Grady Sizemore (right) has helped the Rays in his brief stint with the team. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Brought in to spark a struggling Rays offense, Grady Sizemore has had an impressive first two games with Tampa Bay, even though both nights have come in losing efforts.
“It’s no secret we haven’t come out and hit the ball the way we’re capable of,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We’re going to go through those ruts — we’re probably in one right now. … Our offense will get out of this funk and hopefully we’ll carry it over for a couple games. It just wasn’t there tonight.”
Sizemore, signed by the Rays after he was released by the Phillies, went 3-for-5 in his Tampa Bay debut on Sunday, then got the Rays’ first hit — a solo home run against his old team — to break up a perfect game in the seventh inning.
Sizemore was a three-time All-Star with Cleveland and knee injuries have been a major setback in his career. But he’s pleased to have a fresh start at 32, and facing his old club was strange, though so many players have changed since he last played for Cleveland in 2011.
“It’s a weird feeling after being there so long,” he said. “It’s a different team though. I hardly recognize any of those guys. … I’m happy for the opportunity (here). Any chance I get to contribute to a team, I’m looking forward to it.”
