CLEVELAND — The Rays paid a high price to rent Nelson Cruz for three months.
The two young pitchers they sent to the Twins — Joe Ryan and Drew Strotman — were two of their better and more advanced prospects, both impressive with Triple-A Durham.
“To get two upper-level pitchers who we think are Triple-A, major-league level in the context of a player obviously as great as Nelson is, who is expiring at the end of this year, was just a really good outcome,’' Twins president Derek Falvey said.
Rays general manager Erik Neander said the opportunity to get Cruz made it worthwhile, but it was a tough call.
“This is like, probably there wasn’t any more space in this for us,’' Neander said. “And I don’t know if there was any space in it for Minnesota. That’s up to them to decide.
“I think for us, when you look at the fit, you look at the potential impact, this time of year, you’ve got to be decisive. And if there’s something that’s close to what you want, if you wait around and try to better the deal or take a shot to do that, maybe find a better deal per the next eight days, but you also might lose the deal.
“And I think the quality of the fit and the quality person at this price point, while not an easy decision, and while I think Minnesota is going to do really well with this deal, the fit and the opportunity to close it with eight days to go (until the trade deadline), motivated us to do it and not sweat exactly where other teams were too much on this.’'
Medical matters: Feyereisen, Margot, Archer, Anderson
An MRI exam on reliever J.P. Feyereisen showed no structural damage, manager Kevin Cash said, which was “encouraging” news. Feyereisen will be treated for biceps tendinitis, with plans to rest for a few days and resume throwing, though is likely to be out at least two weeks. … Manuel Margot (left hamstring) went 1-for-4 and played seven innings in rightfield for Triple-A Durham in the first of a likely three-game rehab assignment, with a goal of having him back for the series against the Yankees that starts Tuesday. ... Pitcher Chris Archer (elbow) worked three strong innings for the Bulls in his third rehab outing, allowing one run on two hits, striking out four with no walks, throwing 30 of 44 pitches for strikes. … Reliever Nick Anderson, out since spring with an elbow sprain, will make his first rehab outing Friday with the Florida Complex League team.
Draft report: 17 picks signed
After signing top picks Carson Williams and Cooper Kinney earlier this week, the Rays signed second-round pick Kyle Manzardo (first baseman, Washington State), fourth-rounder Dru Baker (outfielder, Texas Tech), fifth-rounder Mason Auer (outfielder, San Jacinto) and 12 others: RH Logan Workman, LH Alex Ayala, RH Austin Vernon, RH Sean Mullen, RH Jonny Cuevas, 1B Bobby Seymour, RH Antonio Menendez, RH Conor Angel, RH Conor Dryer, C Kenny Piper, RH Sean Hunley, RH Kamron Fields. Overall, they have signed 17 of their 21 picks.
Miscellany
• The Rays decided after Thursday’s game that lefty Josh Fleming would start Friday rather than work behind an opener.
• Though Vidal Brujan was sent back to Triple A after a rough initial stint, going 2-for-26 over 10 games, manager Kevin Cash said they still think “very highly” of the versatile infielder/outfielder. “He did some exciting things and very confident that he’s going to be back and will have a pretty special career,’' Cash said.
• Brent Honeywell started for Durham on Wednesday and might get more such opportunities, having worked primarily in the bullpen.
• Reliever Chris Mazza was optioned to Durham after the game.
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