Tampa Bay will try to continue its ascension in the Wildcard race with its fourth consecutive series win, while the Rangers (56-57) seek a season-high fifth consecutive home win. And though they rank near the bottom of the majors in most offensive categories, they Rays have been toasty of late ― hitting .296 with 13 home runs, while averaging 5.6 runs per game over a seven game span.
On the other hand, despite winning 14-of-25 since the All Star Break, the Rangers amassed just five runs during a three-game skid before salvaging a 2-4 road-trip with a 6-5 win in the series finale against Minnesota, on Thursday.
Nathan Karns, Chris Archer, and Drew Smyly will take the mound for the Rays against Martin Perez, Colby Lewis, and Yovani Gallardo. Karns (7-5, 3.52 ERA) has limited opponents to two or fewer runs in 14 of his last 18 starts, although he allowed four runs over five innings of Saturday’s 5-4 win over the New York Mets. In his only other meeting with Texas on May 8, Karns allowed two runs on four hits while fanning nine over seven innings of an 8-2 win. Archer (10-8, 2.62 ERA) allowed three runs on four hits and four walks while striking out 10 on Sunday against the Mets, but received no decision. Smyly (0-1, 2.70 ERA) will return to the mound on Sunday; his status was initially dependent upon a pre-game bullpen session he tossed Friday, in Arlington (more on that below).
The teams split a four-game series at the Trop in May, but the Rays have won five of six in Arlington since 2013, including a game 163 play-in.
Colby Lewis (12-5, 4.61 ERA) picked up his 12th win despite allowing seven runs on 10 hits over six innings Monday against Houston. All seven runs came on three homers, including a fourth inning grand slam with the Rangers up 11-3. It’s been written of Lewis, “With an offense like that, it’s no wonder Lewis can have a 12-4 record with a 4.68 ERA.” The fastball/slider/change/curveball throwing Lewis owns a 1-1 record with a 2.45 ERA against the Rays in two starts since 2012. Key matchups: Grady Sizemore (1-2, 2B, BB).
Yovani Gallardo (8-9, 3.33 ERA) took a no decision Tuesday against the Twins despite throwing 5-2/3 shutout innings. He allowed two hits, walked three, and struck out one. However, Gallardo ― being a nibbler ― needed 100 pitches (55 strikes) to get through those 5-2/3 innings. The name of his game weak contact. Nevertheless, Tampa Bay tagged Gallardo for four runs (three earned) on three hits and two walks in 5-1/3 innings on May 8. Key matchups: John Jaso (1-2, BB), Desmond Jennings (1-3), James Loney (6-20, 2B, 3 RBI, BB).
Noteworthiness
― Smyly’s bullpen session went well, “It went good.” The Rays will have to make another move before they officially activate Smyly (either a position player or Kirby Yates). They also will have to create a spot on the 40-man roster.
― Asdrubal Cabrera has led the Rays’ offensive surge, batting .490 while recording at least one hit in 13 of his last 14 games. He’s also gone 7-for-17 in his last four games against the Rangers.
― Desmond Jennings is expected back after missing 3-1/2 months due to left knee surgery.
― Mitch Moreland had a career-high four hits ― including his 17th home run ― on Thursday, and Adrian Beltre added three hits after going 3-for-27 over his previous seven.
― Josh Hamilton isn’t expected to be available for a third straight game due to soreness in his left knee. The club has ordered an MRI on the 34-year-old slugger.