The Tampa Bay Rays have officially announced their playoff roster for the ALDS against the Texas Rangers. Most notably making the roster are four rookies on the pitching staff.
MLB Playoffs 2011: Rays Roster Will Carry Four Rookies On Pitching Staff
Matt Moore of one career start will take the mound for the Rays on Friday in Texas. Joining him in the rotation will be David Price, James Shield and Jeremy Hellickson. Jeff Niemann was notably left off the roster after posting a 6.94 ERA in his five September starts.
The bullpen will be comprised of lefties Jake McGee and J.P. Howell, and righties Wade Davis, Juan Cruz, Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta. Brandon Gomes is another rookie who could see the mound, having posted a 2.92 ERA in 40 appearances for the Rays this season.
The Rays rostered three catchers for the playoffs--Kelly Shoppach, Jose Lobaton and John Jaso--and five outfielders--Johnny Damon, Matt Joyce, B.J. Upton, Sam Fuld and Desmond Jennings. Tampa Bay's outfield will be 1B Casey Kotchman, 2B Ben Zobrist, SS Reid Brignac and 3B Evan Longoria, along with multi-postional players Sean Rodriquez and Elliot Johnson.
For more on the Rays, head over to the SB Nation blog DRaysBay.
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