The Tampa Bay Rays will kickoff an eight-game road trip tonight in the Bronx with the first of four against the Yankees. Chris Archer (7-6, 3.77 ERA, 3.10 FIP) will get the start for the Rays, opposite of swarthy southpaw CC Sabathia (9-3, 3.44 ERA, 4.19 FIP).
You can read about the pitching matchup, and so much more, in our series preview.
Rays 7/27/17 Starting Lineup
Souza Jr. RF
Plouffe DH
Longoria 3B
Morrison 1B
Ramos C
Dickerson LF
Beckham 2B
Hechavarria SS
Bourjos CF
Archer RHP
Noteworthiness
— 6:15 update: The deal for Lucas Duda has been finalized, and the specifics of that deal are below. Duda will arrive in the clubhouse on Friday, and a roster move is expected then.
5:45 Update: A deal sending Lucas Duda to the Rays is “likely to get done,” Mark Feinsand (MLB.com) tweeted. Tampa Bay is expected to send RHP Drew Smith to New York in return.
Jeff Todd (MLB Trade Rumors) wrote about the 23 year-old former third-round draft pick, saying:
He made his way to the Rays as the player to be named later in the winter deal that sent Mikie Mahtook to the Tigers. Since, Smith has thrown 28 2/3 innings of 2.20 ERA ball at the High-A level and recently ascended to Triple-A after a quick stop at the penultimate level of the minors.
It appears that the Rays are “moving close” to acquiring Mets 1B Lucas Duda, writes Joel Sherman (New York Post).
Hear the #Rays are moving close to acquiring Lucas Duda for #Mets. Not a done deal yet, but there is momentum.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 27, 2017
Nothing is finalized on Duda to #Rays. But the sides have been talking seriously. Unlikely to be done tonight, if it does get done.
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 27, 2017
#Mets have prioritized moving Duda/Cabrera to streamline roster/remove playing time tension when Smith/Rosario promoted #Rays
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) July 27, 2017
It also has been reported that Tampa Bay has shown some interest in relief pitcher Addison Reed, although it’s not apparent whether that has gained/is gaining any traction.
While it’s not expected that a deal will be struck tonight, Sherman tweeted that there is real “momentum” towards an agreement with four days left until the trade deadline Monday at 4:00 pm EST.
On the heels of an injury riddled 2016, the 31 year-old Duda has posted some beefy offensive numbers, slashing .246 BA/.347 OBP/.532 SLG/.869 OPS in 291 plate appearances, with 17 home runs — coming close to his offensive output during his excellent 2014 and 2015 campaigns.
How is it #Rays can add Duda, as @joelsherman1 has reported? Dickerson’s improved play in OF increases roster flexibility. TB “optimistic.”
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2017
While the Rays don’t need help at first base, Duda would offer the team a left-handed power bat at DH in the absence of Colby Rasmus, allowing Corey Dickerson to spend more time in left-field. Where that leaves Brad Miller is uncertain.
— The recently acquired Dan Jennings is with the team in New York, and will wear number 43 for Tampa Bay.
Dan Jennings is here in #Rays clubhouse, gets a welcome hug from Chris Archer then a handshake from Cash
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) July 27, 2017
Shane Peterson has been designated for assignment to make room for Jennings on the 25-man roster.