his 29 HR for Yokohama last season came off left-handed pitchers (and 80 of 205 HR in his career).
TORONTO BLUE JAYS NOTES
THE WIN—The Blue Jays snapped a 3-game Opening Day losing streak, their first win to start the season since 2016 at TB…this was their first win at Tropicana Field since July 28, 2019, snapping a 4-game losing streak here…improved to 22-22 all-time on Opening Day (since 1977).
Tonight’s starting infield of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, Bo Bichette and Travis Shaw are all sons of former major league players, marking only the second occurance in major league history (LAD Scott Van Slyke, Dee Gordon, Jerry Hairston Jr. andIván De Jesús Jr. on June 1, 2012 at COL, according to @MLBStats.
Blue Jays pitchers issued 8 BB, the first team to win with 8 BB (or more) on Opening Day (excluding extra innings) since the 2009 Giants (10-6 win vs. MIL) and first AL team since the 2002 Orioles.
The Blue Jays scored 3 runs in both the 4th and 5th innings, mark-ing the first time they scored 3 runs (or more) in consecutive innings since Aug 16, 2019 vs. SEA (3-run 2nd, 4-run 3rd).
CAVAN BIGGIO—Homered and singled to extend his on-base streak to 30 games dating back to Aug 23, 2019, the longest active streak in base-ball…marks the longest streak by a Toronto hitter since José Bautista reached base safely in 33 consecutive games from Aug 7–Sep 26, 2016…matched his father, Craig, for total career Opening Day home runs (1). Over his 30 game on-base streak, is batting .308 (33-for-107) with 7 HR and 20 RBI…has hit safely in 11 of his last 13 games, batting .333 (17-for-51) with 4 HR, 13 RBI and 13 runs over that stretch. Three of his nine career hits against the Rays are home runs.
TRAVIS SHAW—Doubled in the 7th inning, improving his career numbers against the Rays to a .309 avg. (29-for-94) with 10 2B…marked his first extra-base hit since homering on Sep 16, 2019 vs. SD (with MIL). Since 2015, is tied with TEX Elvis Andrus for the 11th-best avg. against the Rays (min. 100 PA), and his 10 2B are tied for 10th.
TEOSCAR HERNANDEZ—Doubled in the 6th inning to increase his hit-ting streak to a career-high 10 games…is batting .351/.419/.838 (13-for-37) with 4 2B, 4 HR and 11 HR over that stretch (since Sep 17, 2019).
TORONTO BLUE JAYS (2019: 67-95) at TAMPA BAY RAYS (2019: 96-66) LHP Hyun Jin Ryu (2019: 14-5, 2.32) vs. RHP Charlie Morton (2019: 16-6, 3.05) Game #1 Road #1 (0-0) July 24, 2020 6:40 pm TV: SNET RADIO: SN590 A LATE OPENING: Today marks the start of Toronto’s 44th season in the American League…The club has gone 21-22 on Opening Days to this point, from 1977-2019…Have lost each of their last three season openers (twice in extra innings – 2017 and 2019) and have been outscored, 11-3, in those contests. Prior to the 2020 season, the Blue Jays latest Opening Day came during the 1995 campaign, on April 26 vs. the Oakland Athletics…The fewest games played in a season in team history was during the 1981 campaign, when the Blue Jays finished 37-69 over a 106-game schedule…Yesterday’s start to the MLB calendar ended a stretch of 266 days without any games. SPRING FLINGS: Toronto went 12-6-2 in the first round of Spring Training, ending that run with six straight wins…Won the first game of their most recent exhibition set in Boston, 8-6, while the 2nd game was called after four innings due to rain. The Blue Jays tied with the Tigers for the most home runs during Spring Training at 39, while leading all MLB teams with a .489 slugging percentage…Among Grapefruit League teams, ranked 1st in runs (130), 1st in OPS (.821), 3rd in OBP (.332) and 5th in AVG (.247). ROSTER REHASH: Charlie Montoyo returns for his 2nd season at the helm of the Blue Jays…His 30-man Opening Day roster includes an even split of 15 pitchers and 15 position players. Pitchers: RHP Anthony Bass, RHP A.J. Cole, RHP Rafael Dolis, RHP Sam Gaviglio, RHP Ken Giles, RHP Thomas Hatch, LHP Anthony Kay, LHP Brian Moran, RHP Tanner Roark, RHP Jordan Romano, LHP Hyun Jin Ryu, RHP Matt Shoemaker, RHP Trent Thornton, RHP Jacob Waguespack, RHP Shun Yamaguchi Catchers: Danny Jansen, Reese McGuire Infielders: Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Santiago Espinal, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Joe Panik, Travis Shaw, Rowdy Tellez Outfielders: Anthony Alford, Derek Fisher, Randal Grichuk, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernández, Billy McKinney HOME IS WHERE YOU MAKE IT: Today the Blue Jays announced that they will play the majority of their home games at Sahlen Field in Buffalo, NY… The last season in which no MLB games were played in Canada was in 1968. TOUGH SKED AHEAD: The Blue Jays will play 46 of their 60 games against teams that finished .500 or better last season, tied with Baltimore for the 2nd most among all Major League Clubs, trailing only Miami (52). STARTING SOMEWHERE ELSE: The Blue Jays will start a season on the road for the first time since 2017…Last started a season with a road win in 2016 at Tampa Bay, a 5-3 victory. Toronto went 32-49 on road in 2019 for a .395 win%, 25th overall and 12th among AL clubs…Held a road ERA of 4.79 (7th in AL) while scoring 4.53 runs/game (12th in AL). FOREVER NUMBER ONE: The Blue Jays will pay tribute to the life and legacy of Tony Fernandez with a special “1” commemorative uniform patch, which will be worn for the entirety of the 2020 regular season. The shortstop signed with Toronto in 1979 and remains the franchise leader in games (1,450), hits (1,583) and triples…He spent 12 seasons with the Jays over the course of four stints with the club and helped the team to a World Series Championship in 1993…The five-time All-Star also claimed four Gold Gloves and had his name elevated to the Blue Jays Level of Excellence on September 23, 2001. ROOKIE RESULTS: The Blue Jays had an MLB-high 840 games played by rookies last year and led all teams in rookie hits (535), doubles (115), home runs (97), RBI (284), walks (224) and extra-base hits (218)…Ranked 7th with 486.0 rookie innings pitched and 6th with 447 pitcher strikeouts. Toronto’s 97 rookie homers were 3rd most in MLB history, trailing the 2006 Florida Marlins (112) and the 1982 Minnesota Twins (101). STILL STREAKING: Cavan Biggio singled in his final game of 2019 to extend his on-base streak to 29 games, the longest active streak in MLB, the longest by a Blue Jay last season (Justin Smoak – 19G), and the longest by a Toronto rookie all-time (Russ Adams – 27G in 2005)…The stretch tied for the 5th longest on-base streak in the AL last year. The second baseman batted .304 (31-for-102) with 25 runs scored, seven doubles, two triples, six home runs, 17 RBI and 25 walks during this streak (.437 OBP, 1.034 OPS)…Marks the longest on-base streak by any Blue Jay since Jose Bautista’s 33-game stretch from Aug. 7-Sept. 26, 2016. UPCOMING PROBABLE PITCHING MATCHUPS: (All Times Eastern) Saturday, July 25 at Tampa Bay Rays, 3:10 pm…RHP Matt Shoemaker (2019: 3-0, 1.57) vs. LHP Ryan Yarbrough (2019: 11-6, 4.13) Sunday, July 26 at Tampa Bay Rays, 1:10 pm…TBA vs. TBA VS. THE RAYS: All-Time: 179-211 2019: 6-13 Road: 76-119 Road: 2-8 Tropicana Field: 76-116 The Blue Jays went 6-13 against the Rays last season while dropping eight of 10 games at Tropicana Field, including a four-game sweep in their last series there…Toronto’s .396 all-time win% at the Trop is the lowest of any team (min. 50G). Bo Bichette batted .276 (8-for-29) with six extra-base hits (3-2B, 3 HR) in his seven games against TB last season…Scored four runs and drove in four. Travis Shaw has played 28 games against the Rays in his career…Has hit .309 (29-for-94) with nine doubles, four homers and 17 RBI for an .888 OPS. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has a career .834 OPS over 21 games against Tampa Bay…Has gone 21-for-80 (.263) with six doubles, six home runs and 14 RBI.
