Jul 27, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays catcher Curt Casali (19) singles during the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Tropicana Field. Photo Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Rays want their catchers to play strong defense and handle their pitching staff expertly, with offense a rare bonus from the position.
Rookie Curt Casali has brought that of late, with two home runs in Monday’s 5-2 win against the Detroit Tigers, giving him four in the last six games. The Rays got five home runs in all of 2014 from their catchers, so the production has been a welcome boost for a sagging offense.
“What a day,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “Huge hits, obviously the first one, but the second one to extend the lead and give us a little breathing room is always nice. We do need offense right now, that’s no secret.”
Casali has only been up for 46 at-bats since replacing Bobby Wilson six weeks ago as Rene Rivera’s backup, but his offense has earned him three straight starts, with more likely ahead after Monday’s outburst.
“The only thing that matters to me is we got the win,” Casali said. “Fortunately I got a couple of good pitches to hit to help out and hopefully I can keep doing that.”
