FORT MYERS Rays RHP Alex Cobb took another step Saturday in regaining his pre-Tommy John surgery form.

"The progress I made this week going into this start versus last week's start I'll take hands down," he said after pitching 31/3 innings Saturday during a 63-pitch outing in the 2-1 loss against the Red Sox.

Cobb said early in camp that he wanted to pitch the way he did in 2013. While he returned last September after missing nearly two years, he couldn't find that rhythm.

Against the Red Sox, he impressed manager Kevin Cash with how he threw his changeup and curveball.

"I think that was a big step in the right direction for Alex and for us," Cash said. "He's continuing to make progress. I think he feels that he's close, and that's good."

How 'bout Archer

RHP Chris Archer drew rave reviews inside the Rays clubhouse after throwing four perfect innings Friday against Colombia in the WBC.

Said Cash: "It was fun to watch. I thought it was great for him, great for the Rays and great for Team USA."

Said 3B Evan Longoria: "He looked competitive. I think that's the guy we're looking forward to seeing this year."

Said CF Kevin Kiermaier: "He looks very confident right now, which you need out of your frontline guy, which is what he is for us. I think he's going to have a dominant season this year, I really do."

Hitters, too

Longoria said Cash's remarks Friday about pitchers needing to step on the gas should also apply to position players.

"I think it's just about intensity and intent," Longoria said. "There definitely comes a time where the excuse of it being March 11 or it only being spring training starts to kind of become an excuse for poor performance, essentially."

Here to compete

RHP Jumbo Diaz, claimed Friday off waivers, has a chance to earn a spot in the opening day bullpen once he joins the team after pitching for the Dominican in the WBC.

"When that day comes and he gets here we'll welcome him here and get him in the mix," Cash said.

Lights, camera, action

Alex Corddry makes her Fox Sun Sports debut this afternoon, taking over for Todd Kalas as the in-game reporter, during the first TV game of the spring. Dewyane Staats has the call. Brian Anderson is scheduled to debut this spring on March 25 vs. Boston.

Rays' Cobb optimistic about latest progress 03/11/17 [Last modified: Saturday, March 11, 2017 9:01pm] Photo reprints | Article reprints

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