TAMPA BAY RAYS (0-0) vs. TORONTO BLUE JAYS (0-0)RH Charlie Morton (16-6, 3.05 in 2019) vs. LH Hyun-Jin Ryu (14-5, 2.32 in 2019)Friday, July 24, 2020First Pitch: 6:40 p.m.Location: Tropicana FieldTV: FOX Sports SunRadio: WDAE 95.3 FM, WMGG 96.1 FMGame No.: 1 (0-0)Home Game No.: 1 (0-0)All-Time Game No.: 3,563 (1686-1876)All-Time Home Game No.: 1,784 (921-862)
23RD OPENING DAY—Tonight’s game will mark the 23rd Opening Day in franchise history as the Rays host the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field…as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, tonight’s game is taking place 288 days after the club’s 2019 season ended with a Game 5 loss to the Astros in the ALDS…the Rays are 11-11 in season openers as well as 11-11 in home openers…this is the 11th consecutive year the Rays open at their home ballpark, extending the longest active streak in the AL…the only other team with a current streak as long is Cincinnati, where it is tradition—the Reds are playing their 30th consecutive Opening Day at home this year.ÊTonight’s 6:40 p.m. first pitch will be thrown 134 days, 2 hours and 6 minutes after the final out was recorded in the Rays last game with an opponent…at 4:34 p.m. on March 12, Rays pinch-hitter Ru-ben Cardenas struck out looking against Phillies lefthander Jona-than Hennigan to finish an 8-4 loss at Charlotte Sports Park.ÊDue to ongoing safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, games held at Tropicana Field will not be open to fans at this time. ÊThis is the 16th time the Rays open at home, and they are 8-7 in the previous 15 instances…this is the fifth time the Rays play the Blue Jays on Opening Day, all at home, following 2001 (won 8-1), 2005 (lost 5-2), 2014 (won 9-2) and 2016 (lost 5-3)…this is the 19th time in 23 seasons the Rays are playing an AL East team on Opening Day.ÊThis season marks the 101st year that Major League Baseball has had a presence in St. Petersburg, dating back to 1914 when the St. Louis Browns opened spring training workouts.CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH—Leah Churchill, a radiation oncology nurse at Moffitt Cancer Center, will deliver the ceremonial first pitch in person…in early April, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York, Churchill took a leave of absence from her job at Moffitt and traveled to Brooklyn…she served eight weeks at Kings County Hospital, working 12-hour overnight shifts for the duration.
NATIONAL ANTHEMS—The U.S. National Anthem will be a video of Marvin Gaye’s iconic performance at the 1983 NBA All-Star Game… “O Canada” will be performed via video by Heather Wainscott, a clinical nurse navigator at Mease Countryside Hospital…a BayCare team mem-ber for 20 years, she is also an Emmy-nominated songwriter.
WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH—Today the Rays launched a resource guide regarding their social justice efforts at raysbaseball.com/SocialJustice…on June 2, the Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund cre-ated the Racial Equity Grant Fund to build power within communities that have been historically overlooked and purposefully disadvantaged due to systemic racism…together, they committed $100,000 annually to this program…today, the RBF and Rowdies Soccer Fund announced this first round of grants will support the five following local organizations: ÊThe Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Project Coalition ÊCDC of Tampa ÊPinellas County Urban League ÊNAACP Hillsborough County Branch ÊPeople Empowering & Restoring Communities
BLACK LIVES MATTER—Tonight’s pregame ceremonies will include a player-led moment of unity developed and led by PHI Andrew McCutch-en…a statement of unity will be narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman…in a display of unity, players and staff from both the Rays and Blue Jays will hold a 600-foot length of black fabric during the presentation and national anthems…a moment of silence will be held to recognize the lives of those who have unnecessarily perished.ÊIn recent weeks, MLB has had open and constructive dialogue with The Players Alliance, individual players and the MLBPA about ways in which players can show their support for social justice, gener-ally, and diversity and inclusion in baseball, specifically…as a result, items available for players on Opening Day will include Black Lives Matter batting practice T-shirts; a sleeve patch, which reads either “Black Lives Matter” or “United for Change”; and wristbands featur-ing an inverted MLB logo where the silhouetted batter is black.ÊFor more information on MLB’s efforts, visit mlb.com/social-justice.ÊIn addition, MLB is lifting its cleat restrictions for the 2020 season al-lowing players more freedom to express themselves throughout the year, including the ability to use social justice messages and causes. ÊThe Rays will stencil on the field behind the pitcher’s mound the inverted MLB logo, with “BLM.”BANNER YEAR—The 2019 American League Wild Card banner is now displayed in left field, the sixth banner to hang at Tropicana Field…it joins the 2008 AL East Champions, 2008 American League Champions, 2010 AL East Champions, 2011 AL Wild Card and 2013 AL Wild Card banners.
SWEET SIXTEEN—Last night Major League Baseball announced an ex-panded 16-team postseason format for the shortened 2020 season…the first- and second-place teams in each division will qualify for the post-season, while the seventh and eighth teams in each league will be chosen by the best record among other teams…the higher seeds in the Wild Card Series, which will be best-of-three, will host all 3 games…the two Division Series in each league will remain best-of-five series, and the AL and NL Championship Series and World Series will remain best-of-seven series.SHORTENED SEASONS—Major League Baseball announced an abbre-viated 60-game format for the 2020 season on June 23 and released the modified schedule on July 6…MLB designed the 2020 schedule to include 40 games within the division and 20 interleague games against the corre-sponding geographical division…no team has played 60 games (or fewer) since the 1891 Milwaukee Brewers, who went 21-15 (.583) in the Ameri-can Association…the Brewers started the season as members of the mi-nors’ Western Association and Western League and joined the American Association after the Cincinnati Kelly’s Killers dropped out in August…a total of 900 major league games are scheduled for the 2020 regular sea-son…this will result in the fewest total games played since 1900—a year before the formation of the AL—when eight NL clubs totaled 569 games. MLB officially opened the season last night, ending a stretch of 266 days without a regular season or postseason game…this was the longest drought in major league history, according to Stats LLC, passing the 256 days between games in 1994-95 (players’ strike).
