Rumors of a Rays sale have caught the attention of MLB players union

PORT CHARLOTTE — Baseball’s players association has had issues in the past with how the Rays spend — or do not spend — on payroll, but union chief Tony Clark said Friday it is not his role to take a position on rumors that owner Stuart Sternberg may be entertaining offers for the team.

“The ownership change and control of the club, we’ll let the league handle those concerns,” he said. “Having all 30 teams in the best position possible to do the things they need to do to be the last team standing is always the goal.

“This team has had success over the years, and whatever questions are at the forefront now or whatever concerns are going on behind the scenes … it affecting the players in that locker room, affecting the city and fans who support the team, those are all things we’re concerned about, because that affects the revenue that comes into the system and how everyone does as a whole. So, yes, we are tracking all of that.”

Clark met with Rays players for nearly two hours Friday morning as part of his annual spring tour of teams.

When it comes to player amenities at Steinbrenner Field, Clark said he is confident any shortcomings will be remedied when the Rays move in at the end of the month. It’s the unsolvable problems that could threaten the integrity of the game that have Clark mildly concerned.

“We know baseball has been played in Florida during the summer, so we know what that’s like,” Clark said. “Obviously, Miami was an outdoor ballpark and had plenty of rained-out batting practices before games there. So, we know there are challenges during the summer in particular that are a little different than with (this) open-air stadium, than some others. We’re paying attention to how the ball travels, how the grounds play.

“We are going to be getting feedback, not just on the amenities but how the game is played, what the sight lines are, how the lights are working or not working and whether, or to what extent, there are issues with irrigation. All of those things will be a part of the conversation once the lights come on.”

Caballero adds a glove

Tampa Bay’s starting outfield Friday could have been part of the starting infield not too long ago. Christopher Morel was in his new position in leftfield while Richie Palacios was getting reps in right and Jose Caballero made his pro debut in center.

Caballero, who played one game in leftfield with Seattle in 2023, handled three putouts effortlessly and made a strong throw home on a sacrifice fly.

“It’s a long throw, I’ll tell you that,” Caballero said. “I threw the ball, and it takes forever to get to the guy I’m throwing the ball to. But, like always, trying to have fun and trying to make the play.”

Cash said Caballero looked comfortable.

“He did a nice job,” Cash said. “He looked good on his reads, he looked good on his decision-making on where to throw the ball.”

Miscellany

Cash said the back tightness that forced Junior Caminero out of Thursday’s game in Clearwater does not appear to be serious. “He’s doing fine, I don’t think it’s anything major at all,” Cash said. … After starting the spring 2-for-13, Yandy Diaz batted leadoff Friday and rapped two hits, including an RBI double … Rays relievers threw six innings of shutout ball before Joey Gerber gave up a two-out, game-tying run in the ninth. “Lots of zeroes out there,” Cash said. “Mason Englert is throwing the ball really, really well for a guy that we didn’t know at all coming into spring training. So, we’re really pleased with him, and (Eric) Orze is putting together a pretty solid camp.”

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