Rays starting pitcher Drew Smyly will make his season debut Friday vs. Toronto. Smyly indicated Wednesday he probably can throw 5-6 innings Friday, per The Tampa Tribune.
"I'm excited," he said, per MLB.com. "I'm excited about getting the season going. It stinks sitting on the sidelines watching the team perform. I'm just anxious to get out there and get the first start out of the way... To me, I felt ready. My arm's ready... So hopefully I can help the team any way I can. Whether that's five or six innings, that's great."
Smyly has been sidelined since injuring his shoulder in spring training. He made three starts on a rehab assignment, allowing two hits and three walks in 8 2/3 innings. He also had nine strikeouts.
Smyly won his only start against Toronto in 2014, tossing a two-hit, complete-game shutout. He had four strikeouts.