Yarbrough's performance in Wednesday's simulated game, when he threw 3.1 innings, helped his chances of solidifying a rotation spot, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports. "Like I said in spring training, and it's still my goal right now, it's just to continue to show them and prove to them that I could be a full-time starter," Yarbrough said. "We have a couple of outings to continue to show that and prove to them that long term this is what I want to do and best help the team."
The versatile southpaw faced the foursome of Willy Adames, Brandon Lowe, Ji-Man Choi and Mike Zunino, and he allowed just one hit while recording three strikeouts during his time on the mound. Yarbrough came away pleased with the opportunity to once again face hitters and throw to one of the team's catchers, as well as the chance to continue to prove worthy of a rotation spot. Manager Kevin Cash also heaped praise on the 28-year-old, noting the Rays would not have gotten as far as they did in 2019 without Yarbrough's efforts. It's also worth noting that with Tyler Glasnow and Yonny Chirinos both currently away from summer camp workouts for undisclosed reasons, the Rays actually find themselves short-handed on starting pitchers with less than three weeks to go before Opening Day.