history (since 1901)…previously, the latest was in 1995, when the season opened on April 25 with the Marlins hosting the Dodgers…other than 1995, the latest start to any MLB season was on April 20, 1943 (Philadelphia Athletics at Washington Senators)…the lat-est opener in Rays history was April 7, 2009 at BOS, a 5-3 win.DISRUPTED SCHEDULE—Within a stretch of 24 hours on March 11-12, the NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAA, MLS, ATP Tour, WTA and PGA Tour sus-pended, delayed or canceled the remainder of their seasons due to the pandemic…in modern baseball history (since 1901), there have been six other seasons shortened for a variety of reasons…special thanks to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for the research assistance:FOOTNOTES—See below for circumstances causing shortened seasons:Ê[1] In 1917, the United States declared war on Germany five days before Opening Day—but MLB played the full season as planned…in 1918, the owners originally shortened the season to 140 games, but with most of the league’s players either drafted or enlisted by the start of July, they reduced it again to ~127 games per team.Ê[2] The season was again shortened, to 140 games, as players re-turned home from the war while an outbreak of Spanish influenza swept the globe…the Spanish flu killed at least 50 million people worldwide, including 675,000 in the United States…among those killed were 17-year American League umpire Silk O’Loughlin, for-mer big league OF Larry Chappell and several minor leaguers.Ê[3] Led by Marvin Miller, the MLBPA went on its first-ever strike, wiping out the first 13 days of the season…teams played anywhere from 153-156 games, leading to controversy when the Tigers (86-70) edged the Red Sox (85-70) by a half-game in the AL East.Ê[4] The MLBPA strike began on June 12 and cost more than a third of the season…play resumed with the All-Star Game at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium on Aug 9, and games began the next day…a split-season postseason format was employed, with division win-ners from the two “halves” playing each other before the LCS. Ê[5] The MLBPA began its strike on Aug 12, and the remainder of the season was eventually canceled…1994 remains the only season since 1904 without a World Series…at the time of the strike, the Montreal Expos owned baseball’s best record with a 74-40 mark.Ê[6] After 232 days, a missed World Series and only three days away from opening the regular season with replacement players, the longest strike in major league history ended on April 2…Opening Day was postponed by three weeks, allowing for a short spring training, and all teams played a 144-game schedule.OTHER NOTABLE LEAGUE-WIDE DISRUPTIONS—In addition to the six shortened seasons, there have been several occasions where the schedule was disrupted across MLB…special thanks to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for the research assistance…among those events: Ê1923 Death of President Harding: MLB canceled its games on Aug 3, one day after the death of Warren G. Harding in San Francisco, and again on Aug 10, the day he was laid to rest in Marion, Ohio.ÊJune 6, 1944 (D-Day): MLB canceled its scheduled games the day of the Allied invasion of Normandy in World War II.Ê1945 Death of President Roosevelt: FDR passed away on April 12…Opening Day was pushed back a day, from April 16 to April 17.Ê1968 Death of Martin Luther King Jr.: After the April 4 assassination of Dr. King, Commissioner William Eckert left the decision up to indi-vidual clubs of whether to postpone their Opening Days, scheduled for April 8-9…after much debate and player objection, each club decid-ed to wait until after Dr. King’s April 9 funeral, and open on April 10. Ê1985 Players’ Strike: A two-day strike in August had minimal ef-fect on the season…teams made up their missed games later.Ê1990 Owners’ Lockout: This 32-day lockout began in February and eliminated almost all of spring training…a new basic agreement was reached on March 19…Opening Day was pushed back a week to April 9, and three days were added to the end of the season to help make up games, but a full 162-game schedule was played.Ê2001 Terrorist Attacks: After the Sep 11 terrorist attacks, MLB suspended play for a week and resumed playing on Sep 17…the re-maining schedule was pushed back by a week, resulting in Game 7 of the World Series being played on Nov 4.SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN—As a result of MLB’s modified schedule, all 60 Rays games this season will be played in the Eastern time zone…they will play 10 games against the Orioles (three home, seven road), Red Sox (six home, four road), Yankees (four home, six road) and Blue Jays (seven home, three road)…for interleague play, the Rays will play 6 games against the Marlins (three home, three road), 4 games against the defending World Champion Nationals (two home, two road) and Braves (two home, two road) and 3 games against the Mets (all road) and Phillies (all home).ÊThe Rays play 39 games in the first 41 days of the season (through Sep 2), but enjoy four off days in the final 25 days (from Sep 3-27).ÊAll 10 games against the Yankees come over a 28-day span from Aug 6–Sep 2, incl. six bookending a stretch of 16 games in 16 days.ÊBefore Toronto’s change in home ballparks, the Rays were set to travel 10,939 miles this season, 6th-most in the majors and most of any team in the AL East, AL Central, NL East or NL Central.ROSTER BREAKDOWN—Prior to tonight’s game the Rays placed RH Diego Castillo on the paternity list and recalled INF Daniel Robertson…yesterday the Rays assigned OF Randy Arozarena to the alternate train-ing site and placed him on the injured list, assigned LH Anthony Banda, 1B/3B Nate Lowe and LH/1B Brendan McKay to the alternate training site, recalled INF/OF Mike Brosseau and RH Trevor Richards to the ac-tive roster and selected RH Ryan Thompson to the major league roster…a complete breakdown of the updated Opening Day, 30-man roster:ÊRookies (3): Pete Fairbanks, Ryan Thompson, Yoshi TsutsugoÊYoungest: Willy Adames (24)ÊOldest: Charlie Morton (36)ÊMost ML Service Time: Charlie Morton (11.010)ÊMost Opening Days: Charlie Morton (8th active; began on major league injured list in 2009, 2012, 2013 and 2015)ÊFirst Opening Day (4): Mike Brosseau, Pete Fairbanks, Ryan Thompson, Yoshi TsutsugoÊFirst Opening Day with Rays (12): Nick Anderson, Mike Brosseau, Oliver Drake, Pete Fairbanks, Aaron Loup, Manuel Margot, José Martínez, Hunter Renfroe, Trevor Richards, Kevan Smith, Ryan Thompson, Yoshi TsutsugoÊMaking Rays Debut (7):Aaron Loup, Manuel Margot, José Martínez, Hunter Renfroe, Kevan Smith, Ryan Thompson, Yoshi TsutsugoÊAcquired by Trade (19): Willy Adames, Nick An-derson, Jalen Beeks, Ji-Man Choi, Yandy Díaz, Oliver Drake, Pete Fairbanks, Tyler Glasnow, Andrew Kittredge, Manuel Margot, José Mar-tínez, Michael Perez, Hunter Renfroe, Trevor Richards, Chaz Roe, Daniel Robertson, Joey Wendle, Ryan Yar-brough, Mike ZuninoÊDrafted by Rays (3): Kevin Kiermaier, Brandon Lowe, Blake SnellÊSigned as Non-Drafted Free Agent (1): Mike BrosseauÊSigned as Int’l. Free Agent (2): José Alvarado, Yonny ChirinosÊSigned as Free Agent (2):Charlie Morton, Yoshi TsutsugoÊSigned as Minor League Free Agent (2): Aaron Loup, Kevan SmithÊSelected in Triple-A phase of Rule 5 Draft (1): Ryan Thompson60-GAME SPRINT—The best 60-game start in Rays history came in 2010, when they were 39-21 and held the best record in the majors…the Rays were 37-23 through 60 games last season and went 39-21 over the final 60 games…their worst 60-game stretch last season was 30-30, while their best was 40-20 (which matched the best single-season 60-game run in franchise history)…spanning multiple seasons, the best 60-game stretch in club history is 43-17 (once spanning 2009-10, twice spanning 2018-19).