DETROIT — J.P. Arencibia is getting playing time ahead of C Rene Rivera because he gives the Rays a power bat at the bottom of the lineup.
Arencibia put that to use in Monday’s 5-4 loss to the Tigers when he crushed a solo home run to left-center field at Comerica Park. It sailed over the Rays’ bullpen and the outfield seats and nearly reached the brick wall that displays the former Tigers who had their numbers retired — or in the case of Ty Cobb, who played before numbers were worn on uniforms.
Arencibia’s blast was measured at 462 feet by ESPN’s Stats Cast, making it the longest home run this year by a Ray.