Rays rumblings

* Expect shortstop Willy Adames to be the next of the top prospects called up, and very soon. That will be exciting, but also a bit sticky. Not only because Daniel Robertson has played well at short, but because veteran Adeiny Hechavarria is close to returning from his hamstring injury and won't have a job, which makes a trade seem likely and imminent.

* The Rays did Brad Miller a favor by designating him for assignment rather than sitting him on the bench or sending him to the minors as he'll either get traded or released, meaning he'll get the rest of his $4.5 million and likely a job in the majors.

* The Rays seem committed to sticking with using game openers, insisting, fairly, the plan should be judged by more than their 3-7 record in those starts. RHP Ryne Stanek now seems the top choice given his 100-mph fastball, but it would seem beneficial to switch from righty to lefty, or the other way, with the pitcher covering inning.

* A deal with top pick LHP Matthew Liberatore should be finished by Tuesday, for just under the $3.6 million slot, though with a physical still to be done.

* USF left-hander Shane McClanahan looks to be a tough sign, given the email he sent teams during the first round that he wants $3 million. (Maybe because a team picking low had promised as much?) His No. 31 slot is $2.22M.

* After his warm welcome back to Washington, C Wilson Ramos had lots of fans and friends asking about being traded back to the Nats. Kinda makes sense.

* Interesting tweet from RHP Chris Archer after Miller's DFA: "To any parties interested, BMills is a great dude, teammate and player. He will help your team on many fronts. Looking forward to watching him drop head on people.''

* After telling LHP Blake Snell his "Snellzilla" nickname was just "okay,'' MLB Network's Lauren Shehadi came up with a couple interesting alternatives: "Snell on Earth" and "Helter Snellter." … In that same interview, Snell said the best of much advice from Archer was "he taught me how to dress, taught me how to look pro.''

* Father's Day gift? Rays 20th anniversary book? Available at the Trop or by calling the team store, 727-342-5731 (M-F, 10-6; Sat. 10-4).

* Chief business officer Jeff Cogen's son, Matt, an outfielder at Belmont University, was a 30th-round pick of the Dodgers.