Back to the Tampa Bay Rays Newsfeed

Rays Notes: Longoria says unusual approach best for him

PORT CHARLOTTE — 3B Evan Longoria said he will “probably” play Friday against the Tigers in Lakeland. If he does, it will be his first game action since March 27 and his last before Sunday’s season opener.

For a player who prides himself on his preparation, Longoria heads into the final day of spring training with 35 at-bats in 14 Grapefruit League games.

Longoria said Thursday morning he is resting for the season and not injured.

“There’s nothing wrong,” he said.

But it is odd for a frontline player to intentionally miss nearly all of the final week of spring games in an effort to get ready for the regular season.