The Rays will again roll out their unconventional and wildly intriguing starting-pitcher strategy, this time taking it to an accelerated level. Tampa Bay plans to start relievers in every game of its three-game series against the Orioles this weekend, with Sergio Romo, starting the first and third games and Ryne Stanek taking the assignment in the middle game.
The top of Baltimore's everyday lineup is heavy with right-handed hitters, and as Romo and Stanek are righty pitchers, it makes such matchups favorable and conducive for the unorthodox strategy. Trey Mancini, Adam Jones, Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop were the Orioles' Nos.