After a third consecutive comeback win, this time 10-5 against the Guardians on Friday, the Tampa Bay Rays look for a series win tonight in Cleveland.
The Rays enter play 20-games over .500 for the first time this season, and one game back of Boston in the division. They’ve won 12 of their last 15 games, seven of their last 10, and six of their last eight since the All-Star Break.
The 10 runs plated last night were the most scored on the road since May 20, and newcomer Nelson Cruz was in the thick of the run production.
In the second inning, the Rays plated three runs on Randy Arozarena’s Little League home run.
Then, in the third inning, Nelson Cruz did what he’s wont to do, hit an opposite-field homer to put the Rays up by four.
Yet, Josh Fleming, who got the start on Friday, allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while fanning one across four innings. The left-hander hasn’t completed five innings in any of his last four turns, hasn’t tossed a quality start since May 1, and has allowed crooked numbers in each of his last two outings (and three of his last five) after holding Cleveland hitless on July 7. The southpaw has performed to a 4.07 ERA and a 4.56 FIP, with a 1.14 WHIP, and a 2.33 K/BB across 77.1 innings on the season.
Right-hander Matt Wisler gave up just his third run in 16 outings and 18 innings out of the Rays ‘pen (his second earned run in as many outings), tying the game at four apiece late in the game.
Even so, Tampa Bay erupted for six runs in the ninth inning against relievers Nick Wittgren and Blake Parker.
Joey Wendle singled to left-center field, driving in Arozarena. Two batters later, Ji-Man Choi launched a three-run homer. Cruz scored on Yandy Díaz’s groundout before Brett Phillips scored on Wander Franco’s single.
All told, the Rays have scored at least five runs in four consecutive games — all victories.
The New What Next
Drew Rasmussen (0-1, 4.55 ERA) will start for the Rays on a day that would have been Rich Hill’s bump day, however, he was dealt. Instead, Kevin Cash opted for a bullpen day. Toeing the rubber for Cleveland will be J.C. Mejia (1-5, 7.53 ERA).
Drew Rasmussen will make his second start with Tampa Bay, and his ninth appearance overall. The right-hander threw two scoreless innings against the Orioles on July 19, although Rasmussen did struggle against Cleveland in relief, allowing four runs on the 5th of July.
J.C Mejía allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks over 4.1 innings Monday against the Astros. He struck out eight. Mejía allowed RBI base hits in the first and fourth innings before coughing up a two-run homer to Yordan Alvarez in the fifth, knocking him out of the ballgame. He’s surrendered at least four runs in four of his last five outings, driving his ERA up to 7.53 across 34.2 innings. He’s also lost five consecutive decisions dating back to June 9. The right-hander maintains a 4.70 FIP, a 1.44 WHIP, and a 2.69 K/BB on the season. The Rays tagged Mejía for six runs on four hits (including a home run) and two walks across 2.2 innings on July 7. Key Matchups: Kevin Kiermaier (2-2, 2B, HR, 5 RBI), Joey Wendle (1-2, 2B)
You can read about the series in our (once again) updated preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.
Rays 7/24/21 Starting Lineup
- Lowe 2B
- Choi 1B
- Cruz DH
- Meadows LF
- Wendle 3B
- Franco SS
- Kiermaier CF
- Zunino C
- Phillips RF
- Rasmussen RHP
Noteworthiness
— The Rays want you to bring the BOOM on Sunday, August 1. They are offering $23 tickets in the lower reserved section and the GTE Financial Deck. More information can be found via the link below.
— The Rays made roster move, optioning infielder Taylor Walls to Triple-A Durham, while recalling RHP Sean Poppen. The righty is 2-3 with a 1.37 ERA over 17 appearances and 26.1 innings for Durham.
— Manuel Margot could rejoin the big league squad after Monday’s off-day.
— LHP Ryan Sherriff has been added to the taxi squad. With a bullpen day today, the Rays will have a pitcher on site tomorrow should they need.