Evan Longoria Named AL Player of the Week

The Tampa Bay Rays have won five games in a row to improve to one game over 500 at 19-18 after a disastrous April. Rays third baseman Evan Longoria,named the American League Player of the Week was a big reason why.  Longoria hit .464 (13-for-28)  including three home runs, five doubles, eight runs scored and 11 RBI. The Rays finished the week with a 5-2 record.

Longoria led all Major League hitters in RBIs, total bases (27) and slugging percentage (.964), and he was tied for second overall in doubles.

Longoria heads into Tuesday’s series opener with the Boston Red Sox ranking in the top 10 in the American League in batting average (.333), on-base percentage (.403) and slugging percentage (.610).  Longoria acknowledges the hot streak.

“I am in one of those modes right now where it seems like no matter what they throw up there, I’m seeing every pitch pretty well,” Longoria said. “And even when I get to two strikes, I don’t really feel like I’m too antsy or I’m going to swing at a bad pitch. I’m pretty patient and relaxed up there.”

Tampa Bay Rays Fantasy News:  Longoria owners are getting to see what he is capable of when he is healthy.  He is going to cool off but the drop off won’t be significant.  James Loney typically hits behind Longoria is hitting .376 with a .560 slugging percentage, Don’t think that is in helping.

The team signed RHP Cory Wade to a minor league contract; assigned him to Triple-A Durham.  Wade was released by the Cubs last week and will serve as organizational depth.