ÊAccording to the Elias Sports Bureau, the best record in major league history over a single-season stretch of 60 games is 52-8, by the 1884 St. Louis Maroons, 1906 Chicago Cubs and 1912 New York Giants…since the 1912 Giants, the only team to win 50+ games over a single-season 60-game stretch was the 2017 Dodgers (51-9).ÊCourtesy of Stats LLC, the chart below shows the Rays best statisti-cal output from the team’s first 60 games of any season as well as the best over any stretch of 60 team games within a single season.RAYS vs. BLUE JAYS—Last season the Rays went 13-6 against the Blue Jays (8-2 at home, 5-4 on the road), clinching the season series for the fourth time in five seasons and 10th time in 12 seasons…they clinched a berth in the AL Wild Card Game against the Athletics with their 6-2 win last Sep 27 at Rogers Centre…in addition to this 3-game series, the Rays will play a 3-game road series from Aug 14-16 and four more at Tropi-cana Field from Aug 21-24…the Rays are 211-179 (.541) all-time against the Blue Jays, their most wins against any opponent (Orioles, 197).FRIENDS AS FOES—Blue Jays Manager Charlie Montoyo spent four sea-sons on Kevin Cash’s coaching staff before being hired by Toronto on Oct 25, 2018…he was the Rays bench coach in 2018 and the third base coach for the previous three seasons…he joined the Rays organization on Oct 31, 1996 and managed at every level in the system…his overall managing record in 18 seasons was 1,266-1,142 (.526), and his teams advanced to the postseason nine times…in eight seasons with Triple-A Durham, he guided the Bulls to seven IL South Division titles, a league-record six trips to the IL finals and two Governors’ Cup championships (2009, 2013).EXTRA! EXTRA!—The Rays enter the 2020 season riding a club-record 8-game winning streak in extra-inning games, ahead of July 30, 2007–May 13, 2008 (7)…this streak began last Aug 6 vs. TOR and also included four extra-inning wins over a 6-game stretch from Sep 18-24…the Rays played a majors-most and club-record-tying 19 extra-inning games last season and went 11-8 in them, including 11-4 following an 0-4 start.RULE CHANGES—Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association have announced a series of rule changes for 2020:ÊThere will be regular testing of all players, other on-field personnel and a limited number of essential staff who come in close proxim-ity to players for the COVID-19 virus and related antibodies.ÊTeams will enter the season with 30 players on their Opening Day BEST 60-GAME STRETCHES, FRANCHISE HISTORYSTATFROM START OF SEASONANY 60-GAME STRETCH[1]Batting Avg. [2]Austin Meadows, 2019 .349Fred McGriff, 2001 .375Home RunsJosé Canseco, 1999 22José Canseco, 1999 25RBIEvan Longoria, 2009 55Carlos Peña, 2007 59WinsDavid Price, 2010 9Three instances 9ERA [3]Chris Archer, 2015 1.84Blake Snell, 2018 1.17StrikeoutsChris Archer, 2015 108David Price, 2014 115[1] Stretch of 60 Team Games, [2] min. 186 PA, [3] min. 60 IPSIX SHORTENED SEASONS, MODERN BASEBALL HISTORYYEARSCHEDULE IMPACTCAUSEOPENING DAYWS END1918 [1]154 to 140 to ~127 GWorld War IApril 15Sep 111919 [2]154 to 140 GWorld War I, Spanish FluApril 19Oct 91972 [3]162 to ~155 GPlayers’ strikeApril 15Oct 221981 [4]162 to ~107 GPlayers’ strikeApril 8Oct 281994 [5]162 to ~114 GPlayers’ strikeApril 3N/A1995 [6]162 to 144 GPlayers’ strikeApril 25Oct 28roster…the active roster will reduce to 28 players after two weeks and to 26 players after four weeks, and there will be no roster ex-pansion in September…the trade deadline will be on Aug 31.ÊBoth leagues (AL, NL) will use a designated hitter this season.ÊExtra-inning games in the regular season (not the postseason) will be modified in accordance with minor league rules, such that each half-inning following the 9th inning will begin with a runner on second base…the runner placed on second base at the start of each half-inning will be the player (or a substitute for such player) in the batting order immediately preceding that half-inning’s leadoff hitter…according to Baseball America, there were 347 minor league games of 11 innings (or more) from 2018-19—the two seasons with this extra-innings rule in effect—compared to 800 from 2016-17, while games of 13 innings (or more) dropped from 133 to five.ÊRather than a 10-day injured list for position players and 15-day injured list for pitchers, there will be a 10-day IL for all players in the shortened season…the 60-day IL will be reduced to 45 days.ÊRelief pitchers must face at least three batters or finish an inning before being removed (with exceptions for injury or illness).ÊIf a game gets cut short due to weather before it becomes official (less than five innings), it will be continued at a later date.ÊAlso of note, there will be no restrictions on position players pitch-ing in 2020…a rule change installed this past offseason stated that position players could only pitch if they were designated a “two-way player,” the game was in extras or their team was ahead or behind by 6+ runs…that rule will not be in place for 2020.TWO DISTINCT ERAS—Since becoming the Rays in 2008, the Rays have seven 90-win seasons, a number matched by only three other teams in baseball: the Dodgers (8), Red Sox (7) and Yankees (7)…since the start of 2008, their five trips to the Division Series have been matched by only five other clubs and their 1,041-904 (.535) record is 5th-best in baseball.ÊThe Rays enter the 2020 season on the heels of a 96-66 (.593) re-cord—their second straight season with 90-plus wins—and a trip to the AL Division Series…they welcome back all three of their 2019 All-Stars—RH Charlie Morton, OF Austin Meadows and 2B Bran-don Lowe—as well as three-time Gold Glove Award winner Kevin Kiermaier and 2018 AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.ÊA retooled offense includes trade acquisitions OF Hunter Renfroe, 1B/DH José Martínez, OF Randy Arozarena and OF Manuel Mar-got and Japanese free agent signing 3B/OF Yoshi Tsutsugo.MINOR MATTERS—Baseball America’s annual Organizational Talent Rankings of minor league prospects were released in February and the Rays ranked No. 1, holding their ranking from midseason last year…this was the fifth straight season the Rays improved their preseason stand-ing…this is the fourth time in organizational history the Rays have been ranked first in the preseason rankings, following 2010, 2008 and 2007.