Note: I fully realize this series preview is a bit bare bones. I’ll continually update things as the day progresses.
Following their lackluster 4-2 loss Sunday, the Tampa Bay Rays will open a three-game series against the Detroit Tigers, Tuesday. The Rays’ two run, five hit offensive showing in the series finale may have been one of the most uninspiring exhibitions at the plate in some time, though it certainly didn’t come as a surprise — offensive production has been on the slide over the last three weeks or so. Are you confused how a team could drop a series after yielding a total of seven runs? Their .205 series batting average should clear up any residual befuddlement.
On the other hand, the Tigers are coming off a less-than stellar 3-2 home stand which included an 8-1 mauling by the Seattle Mariners, Sunday. For Detroit, former Cy Young Award winners Max Scherzer and David Price — along with Rick Porcello — will battle against Chris Archer, Jake Odorizzi, and Alex Cobb. If a series loss seems like a foregone conclusion, three things could play in the Rays favor:
- Archer, Odorizzi, and Cobb are three excellent starters.
- The Tigers are 6-9 in their last 15 contests.
- The Tigers have averaged just 3.33 runs per game in that span.
Neither team should expect a smooth ride against the other. Both teams feature excellent pitching, and some pretty poor offensive numbers of late. The only certainty is that runs will be at a premium this week.
Max Scherzer: What is there to say about Scherzer (15-4, 2.98) that hasn’t already been said? As if his overall ERA wasn’t good enough, he’s posted a 1.90 ERA (and 2.34 FIP) over the last 30 days. Scherzer actually summed his stuff up well following his 14 strikeout outing against the Pirates, “When I’m getting that many strikeouts early, it means I’ve throwing all four of my pitches, I’m getting hitters into the kill-zone counts and I’m putting them away. When that’s happening, I know I’m probably going to have a good day.” In his lone start against Tampa Bay (this season), Scherzer held the Rays to one run on two hits and one walk over eight superb innings. Key matchups: Yunel Escobar (11-33, 3 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB), James Loney (6-23, 2B, HR, 5 RBI, BB).
Rick Porcello: Tampa Bay beat up Porcello (13-8. 3.28 ERA) to the tune of seven earned runs in 5-2/3 innings during their 7-3 win against the Tigers back at the beginning of July. He, however, has pitched well since, giving up three runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts. His start against the Rays, as well as his six run (five earned), 10 hit outing Friday stand as the exception to his season, not the rule. Key matchups: Desmond Jennings (5-14, 2B, HR, 3 RBI), James Loney (4-10, 2B, RBI, BB), Jose Molina (2-8, 2B), Sean Rodriguez (3-9), Ben Zobrist (3-11, RBI).
David Price: In spite of an okay 1-0 record three starts with the Tigers, expect the Rays former ace to pitch with maximum piss and vinegar in the series finale, Thursday.
Noteworthiness
- Matt Baker of the Tampa Bay Times writes, “The Tigers are 8-9 since obtaining Rays ace David Price at the July 31 trading deadline. Price picked up his first win as a Tiger on Saturday night, allowing one run over eight strong innings against the Mariners. Detroit has a loaded pitching staff, but don’t ignore its hitters. Miguel Cabrera’s double Saturday night was his league-leading 40th of the year. Victor Martinez is hitting .365 with 15 RBIs in 17 games this month. He’s third in the league with a .326 batting average this season. Key stat: The Tigers lead the AL in batting (.273), hits (1,150), doubles (251) and slugging (.426). They’re 33-27 on the road and 4-6 in extra-inning games.”
- The Tigers lead 61-59 overall, while the Rays lead 30-29 at home.