Following last night’s lackluster offensive showing against Dan Haren, who frankly didn’t look as good as the Rays hitters made him look, Tampa Bay will take on a nemesis of sorts, CJ Wilson (9-6, 2.89 ERA).
Wilson is 3-1 (not including last years 9-0 ALDS debacle) in his career against the Rays, with a 2.67 ERA in five career regular season starts. The Rays are hitting a disgusting .188 against Wilson, with the LHP striking out the Rays 40 times in 33-2/3 innings.
That’s not to say that Wilson’s infallible. Four Rays have fared well against him in the past; Jeff Keppinger, Matt Joyce, Sean Rodriguez, and Ben Zobrist. Those four have posted a .286 BAA, with three homers, two doubles, and eight RBI. They will play integral parts of the lineup if the Rays are to have any chance against Wilson. You and I both know that the odds are good that Carlos Pena, BJ Upton, and Jose Molina will do diddly squat tonight. Wilson has had some trouble in July, going 0-2 with a 4.55 in five starts, and the Rays will look to pounce on any mistakes that he may make. Hell, they’ve done it before and they could do it again. Anything’s possible….right?
The Rays will counter with Matt Moore (6-7, 4.23 ERA). Moore’s had his struggles this season, though I feel like he may have finally turned the corner in his last start. Moore gave up two runs on five hits, with no walks, in eight innings of work against the Mariners on Sunday.
In my eyes, tonight’s game will be won or lost, based on the performance of the offense. I can say with 100% confidence that going 0-7 wRISP, while stranding six on the base paths, ain’t gonna cut it. Neither will ‘Los, Upton, and Ryan Roberts pulling another 0-fer.
Rays 7/28/12 Starting Lineup
Jennings LF
Upton CF
Zobrist DH
Keppinger 1B
Roberts 3B
Rodriguez SS
Joyce RF
Conrad 2B
Molina C
Moore LHP
Noteworthiness: In not so surprising news, Kepp gets the start at first, while Pena sits this one out…probably until the Angels put in a righty, or they relieve Wilson with someone that exclusively throws fastballs in Pena’s wheelhouse. Oh wait, that pitcher doesn’t exist as per Pena’s sub .200 batting average. In other news, Conrad’s in the lineup…again. I guess Maddon’s failed attempt at pinch hitting Conrad last night didn’t send a clear message to the Rays coaching staff. Ugh.
Evan Longoria has gone 0-3 with a walk in each of his two games with the Durham Bulls. The Rays gold glove third baseman has hit DH in the last two games, and will continue to fill that role for the duration of his rehab stint. Joe Maddon noted that Longo could be back in the lineup as early as next week, though it’s more likely that he’ll be back in time for the Rays next home stand.
It also bears mentioning that Sam Fuld has posted a .500 BA/.538 OBP/.667 SLG/1.205 OPS line in 13 plate appearances since he was reactivated from the DL earlier this week. He’s driven in two, while crossing the plate once on the backs of six hits and a walk, including two doubles. I know, his numbers will even out at some point. But it is nice to be able to watch and give credit to a player that exemplifies the Rays way, both in the outfield, and at the plate.