Matt Andriese jumps to 6-0

Chalk one up for the Matt Andriese bullpen experiment.

Andriese threw 2 2/3 innings in the Rays’ marathon 3-2 victory over the Mariners in 13 innings at the Trop yesterday, holding serve until the good guys came up with a walk-off walk. Andriese bumped is record to 6-0 and silenced those banging their heads on blunt objects because Kevin Cash bumped an undefeated starter to long relief.

Of course, this all was made possible because of the choice to promote Blake Snell from Triple-A Durham. He’ll start the series finale this afternoon. Cash envisioned this scenario when relocating Andriese, hoping he would become an innings-eater as a reliever.

This was a positive first step. There will be more tight moments to come with Andriese out in the bullpen, but it will be a good sign if he handles himself like he did yesterday. Andriese had strong moments as a starter, so he knows how to be cool, confident and composed on the mound. If he can do the same as a reliever, the Rays will benefit.

Joe isn’t sure how Snell will fare. He has a solid debut earlier this season, but the Rays will ask more of him in this stint. The Andriese bullpen experiment will rely on Snell to perform, so there’s plenty on the line with the young player.