Chirinos fired four scoreless innings in Sunday's 2-1 loss to the Red Sox, allowing a hit, a walk and a hit batsman while recording three strikeouts.
One of several relievers with appreciable starting experience in the minors, Chirinos demonstrated why manager Kevin Cash feels confident in utilizing his bullpen in a number of unorthodox ways this coming season. The 24-year-old right-hander was stellar in his debut, and he could be called upon for several outings of similar duration as the season unfolds. Cash not only plans to deploy Chirinos in a similar long-relief role when necessary, but also as a key component of his planned "bullpen days" that will come into play whenever the Rays need a fifth starter.