ÊFrom BA’s Organizational Talent Rankings announcement: “The Rays have produced a steady stream of productive big leagu-ers thanks to solid drafting, player development and excellent pro scouting…as impressive as their farm system has been, they haven’t had a prospect like Wander Franco in quite a while.”CATCH SOME RAYS—FOX Sports Sun has announced the network will produce and televise all 60 Rays games this season…every game televised on FOX Sports Sun will be available for streaming on FOX Sports Go…Opening Day coverage will begin with a one-hour pregame show at 5:30 p.m. …Tropicana Field will serve as the hub for FOX Sports Sun’s broad-casts, with play-by-play announcer Dewayne Staats and color analyst Brian Anderson calling every game remotely…Staats, the Rays play-by-play voice since the inaugural 1998 season, enters his 23rd season with the Rays…Anderson enters his 10th season as full-time color analyst, and 12th on the broadcast team…the “Rays Live” pre- and postgame shows will also originate from Tropicana Field…Doug Waechter and Orestes Destrade return as pre- and postgame analysts, while Rich Hollenbergand Tricia Whitaker will serve as host and in-game reporter.STEADY IN THE BOOTH—Andy Freed and Dave Wills return to the Rays radio booth for a 16th season together…only two major league clubs have a longer tenured full-season radio broadcast duo than Dave and Andy: the Detroit Tigers (Dan Dickerson & Jim Price entering 18th season together) and San Francisco Giants (Jon Miller & Dave Flemming entering 17th season together)…Neil Solondz begins his ninth season on the Rays Radio team as host of the pregame and postgame shows, fill-in play-by-play voice as well as This Week in Rays Baseball and Prospect Spotlight.ÊOn the Spanish-language side, Enrique Oliu is entering his 22nd season broadcasting Rays games on the radio and Ricardo Taverasbegins his 18th season…they can be heard Monday–Thursday on Genesis 92.9/680 AM and weekends on Caliente 96.1/1470 AM.OPENING DAY ODDITIES—Some miscellaneous Opening Day facts:ÊIncluding tonight, with José Martínez starting there, the Rays have used 20 players at designated hitter in 23 Opening Day games.ÊThe Rays have outscored their opponents, 19-4, in the 9th inning.ÊThe Rays have never played an extra-inning game, but have won three games in the bottom of the 9th inning (2003, 2010, 2012).ÊVictor Zambrano is the only Ray with two Opening Day wins…he recorded the win as a reliever in 2002 and as a starter in 2004.ÊIn their history, the Rays have hit .277 (208-for-750) on Opening Day, have averaged 5.32 runs per game and have never been shut out…only five teams have longer current streaks without being shut out on Opening Day: the Tigers (last on Opening Day in 1989), Orioles (1988), Yankees (1980), Red Sox (1976) and Mets (1963).DO THE MATH—The Rays are expected to use an estimated 150 dozen baseballs per day this season, counting balls used during BP, in the batting cage and during games…a Clorox 360 machine sprays an electrostatic fog on practice balls to sanitize for the next day…for comparison, last year they used an estimated 60 dozen baseballs per day, most of them game balls.ÊPrior to COVID-19 Rays cleaning crews spent 6-8 hours cleaning the entire stadium…with the pandemic and an empty stadium, the same size crews spend 8-10 hours just sanitizing clubhouses, dugouts, player workout areas, the few areas open for use and media areas.2020 MEDIA GUIDE—Hard copies of the 2020 Rays Media Guide are available in the back of the Tropicana Field press box, along with a cover- up label for the back cover with the revised 60-game schedule…the Rays Media Guide is also available online at mlbpressbox.com (login re-quired), rayspressbox.com (using username rays\media and password R@ys2020#) and mlb.com/rays/team/media-guide (no login necessary).COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORTS—In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Rays Baseball Foundation and Rowdies Soccer Fund have donated $1.4 million to date in financial support to nonprofit organizations throughout Tampa Bay, with 81 agencies receiving funding…this includes $275,000 through the COVID-19 Relief Grant Program, $110,000 in Community Fund Grants and $405,000 in Community Partnership Grants…for more information on these relief efforts, visit raysbaseball.com/teamingup.ÊOver 4.1 million meals were donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, with 11,890 households served through Feeding Tampa Bay’s mobile pantry hosted in Tropicana Field’s parking lots…an additional 170 meals were provided to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tam-pa Bay’s St. Pete East House…Rays concessions partner, Levy, do-nated $190,000 of food and beverage items to local organizations. 50/50 CHARITY RAFFLE—Throughout the 2020 season, fans can pur-chase 50/50 raffle tickets for a chance to win a weekly jackpot at raysbase-ball.com/5050…each week’s jackpot is open for entry beginning Monday at 8:30 a.m. through Sunday at 11:59 p.m., with the winning number an-nounced the next day…to purchase tickets, fans must be located in the state of Florida (restrictions apply)…proceeds from the 50/50 Charity Raffle will benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation and the Ted Williams Foundation.FAN CUTOUTS—The Rays have announced fan cutouts are available to purchase for the 2020 season at Tropicana Field…cutouts are general ad-mission and are available for a limited time at raysbaseball.com/fancut-outs…cutouts are $40 each for Season Ticket Holders and $60 each for all other fans…at the conclusion of the season, fans will be able to take home their cutout(s)…the cutouts are made of Coroplast and are 18″ W x 30″ H…see separate press release on rayspressbox.com for more info.CROWD NOISE—All clubs will use ambient and reactionary background audio to create crowd noise during the 2020 season…MLB has provided each team with an array of crowd sounds and a touchpad device that can be integrated into their sound system to help manage the playing of these sounds…the crowd sounds will be audible to on-field personnel and during television and radio broadcasts…the crowd backgrounds and reac-tions provided to teams are all derived from exclusive, original source au-dio recorded by MLB The Show developers…the crowd sounds will work in conjunction with stadium announcers, walk-up music and in-stadium video to replicate the in-game experience as closely as possible.ANTHEM SINGERS WANTED—Fans who can carry a tune are encour-aged to submit videos of themselves performing the national anthem to be considered for pregame anthems on the scoreboard…submit at https://www.mlb.com/rays/fans/anthem-auditions.LET’S HEAR YOU FROM HOME—While fans are unable to attend games at Tropicana Field, the Rays will bring fans’ energy into the ballpark each game through recorded video clips…fans can submit videos to be used on the video board during the season…these submissions include virtual cheers (10-15 second clips, using your voice to support the team), “Play Ball Kid” (children 14 or younger saying “Play Ball” to lead off the start of the game) and more…see mlb.com/rays/fans/rays-fans-at-home for details.HOME RUNS FOR HOPE—For a second consecutive season, INF/OF Brandon Lowe will donate $100 to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay for each home run he hits…the Rays Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organi-zation and the official charity of the Rays, will also contribute $100 per home run in support of Lowe’s “Home Runs for Hope” campaign…last sea-son, Lowe’s 17 HR raised $3,400 for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay.