The Rays attempt to salvage their time in Boston while simultaneously ending a four game skid this morning (yup, morning) at 11:00 AM. The Rays also attempt to avoid their 20th four game sweep in franchise history; their third since 2008. Interestingly enough, Joe Maddon is also chasing also a personal accomplishment of sorts as he attempts to get the 500th win of his career. He’s been stuck at 499 the last four days. Five times a charm, right?
Tampa Bay will throw James Shields on the bump against Daniel Bard. James Shields has been rocked in Fenway, with a 1-9 career record, and a 6.75 ERA. Yet, he offers the Rays the best chance to recoup some lost ground. He also offers the team a bit of stability. And with a starting ERA of 8.27 as well as a bullpen ERA of 14.72, stability is something the Rays pitching staff has lacked thus far on this road trip.
On a positive note, Tampa Bay is 2-0 in Patriot Day games. Shields hopes to join the Ranks of current starter, Jeff Niemann, who got the Rays last Patriots Day win in 2010. On another positive note, the Luke Scott acquisition seems to be paying off in spades, after another good day at the plate yesterday. He’ll attempt to do his Wolverine pose again and again today. Joel Peralta also performed really well (finally) yesterday, inducing pop-outs in a 1-2-3 seventh. Hopefully he’s coming out of his lack-of-playing-winter ball funk. Fernando Rodney was great again. I really like saying that! The starting lineup is below. C’mon Rays, beat the Sox and walk into Toronto on a high note. I’ll gladly take the Rays winning todays game and the Jays series, and come home on a high note. As always, Let’s Go Rays!
Rays starting linuep:
Jennings CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Scott DH
Zobrist RF
Joyce LF
Keppinger 2B
Molina C
Rodriguez SS
Shields RHP (1-0)
Side notes: Tampa Bay just picked up more pitching depth by acquiring RHP Matt Buschmann from Washington for cash. According to MLB Trade Rumors, the 28-year-old posted a 6.16 ERA with 6.2 K/9 and 3.5 BB/9 in 134 1/3 innings with the Padres’ top affiliates last year. Buschmann has started 116 minor league games in six pro seasons. He’ll go to Double-A Montgomery. Incidentally, he is David Price’s former roommate at Vanderbilt.