ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays have survived multiple injuries in their lineup. They have survived a crucial loss of starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow.
But can they survive closers who can’t throw strikes?
Tampa Bay blew an early lead against the Twins on Friday night, then lost it in the ninth inning when Diego Castillo hit two batters with pitches sandwiched around an intentional walk.
Adam Kolarek came in to face Eddie Rosario, who delivered a two-out, two-run single to the opposite field for the 5-3 victory in front of an announced crowd of 14,375.
Castillo and Jose Alvarado, the Rays’ two most important late-inning relievers, are now a combined 1-8, both pitchers struggling with control in recent weeks.