ÊThe Crisis Center of Tampa Bay provides a range of programs and services to ensure that no one in the community has to face a crisis alone…it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year as the community gateway to help…people who are struggling with a variety of cri-sis situations including sexual assault or abuse, domestic violence, financial distress, substance abuse, medical emergency, suicidal thoughts and other emotional or situational problems can connect to hope and healing…for more information, visit crisiscenter.com. RAYS SWAG—The Rays Republic Team Store is open for phone and email merchandise orders…orders can be placed by calling (727) 342-5731 or emailing raysretail@rankandrally.com…orders will be fulfilled using so-cially distant curbside pickup at Tropicana Field, or shipping is free within the state of Florida…curbside pickup is available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. …the Team Store is also running its Christmas in July promotion, where a purchase of any Rays Christmas item includes a free holiday votive candle holder. COMMEMORATIVE TICKETS—Fans can purchase special, commemora-tive Rays Opening Day tickets to celebrate the first game of the 2020 reg-ular season…tickets are $3 each and are available by visiting raysbaseball.com/auctions, calling 727-342-5731 or emailing raysretail@rankandrally.com…proceeds will benefit the Rays Baseball Foundation, a 501(c)(3) orga-nization and the official charity of the Tampa Bay Rays.CONNECT WITH US—Follow the Rays on Twitter (@RaysBaseball), Instagram (@raysbaseball), Facebook (/Rays), YouTube (/rays) and TikTok (@rays) or become a Rays Insider by subscribing to emails at mlb.com/rays/fans/newsletters…Rays Insiders will receive the latest video high-lights, up-to-date news, features, exclusive content and much more.MARKETING & COMMUNITY INITIATIVESTHE LID-LIFTER—Announced as the Opening Day starter by Manager Kevin Cash on Saturday, July 18…will become the 13th different pitcher in franchise history to start on Opening Day and the fifth in the “Rays” era, joining James Shields (2008-10, 2012), David Price (2011, 2013-14), Chris Archer (2015-18) and Blake Snell (2019).ÊThis will mark his first career Opening Day assignment…at 36 years and 255 days old as of today, he will become the oldest Opening Day starter in fran-chise history by over five years, passing Tanyon Sturtze (31.172) in 2002.ÊWill be the oldest pitcher in the majors to make an Opening Day start since NYM Bartolo Colon (41.317) in 2015, and the oldest in the AL since TOR R.A. Dickey (39.153) in 2014…he will hold this distinction for less than three hours, until 37-year-old HOU Justin Verlander starts at 9:10 p.m. ET vs. SEA.ÊWill become the fourth pitcher since 1978 to make his first Opening Day start at 36 years, 255 days or older…he will join TOR R.A. Dickey (38.155)in 2013, SEA Jamie Moyer (37.138) in 2000 and TOR David Wells (36.319) in 2000.USDA CERTIFIED LEAN—In his first season with the Rays, was the co-winner of the Don Zimmer Award as the club’s Most Valuable Player along with Austin Mead-ows…finished 3rd in AL Cy Young Award voting behind HOU Justin Verlander and HOU Gerrit Cole after posting career-bests in ERA (3.05), wins (16), innings (194.2), strikeouts (240) and SO/BB ratio (4.21)…named to his second consecutive AL All-Star Team as a result of the Player Balloting…his 240 SO ranked 3rd in Rays history, be-hind Chris Archer in both 2015 (252) and 2017 (249)…led the AL with a 0.69 HR/9 IP ratio, yielding only 15 HR in 194.2 IP…ranked 2nd in FIP (2.81), 3rd in ERA, 4th in opp avg. (.215), 5th in strikeouts, WHIP (1.08), SO/9 IP ratio (11.10) and SO/BB ratio (4.21).CLUTCH CHUCK—Held hitters to a .179 (27-for-151) avg. with RISP last season, low-est in the majors…that was the 3rd-lowest mark in Rays history, behind Victor Zam-brano (.157) in 2004 and Jeremy Hellickson (.167) in 2011…he also limited opponents to a .136 (9-for-66) avg. with 2 outs and RISP, 2nd-lowest in the AL (min. 50 AB).vs. BLUE JAYS—Is 2-1 with a 2.39 ERA (37.2-IP, 10-ER) in six career starts against the Blue Jays and went 0-1 with a 3.06 ERA (17.2-IP, 6-ER) in 3 starts against them last season, the only AL East team he did not defeat…has yielded 3 runs or fewer in all six career starts against them and 2 runs or fewer four times.ÊLast faced them on Sep 7, 2019 at Tropicana Field, when he shut out the Blue Jays on 1 hit and 1 BB through the 5th inning, then allowed 4 hits and 1 BB in a 3-run 6th…allowed five consecutive batters to reach base with 1 out in the frame: single, double, walk, Reese McGuire RBI single and Jonathan Davis RBI single, then allowed a go-ahead sacrifice fly to his next batter faced…his line: ND, 6 IP, 5 H, 3 R/ER, 2 BB, 10 SO, 92 pit, 64 str.KING OF THE K—Ranked 5th in the AL last season with 240 SO, marking his second straight season eclipsing the 200-SO plateau…became the sixth pitcher in franchise history to reach 200 SO, joining Chris Archer (3), David Price (2), James Shields (2), Scott Kazmir (1) and Blake Snell (1)…became the fourth pitcher in AL history to record 240 SO (or more) at age-35 (or older, joining HOU Justin Verlander in 2019 and 2018, TOR Roger Clemens in 1998 and TEX Nolan Ryan in 1989…his 11.10 SO/9 IP ratio ranked 5th in the AL last season and was the 9th-highest mark all-time by a pitcher in his age-35 season or older…recorded double-digit strikeouts in 7 starts last season, tied for 5th-most in the AL.TONIGHT’S STARTER: RH CHARLIE MORTON (16-6, 3.05 ERA IN 2019)CAREER MLB BREAKDOWNYEARWLERAGGSIPHRERBBSOHR20181533.133030167.01306358642011820191663.053333194.215471665724015Career91874.072502491401.1135970763350812341182019 GAME LOGGAMEDECERAIPHRERBBSOHRHBWPP/KFINALOPP. LEFT3/29 vs. HOUW-13.605.03222801085/54W, 4-2Coleup, 3-24/3 vs. COL–1.646.04002600188/58L, 0-1 (11)Márqueztied, 0-04/9 at CWSW-22.255.03223710093/57W, 10-5Santanaup, 7-24/14 at TOR–2.184.24113401092/53W, 8-4Stromanup, 3-14/20 vs. BOS–3.386.05552911099/70L, 5-6Porcellodown, 5-24/27 at BOSW-32.766.020045011102/61W, 2-1Priceup, 2-05/2 at KC–2.526.251119000101/71W, 3-1Duffytied, 1-15/8 vs. ARI–2.645.07224800086/52L, 2-3Raydown, 2-05/14 at MIAW-42.326.03000500082/54W, 4-0Smithup, 2-05/19 at NYY–2.654.04534620088/56L, 5-13Greentied, 5-55/25 at CLEW-52.546.0311210010106/73W, 6-2Carrascoup, 4-15/30 vs. MINW-62.547.04220600087/62W, 14-3Pérezup, 14-26/5 at DETW-72.307.05000800083/55W, 4-0Turnbullup, 4-06/10 vs. OAKW-82.107.02002701094/59W, 6-2Andersonup, 