Ryne Stanek’s opening act for Rays has been better than late shift

Rays pitcher Ryne Stanek has done well as an opener, as in this game against the Marlins, but he's struggled in high-leverage relief situations. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)Ryne Stanek isn’t pitching the first inning as the opener tonight for the Rays, which could be because they plan to use him in the later innings against the Dodgers.

Rising on the Rays to-do list: Helping Stanek be as effective in those situations as when he starts a game.

To this point, it’s clear Stanek is much more comfortable and successful in the opener role, when he can just come out firing his 98 mph fastball.

But the Rays need him to do more than that, and to be able to count on him in higher-leverage situations.

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