Tampa Bay Rays 1B/OF Leslie Anderson got a start in left field today against the Houston Astros and added two more RBI with a triple in a 7-2 win in a rained shortened spring training matchup. The two RBI gives Anderson seven so far this spring. Anderson, 30, spent the 2012 season at Triple A Durham, hitting .309 with 14 homers, 56 RBIs and an .805 OPS and is making the most of his opportunity with the Rays early on in 2013.
Anderson’s torrid start has not gone unnoticed by manager Joe Maddon. “He looks really good.” Maddon said. “He’s a different player than the last time I saw him.”
Where Anderson could fit in the Rays plans remains to be seen. While Anderson can play the outfield his natural position as first base and the Rays signed free-agent first baseman James Loney to replace Carlos Pena.
Price tried to stop it with his left hand, and the ball ricocheted off his wrist to shortstop Ben Zobrist. Evan Longoria returned to the lineup and added two hits and an RBI in two at-bats.
Jeremy Hellickson and Jeff Niemann will pitch on Wednesday when Tampa Bay travels to Bradenton to play the Pittsburgh Pirates.