4-06/15 vs. LAAL-12.376.05442920095/70L, 3-5Suarezdown, 4-36/20 at OAK–2.316.141126100105/61L, 4-5Montastied, 1-16/26 at MINL-22.436.185317001101/70L, 4-6Odorizziup, 4-37/2 vs. BALW-92.367.0411112100101/66W, 6-3Wojciechowski up, 6-17/7 vs. NYYW-102.325.2511110100100/69W, 2-1Paxtonup, 2-17/13 at BAL (G2)W-112.356.06221600097/64W, 12-4Meansup, 9-27/18 at NYY (G2)L-32.615.25554410090/57L, 1-5Greendown, 4-17/24 vs. BOSW-122.607.0522011000105/75W, 3-2Priceup, 3-27/30 at BOS–2.784.27442200085/56W, 6-5Priceup, 4-38/5 vs. TORL-42.777.072209100107/71L, 0-2Waguespackdown, 2-08/10 at SEAW-132.906.0944010101100/67W, 5-4Wislerup, 5-48/16 vs. DETL-52.777.031001000094/70L, 0-2Norrisdown, 1-08/21 vs. SEA–2.855.04332301199/62W, 7-6Gearrinup, 4-38/27 at HOUL-63.114.07662411077/49L, 1-15Verlanderdown, 6-09/1 vs. CLEW-143.065.141138010108/69W, 8-2Plutkoup, 4-19/7 vs. TOR–3.116.053321002092/64W, 5-3Kaydown, 3-29/13 at LAAW-153.166.06331411094/62W, 11-4Heaneyup, 8-39/20 vs. BOS–3.156.152218100103/73W, 5-4 (11)Porcellodown, 2-09/25 vs. NYYW-163.056.010039000100/64W, 4-0Loaisigaup, 3-0SEASON & CAREER HIGHS2019CAREER7.0, 7x-last 8/16 vs. DETIP9.0, 3x-last 5/18/11 at CIN9, 8/10 at SEAH11, 5/30/11 at NYM6, 8/27 at HOUR10, 8/14/09 at CHC6, 8/27 at HOUER10, 8/14/09 at CHC4, 4x-last 7/18 at NYYBB6, 6/9/18 at TEX12, 7/2 vs. BALSO14, 5/12/18 vs. TEX2, 2x-last 6/15 vs. LAAHR3, 4/14/10 at SF–CG3x-last 5/18/11 at CIN–SHO2x-last 5/18/11 at CIN8G, 3/29 – 6/10Win Streak11G, 8/17/18 – 6/10/192G, 2x-last 8/16 – 8/27Loss Streak7G, 9/8/13 – 5/18/142019 SPLITS vs. BATTERSSPLITABHAVG2B3BHRBBSOTBPAvs. LHB36683.2271831129136140405vs. RHB35171.2021534281041043852019 SPLITSSPLITWLERAGIPHRERBBSOHome832.5917104.173313027143Road833.591690.18140363097March103.6015.032228April202.60527.218881431May302.34634.2261191144June222.20532.224108737July413.75636.0321515945August134.66529.0301615436September302.73529.221991039SPLITS vs. BLUE JAYSSPLITWLERAGIPHRERBBSO2019013.06317.216665232018100.0017.0400213Career212.39637.23110101146at Home112.67427.02388639TOMORROW’S STARTER: LH RYAN YARBROUGH (11-6, 4.13 ERA IN 2019)ÊMade his third consecutive Opening Day roster, but his first time as a regular member of the starting rotation…followed an opener in the fifth game of last season (April 1 vs. COL), and made his major league debut out of the bullpen in the third game of the 2018 season (March 31 vs. BOS).ÊIs the only pitcher in franchise history with double-digit wins in each of his first two seasons in the majors (2018-19)…his 27 wins are the most in club history through his first two seasons…enters the 2020 season winless in his last 8 apps (all starts), the longest winless drought of his career.ÊIs 6-1 with a 2.45 ERA (36.2-IP, 10-ER) in 9 apps (2 starts) against the Blue Jays and 4-0 with a 2.42 ERA (22.1-IP, 6-ER) in 5 apps (1 start) against them at Tropicana Field…last faced them on Sep 28, 2019 and took the loss, yielding four straight hits to start the game: Teoscar Hernández leadoff homer, Cavan Biggio single, Randal Grichuk RBI triple, Rowdy Tellez RBI single…his line: L, 5 IP, 5 H, 3 R/ER, 2 BB, 3 SO, 1 HR, 79 pit, 46 str.RAYS HITTER NOTES#1 WILLY ADAMES – ah-DAH-mes .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 0-for-2Last HR: 9/23/19 vs. BOSÊIs the youngest player on the Rays Opening Day roster for a second con-secutive year…started at shortstop on Opening Day vs. HOU last season.ÊIs errorless in his last 86 chances over 31 games dating back to 2019.Ê2019: Hit .254/.317/.418 (135-for-531) with 20 HR and 52 RBI in 152 games.ÊBecame the youngest Ray to hit 20 HR since Evan Longoria (33) in 2009…all 20 HR came as a shortstop, passing Brad Miller (19) in 2016 for the single-season club record…hit 15 HR on the road, compared to 5 HR at home.ÊTotaled 12 Defensive Runs Saved last season, tied with OAK Marcus Semien and LAA Andrelton Simmons for the most among AL shortstops.ÊHis full bio is on Page 50 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#43 MIKE BROSSEAU – BRAH-so .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 1G (.333, 1-3)Last HR: 8/24/19 at BALÊMade his first career Opening Day roster.Ê2019: Hit .273/.319/.462 (36-for-132) with 6 HR and 16 RBI in 51 games.ÊOn June 23 at OAK, made his major league debut, playing third base, and recorded his first career hit, a 2nd-inning single off Brett Anderson.ÊIs believed to be the seventh U.S.-born non-drafted free agent to sign with the Rays and make his major league debut for them…joined Trevor Enders, Lee Gardner, Jorge Cantú, Brian Stokes, Elliot Johnson and Kirby Yates.ÊHit .304/.394/.567 (82-for-270) with 16 HR in 73 games for Durham.ÊHis full bio is on Page 69 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#26 JI-MAN CHOI – GEE-man CHOY.000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 4G (.429, 6-14)Last HR: 9/29/19 at TORÊMade his fourth Opening Day roster, including third consecutive…his only previous Opening Day start came at first base last season with the Rays.ÊHas hit 8 HR in his last 26 games (23 starts) dating back to the 2019 season.ÊHis 36 career homers already rank 4th all-time among Korean-born play-ers, behind Shin-Soo Choo (213), Jung Ho Kang (46) and Hee-Seop Choi (40).ÊIs one of four players born in South Korea to play for the Rays, along with Rob Refsnyder (2018), Jae-kuk Ryu (2007-08) and Jae Seo (2006-07).ÊIs a career .258/.358/.486 (160-for-619) hitter with 33 HR vs. RHP.Ê2019: Hit .261/.363/.459 (107-for-410) with 19 HR and 63 RBI in 127 games.ÊHis full bio is on Page 80 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#2 YANDY DÍAZ – YAHN-dee .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 0-for-3Last HR: 7/18/19 at NYY (G1)ÊMade his third Opening Day roster (2017, 2019), all starts (incl. tonight).ÊIs a career .296/.389/.468 (60-for-203) hitter with 7 HR vs. LHP.Ê2019: Limited to 79 games due to three stints on the injured list, the third of which cost him over two months…hit 14 HR in 347 PA for the Rays, compared to 1 HR in 299 PA over two seasons with the Indians.ÊHit .267/.340/.476 (82-for-307) in the regular season…homered in the 1st and 3rd innings of the AL Wild Card Game at OAK, becoming the fifth Ray with a multi-HR game in the postseason, first in a “winner take all” game.ÊHis full bio is on Page 84 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#39 KEVIN KIERMAIER – KEER-my-er .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 0-for-2Last HR: 9/24/19 vs. NYYÊMade his sixth consecutive Opening Day roster, all starts in center field…extends his club record for most Opening Day starts as a center fielder.ÊWith his sixth Opening Day start, he ties Ben Zobrist for the 3rd-most in franchise history behind Evan Longoria (9) and Carl Crawford (8).ÊSince 2015, his 111 Defensive Runs Saved lead major league outfielders and are the 2nd-most in the majors behind Andrelton Simmons (125).Ê2019: Claimed the Rawlings AL Gold Glove Award for center field…marked his third Gold Glove Award, tying Evan Longoria for the most in club his-tory…his 13 Defensive Runs Saved were the most among AL center fielders.