The speculation over who would be taking Evan Longoria’s place at third was quelled a bit today, as INF Will Rhymes, who was just called up from triple-A Durham, got penciled in at third base, hitting seventh in the lineup. Rhymes will be wearing number 10.
Tampa Bay (16-8) attempts to win their fourth game in a row, as well as their seventh series of the 2012 season, against a Mariners (11-14) team that isn’t, well…so hot.
The Mariners are on a four game losing streak, having won only four games out of their last 10. The Rays are now 10-1 at home. It would be incredible to see them win this and the next series, waltzing into New York on a dominating high note. They need to do what they can to continue to win games in the absence of Evan Longoria. Interestingly enough, the Rays are 32-22 without Longo. Perhaps that statistic could help calm people down; those that would have you believe that a loss of Longo equals the end of the world. Don’t get me wrong, this injury royally sucks. But it’s not the end of the world, nor will it be the end of their success.
Rays ace, James Shields (4-0, 3.31 ERA) toes the rubber against Blake Beaven (1-2, 3.60 ERA) in tonight’s match up. Shields will attempt to bounce back from a so-so six inning, 11 hit, four earned run start against Texas where he struck out eight. Shields is 3-4 with a 4.04 ERA in his career, and 0-2 with a 8.21 ERA in his last three starts against the Mariners.
Beaven, on the other hand, has given up three earned runs in each of his last three starts, though he has pitched very well in those starts. The right-hander lasted only 5-2/3 IP in Beaven’s last start on the 27th, in Toronto. Beaven has very good control of his pitches, posting a 1.39 walks per nine innings ratio. The young righty hasn’t faced many of the Rays hitters, but the two that have (Molina and Allen) have had some success against him (see below). The starting lineups are also below. As always, Let’s Go Rays!
