Rays' Curt Casali: Blasts first homer of spring in Tuesday blowout
Casali went 2-for-3 with a two-run home run and two runs overall in Tuesday's 19-0 Grapefruit League victory over the Twins.
The Rays' backstop opened what would be a 19-run barrage by blasting a two-run homer to left with Rickie Weeks, Jr. aboard in the first. Casali is battling Luke Maile and non-roster invitee Jesus Sucre for a backup catcher spot, and given that prized offseason signing Wilson Ramos isn't expected back from knee surgery until at least May and may be limited to designated hitter duties for some time thereafter, he would appear to have a solid chance of securing a spot on the Opening Day roster. The 28-year-old's unsightly .186/.273/.336 line last season belied some solid pop in his bat, as Casali collected 18 extra-base hits, including 10 round-trippers, over 256 plate appearances.
