BOSTON — With their Wild Card Series opponent and destination still to be determined, the Rays made a few more roster moves, and one change to their pitching plans, before Tuesday’s game against the Red Sox.
Among today’s moves:
• Catcher Rene Pinto was called up from Triple-A to replace Francisco Mejia, who was placed on the paternity list to return to Florida to be with his wife for the birth of their third child. He is expected back for Friday’s series opener.
• To make sure there is a fresh arm in the bullpen, the Rays called up veteran right-hander Jimmy Yacabonis and designated for assignment Kevin Herget, who worked the final 4 1/3 innings on Monday.
• Drew Rasmussen was scratched from his scheduled start on Wednesday, so he can be at full strength for the best-of-three playoff series that opens Friday at either Cleveland or Toronto.
The Rays start the day 1 1/2 games behind the Mariners, who have the second spot in the three-team American League wild-card field. The second-place team plays at Toronto, which has the top wild card, and the winner faces Houston. The third wild-card team plays at Cleveland, which is the AL Central champ, and the winner goes to New York.
Jeffrey Springs will be on the mound, but not necessarily pitching deep into the game, for the Rays, who have lost three straight. Free-agent-to-be Nathan Eovaldi is starting for the last-place Red Sox.
The Rays have Yandy Diaz in the lineup and at third base for the first time since Sept. 19, as he has been sidelined by left shoulder soreness. Struggling Randy Arozarena gets a day off.
Also, the Rays are planning to open the upper deck at Tropicana Field for Division Series games if they advance.
Here is the Rays lineup:
And for the Red Sox:
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