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The New What Next: Rays vs Red Sox — a series preview

July 6, 2017 By belowaverage Leave a Comment

An average of +40,000 fans turned out each day to watch the Rays battle the Cubs at Wrigley Field. Rays fans, it’s up to you to turn out for this big series against the BoSox this weekend. (Photo Credit: Anthony Ateek/X-Rays Spex)

The Tampa Bay Rays return home for one last four-game series leading up to the All-Star Break, after going 4-4 on their most recent road trip. Enter the AL East leading Boston Red Sox.

One soap box topic before the series preview. I know I posted this already, but it bears mentioning again. Rays fans, it was incredible to witness an average of +40,000 fans turn out the last two days to watch the Rays battle the Cubs at Wrigley Field. It was loud and raucous, and it made me wish our home games were again like that. Guess what? The Tampa Bay Rays are in contention, and they deserve your support.

Personally, I traveled from St. Petersburg to Chicago — almost 2,000 miles, mind you — to attend the series. From there, it took me 45 minutes to travel from Bucktown (where I stayed) to Wrigleyville, by rail, and then back again. I didn’t complain when I was cramped like a sardine on the Blue and Red CTA Lines. Matter of fact, I hate being touched by strangers, although I remembered where I was and why, and I was thankful for the opportunity to watch may favorite baseball team take on the World Series champions some 2,000 miles from home — give or take 30 miles.

I wasn’t alone.

S/O to all the Rays fans who came out to support us in Chicago! Awesome to see! Big series at the Trop gonna need the place packed out!

— Steven Souza Jr. (@SouzaJr) July 5, 2017

Friends, Steven Souza Jr. is right! The upcoming series against Boston is HUGE, and the good guys can make up some ground in the AL East and postseason standings going into the break. They ~~want~~ need it rockin’ and loud under the big top this weekend.

Not to pat myself on the back, but if I can literally stand on my feet for the better part of seven hours, from Tuesday morning into the late afternoon — including the ingress and egress into and out of the Friendly Confines, as well as the time spent standing in the bleacher section, under the centerfield scoreboard — then you can make the short or longer trek from wherever you live (be that in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Manatee, etc) to the Trop, to root on our team.

Boo-hoo, the bridge is long.

Suck it up, and show up late if you have to.

But the traffic is terrible!

No shit! But it’s not Rays fault that the City of Tampa and/or FDOT designed an intentional bottleneck on the east side of the Howard Franklin Bridge, which makes it hard to get into and out of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties during rush hour. Pro tip: show up a little late, or take the Gandy Bridge, which has been made much quicker on the Pinellas side.

In the end, the players shouldn’t have to deal with the embarrassment associated with an apathetic fanbase. Quit making excuses, and get out to the Trop!

I digress.

The Rays are coming off a brief two-game series with the Cubs, which they split. The Red Sox had won six in a row before dropping the finale against Texas on Wednesday, 8-2.

(Stats: ESPN)

Offensively speaking, both teams pair well against one another … although the Red Sox shown a bit more production over the last 14 days, and overall. The Rays have scored five fewer runs than Boston (412 vs 417) overall, and are averaging 4.85 runs per game. The Red Sox are averaging about 11/100 more of a run per game than Tampa Bay.

The biggest difference lies in the pitching staffs, as the Red Sox have the lowest cumulative ERA in the American League at 3.80, while Rays hurlers have performed to a 4.19 cumulative ERA. Upon closer inspection, Tampa Bay’s starters have posted a 4.10 ERA/4.24 FIP, while the ‘pen carries a 4.34 ERA/4.08 FIP. Compare that to Boston’s starters which have posted an overall 4.23 ERA/3.90 FIP, while the relievers are performing to a 2.99 ERA/3.48 FIP.

All this is to say that the Rays’ offense must strike early against Boston’s starters, while Tampa Bay’s pitching staff must do something it has had a hard time with all season: hold onto late leads. It won’t be easy.

As of July 5, 2017. (Stats: FanGraphs)

Over the next four days, Kevin Cash will lean on Jacob Faria (3-0, 2.23 ERA, 2.84 FIP), Jake Odorizzi (5-3, 4.08 ERA, 5.51 FIP), Alex Cobb (6-6, 4.01 ERA, 4.22 FIP), and Chris Archer (7-5, 3.95 ERA, 3.02 FIP). John Farrell will counter with Chris Sale (11-3, 2.61 ERA, 2.02 FIP), Drew Pomeranz (8-4, 3.64 ERA, 3.63 FIP), Rick Porcello (4-10, 5.01 ERA, 4.21 FIP), and old friend David Price (4-2, 4.02 ERA, 4.45 FIP).

