The Rays' trade with the Twins is looking pretty good right now.
While infielder Brendan Harris and outfielder Delmon Young have been steady performers for Minnesota, righty Matt Garza and shotstop Jason Bartlett have been key contributors for the Rays, who are off to the best start in franchise history at 22-16. Garza had his best start as a Ray on Monday, working seven shutout innings.
"Garza pitched very well," manager Joe Maddon said. "The ball was very much alive. It's not often you see the Yankees take those kind of swings against that fastball, so that told me the ball was really moving a lot."
Garza is 2-1 with a 1.37 ERA in three straight quality starts since his return from the disabled list April 25.
And Bartlett has been a two-way contributor, a key reason for the Rays' vastly improved defense. With several key hits, including a two-run triple Monday, he has raised his average to .248.
RAYS 7, YANKEES 1: Matt Garza pitched seven shutout innings as the Rays won their fifth straight. They have the best record in the majors over the last three weeks, 14-5. Jonny Gomes scored three runs and Jason Bartlett had the big hit, a two-run triple in a four-run fourth.
