By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 21, 2011
Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Matt Joyce was scratched from the lineup for tonight's spring training game against the New York Yankees in Port Charlotte.
Casey Kotchman was inserted to take his place.
Joyce said he had some mild back tightness, and the Rays just wanted to keep him out as a precaution.
He said he could have played today, and it's a "really minor" thing, but they wanted to be smart and not allow it to be a lingering issue. Joyce said he fully expects to play tomorrow in Fort Myers against the Red Sox.
Jeremy Hellickson will make the start for the Rays, with several regulars in the lineup, including Evan Longoria and Johnny Damon. Some of the Rays new bullpen arms, Juan Cruz, Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta will make appearances.
The Rays will face Yankees rotation candidate, veteran Bartolo Colon.