ÊHit .228/.278/.398 (102-for-447) with 14 HR and 55 RBI in 129 games.ÊIn Game 3 of the ALDS vs. HOU, his 3-run homer to right-center off Zack Greinke in the 2nd inning gave the Rays their first lead of the series.ÊHis full bio is on Page 103 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#8 BRANDON LOWE – rhymes with “now” .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 0-for-7Last HR: 9/23/19 vs. BOSÊMade his second straight Opening Day roster, after starting at DH in 2019.ÊFor each home run he hits, he will donate $100 to the Crisis Center of Tam-pa Bay…this donation will be matched by the Rays Baseball Foundation.Ê2019: Hit .270/.336/.514 (80-for-296) with 17 HR and 51 RBI in 82 games.ÊNamed an AL All-Star in his rookie season, and voted the club’s Outstand-ing Rookie by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the BBWAA…finished 3rd in AL Rookie of the Year voting to HOU Yordan Álvarez and BAL John Means.ÊHis 17 HR ranked 3rd in club history for a rookie, behind Evan Longoria (27) in 2008 and Jonny Gomes (21) in 2005, despite 68 games on the injured list.ÊMin. 300 PA, his .514 SLG was the 2nd-highest in AL history by a rookie middle infielder, behind BOS Nomar Garciaparra (.534) in 1997.ÊHis full bio is on Page 112 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#13 MANUEL MARGOT – man-WEHL mahr-GO .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 2G (.250, 2-8)Last HR: 9/11/19 vs. CHCÊMade his fourth consecutive Opening Day roster…the previous three came with the Padres—all starts in center field including two batting leadoff.ÊAcquired by the Rays in exchange for RH Emilio Pagán on Feb 8, 2020.Ê2019: Hit .234/.304/.387 (93-for-398) with 12 HR, 37 RBI and 20 SB in 151 games…hit .330/.420/.466 (34-for-103) against lefties, 7th in the NL in avg. and 6th in on-base pct. (min. 100 AB), compared to .200/.260/.359 vs. RHP.ÊHis full bio is on Page 119 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#40 JOSÉ MARTÍNEZ .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 0-for-2Last HR: 7/23/19 at PITÊMade his fourth straight Opening Day roster…only previous Opening Day start came in 2018 (with STL), when he homered off Noah Syndergaard.ÊAmong active players with at least 250 AB vs. LHP, he ranks among ML leaders in avg. (.331, 4th), on-base pct. (.405, 8th) and slugging (.570, 11th).ÊOwns a career .322/.392/.494 (28-for-87) line with 3 HR as a pinch-hitter.ÊAcquired by the Rays on Jan 9, 2020 in the Matthew Liberatore trade.Ê2019: Hit .269/.340/.410 (90-for-334) with 10 HR and 42 RBI in 128 games, after batting over .300 the previous two seasons (.305 in 2018, .309 in 2017).ÊHis full bio is on Page 122 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#7 MICHAEL PEREZ .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 0-for-7Last HR: 8/10/18 at TORÊMade his second consecutive Opening Day roster as a backup catcher.Ê2019: Appeared in 22 games and made 15 starts over three stints with the Rays…was on the 10-day IL (right oblique strain) from May 8–June 9.ÊHit .245/.338/.495 (45-for-184) with 13 HR and 42 RBI for the Bulls.ÊHis full bio is on Page 145 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#11 HUNTER RENFROE .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 1G (1.000, 1-1)Last HR: 9/21/19 vs. ARIÊMade his fourth consecutive Opening Day roster…his only previous Open-ing Day start came in right field during the 2017 season with the Padres.ÊAcquired along with INF Xavier Edwards and a PTBNL (INF Esteban Quiroz) for OF Tommy Pham and INF Jake Cronenworth on Dec 6, 2019.Ê2019: Hit .216/.289/.489 (95-for-440) with 33 HR and 64 RBI in 140 games.ÊHit a career-high 33 HR, the most by a Padre since Adrián González (40) in 2009…set career highs with 140 games, 64 runs, 46 BB and 53 XBH.ÊWas a finalist for the Rawlings NL Gold Glove Award for right field…re-corded 13 outfield assists, tied for most in the NL…his 23 Defensive Runs Saved tied for 2nd among ML outfielders behind WAS Victor Robles (25).ÊHis full bio is on Page 151 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#28 DANIEL ROBERTSON .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 1G (.500, 2-4)Last HR: 5/1/19 at KC (G2)ÊMade his fourth consecutive Opening Day roster…did not play on Opening Day in 2017 or 2019; started at second base on Opening Day in 2018.ÊHas gone 48 games and 125 AB since his last homer on May 1, 2019 at KC.Ê2019: Hit .213/.312/.295 (44-for-207) with 2 HR and 19 RBI in 74 games.ÊWas with the Rays for three stints last season: Opening Day–June 14, June 19–July 29 and Sep 1 through the end of the season…his second stint included 33 games on the injured list due to right knee inflammation.ÊHis full bio is on Page 158 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#44 KEVAN SMITH .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: 2G (.333, 3-9)Last HR: 9/20/19 at HOUÊMade his third Opening Day roster, second active—opened 2018 on the White Sox 10-day IL…was active for Opening Day last season (with LAA).ÊSince the start of 2018, is batting .379/.435/.552 (44-for-116) vs. LHP.Ê2019: Spent the entire season in the majors, but was on the injured list three times: May 22–June 6 (concussion), June 19–July 11 (left hand metacarpal sprain) and Aug 11-23 (lumbar strain)…hit .251 (48-for-191) in 67 games.ÊHis full bio is on Page 220 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#25 YOSHI TSUTSUGO – tsoo-TSOO-go .000 AVG – 0 HR – 0 RBI – 0 SBFri vs. TOR: –vs. LH: –TOR Series: –vs. RH: –Stand: –with RISP: –Current Hitting Streak: –Last HR: –ÊSigned on Dec 16, 2019 and will be making his major league debut…will be-come the fourth Japanese-born player in franchise history, following Hideo Nomo (2005), Akinori Iwamura (2007-09) and Hideki Matsui (2012).ÊSpent 10 seasons with the Yokohama DeNA BayStars in Japan (NPB)…was named Yokohama’s youngest team captain in franchise history in 2015.ÊFrom 2016-19, led NPB with 139 HR and ranked 3rd in NPB with 372 RBI.Ê2019: Hit .272/.388/.511 (126-for-464) with 29 HR and 79 RBI in 131 games for Yokohama…marked his sixth consecutive season of 20 HR (or more).ÊHis full bio is on Page 173 of the 2020 Rays Media Guide.#16 KEVIN CASH, MANAGERÊIs in his sixth season as Rays manager…is the fifth manager in franchise history and already the 2nd-longest-tenured Rays manager behind Joe Maddon (2006-14).ÊIs now baseball’s 3rd-longest-tenured manager with his current team behind OAK Bob Melvin (10th season, 9th full) and CLE Terry Francona (8th season).ÊLast season marked his second consecutive 3rd-place finish in BBWAA AL Manager of the Year voting…finished behind MIN Rocco Baldelli and NYY Aaron Boone.ÊHas been ejected nine times as Rays manager (last June 30, 2019 vs. TEX), tied with Lou Piniella for 3rd in club history behind Maddon (37) and Larry Rothschild (15).ÊIs the sixth Tampa-born manager in major league history, joining Al Lopez (HOF), Tony La Russa (HOF), Lou Piniella, Dave Miley and John Hart.ÊOn Oct 9, 2018, agreed to a contract extension through the 2024 season including a club option for the 2025 season.
The view from left field 