Notes: Rays staying hungry ahead of ALCS, plotting pitching, roster plans

The Tampa Bay Rays are preparing for the American League Championship Series following an ALDS sweep of the New York Yankees. Manager Kevin Cash and the team held workouts at Tropicana Field and scheduled an intrasquad scrimmage ahead of Game 1 on Monday. Having accumulated 11 off-days against just three game days across two weeks, the team is focusing on balancing necessary physical rest with staying sharp.

Tampa Bay is currently organizing its pitching plans and finalizing roster decisions once their ALCS opponent is decided. Cash confirmed that the club intends to lean heavily on its starting pitchers, with Drew Rasmussen in line to start Game 1. Additionally, Cash expects the ALCS roster composition to remain very similar to their ALDS squad.