Rays closer Fernando Rodney returned to the team Thursday after a successful stint in the World Baseball Classic with the Dominican Republic team. Rodney made eight appearances during the WBC, throwing 7 1/3 scoreless innings and recording seven saves. Rodney also allowed just one hit and three walks, while striking out eight.
Rodney, however, stressed Thursday the heavy workload won't impact his readiness for the regular season.
"I'm ready to go right now for the season,'' Rodney said to the Tampa Bay Times. "I feel good. .. I feel ready to go. My arm feels good, body, mentally, physically, everything's good. ... I don't feel any problems, I feel great.''
Rodney also isn't worried about wearing down as the season progresses.
"I don't think about September,'' he said. "I think about staying healthy. If I stay healthy I know I can do my job.''