Rays RHP Chris Archer had what Manager Kevin Cash described as “his best outing of the spring” in a minor-league game against the Minnesota Twins at Charlotte Sports Park.
Archer, named Tampa Bay’s Opening Day starter for the April 3 game against the Toronto Blue Jays, threw 6 1⁄3 innings, allowing five hits, one run and two walks while striking out nine against Minnesota’s minor-leaguers. Archer threw 106 pitches, 72 for strikes.
Archer, who called it a “really good work day,” said there wasn’t a downside to facing minor-league batters.
“I do a good job of mentally putting myself in certain situations,” said Archer, who’s expected to make his final spring start in Wednesday’s split-squad game against the Boston Red Sox, pitching up to four innings.