Grant Balfour was around 91 mph on his fastball and he maxed out at 92. I don't know how concerned we should be as Balfour has lost between two and three miles on his fastball since last year. He has worked some longer outings recently going 20+ pitches for the second time this week. Hopefully once (if) the rotation rights itself, Balfour won't have to be an innings eater in the middle of the game. To Balfour's credit he did throw 71% strikes, struck out three and walked none, but tired out in his second plus inning of work. He also threw five sliders which is almost a season's worth for him.
Overall, the Rays bullpen has been overworked recently and we are starting to see that translate into a bit of ineffectiveness by guys like Joe Nelson, who has been steady this season. The Rays will turn to Scott Kazmir tonight, and hope somehow he can go deep (seven plus innings) into the game for the first time in nearly a calendar year.
Overall, the Rays bullpen has been overworked recently and we are starting to see that translate into a bit of ineffectiveness by guys like Joe Nelson, who has been steady this season. The Rays will turn to Scott Kazmir tonight, and hope somehow he can go deep (seven plus innings) into the game for the first time in nearly a calendar year.
