MLB PLAYER NEWS

Moore’s return should boost Rays’ rotation

The Sports Xchange

July 03, 2015 at 2:05 am.

Jul 2, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) throws a pitch during the second inning against the Cleveland Indians at Tropicana Field. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Lost in the offensive futility of the Tampa Bay Rays in a four-game sweep by the Cleveland Indians was the long-awaited return of left-hander Matt Moore, who pitched for the first time in nearly 15 months in Thursday’s loss.

Moore pitched well for four innings, taking a 2-1 lead into the fifth, but gave up four hits in that inning, leaving the game with a 4-2 deficit.

“I thought there might have been more nervous body-control type issues, but it felt normal,” Moore said. “It felt good to get out there and finally throw to (catcher Rene Rivera) for the first time.”

Moore had no expectations for his first start, but was disappointed he couldn’t get out of the fifth inning, getting two outs but then giving up three hits and a walk before his early exit.

“I’ve got to be better than four singles and a walk,” Moore said. “Anytime we can put up two like that against a guy like Corey Kluber … it was a tough in-game adjustment but I have to be better than that.”

Moore’s return will be a major boost to the Rays rotation, with another key starter due back soon in Jake Odorizzi, which should also be help to an overworked bullpen.