LAKELAND — Steve Pearce needed all of two words to describe the Rays’ rotation.
“Not fun,” he said.
Pearce, the Rays infielder/outfielder, faced the quartet of Chris Archer, Drew Smyly, Jake Odorizzi and Matt Moore enough times during the past four seasons spent in Baltimore to have a clear understanding of what opposing hitters can expect this season.
“It’s not one of those days you can throw your helmet out there,” Pearce said. “They’re tough. We’d always talked (in Baltimore) that when we were playing the Rays, it ain’t no joke.”
Archer said all four pitchers are capable of winning the Cy Young Award this season.