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Faria gave up just four hits and two earned runs over 6-2/3 innings, while striking out six in his last start. It was his fifth consecutive quality start to begin his big league career. The right-hander became just one of three pitchers since start of 2013 to begin his career with five straight quality starts; Mashiro Tanaka (2016) and Odrisamer Despaigne (2005) are the other two. He also leads MLB rookies with with 35 strikeouts and a 2.23 ERA, while his 7.00 K/BB ratio ranks third in American League behind Corey Kluber and his opponent Thursday night, Chris Sale.

Sale is coming off what could have been his sharpest outing of the season. The southpaw held Toronto scoreless and scattered just four hits over seven innings, while fanning 11. Sale has notched double-digit strikeouts 11 times this year. Boston’s ace continued his dominant first half with another gem Saturday. He’s now second in the AL, behind Jason Vargas, for wins with 11, while his 12.43 K/9 is the best in baseball among starters. Including his two previous wins this season against Tampa Bay, Sale has gone 6-4 with a 3.52 ERA over his career against the Rays, and 2-2 with a 1.44 ERA at the Trop. Key Matchups: Adeiny Hechavarria (2-3), Logan Morrison (3-9, HR, RBI), Trevor Plouffe (14-43, 2 2B. 2 RBI, 4 BB)

Odorizzi has remained competitive in spite of a mechanical hiccup. He picked up his fifth win of the season on Saturday in Baltimore, where he allowed three runs over five innings. Odorizzi was provided 10 runs of support and easily cruised to victory while throwing an inefficient 111 pitches in just five innings (an average of 22.2 pitches per inning). Odorizzi has given up exactly three earned runs in five of his last six outings, although a rather beefy 5.51 FIP belies his overall 4.08 ERA. He is 3-2 with a 3.60 ERA at the Trop this season, where he’s averaged just over six innings of work per start.

Pomeranz held Toronto to one run over six innings in his last start. Pomeranz scattered baserunners throughout his start and never faced any real danger aside from a second inning sac-fly from Steve Pearce. Thanks to that outing, along with his previous start against the Twins, the southpaw has lowered his season ERA to the lowest point it’s been since early April. Pomeranz has gone at least five innings with two earned runs or fewer allowed in seven of his last eight starts. The Rays have had success against Pomeranz this season, tagging him for seven runs over two starts — a total of 7-1/3 innings of work. Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (2-4, HR, RBI, BB), Corey Dickerson (3-12, 3B, HR, RBI), Brad Miller (7-16, 2B, 3B, HR, 5 RBI, BB), Logan Morrison (2-8)

Cobb was done in by early home runs by the Orioles in his last start Sunday at Baltimore, although he managed to give Tampa Bay a bullpen saving 6-1/3 innings of work. Aside from that start, the right-hander has given up more than three runs just three times since the start of May (totaling 78-2/3 innings). Cobb’s usage of his split-changeup continues to evolve, as he leaned on it 16.05% of the time in June (up 8% from May), while it’s depth has improved — dropping an average of 7.37 inches before it reaches the plate. He’s 1-0 with a 5.56 ERA in two starts against Boston in 2017.

Porcello held the Rangers in check for most of his start against the Rangers Monday night before Craig Kimbrel blew the save. Be that as it may, the reigning Cy Young Award winner has given up at least three earned runs in seven consecutive starts, and has been treading water for most of the season. Tampa Bay finally figured the right-hander out, and has pounded him for 13 runs (11 earned) over 10-2/3 innings this season. Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (2-5, 2 RBI), Peter Bourjos (2-7), Corey Dickerson (8-25, 4 2B, HR, 3 RBI), Evan Longoria (13-50, 5 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 BB), Logan Morrison (10-27, 3 2B, HR, 5 RBI, Shane Peterson (1-2, HR, 2 RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (7-23, HR, RBI, BB)

Archer not only collected his 11th quality start of the season on Tuesday, but also tallied his first career hit and RBI. The Rays have won in four of Archer’s last five starts, while he’s posted at least six innings over his last nine. He did put an uncomfortable number of men on base in this one, but he escaped several jams and limited the damage, which amounted to three runs total. And though he labored through an inefficient 116 pitches over six innings of work, Archer he threw an impressive 69% for strikes, including 24 whiffs.

Price blanked the opposition for the first time this season on Tuesday against the Rangers, while striking out nine. The former Ray scattered six hits, yet he held Texas scoreless as the BoSox raced to an early lead. Price left the game in the seventh inning because of an apparent injury to his pitching hand, although John Farrell said afterward that he was removed because of a high pitch count and long sixth inning. The Rays have had a lot of success against their former ace, tagging him for 23 runs (21 earned) over seven starts and 45 innings of work. They’ll try to keep it rolling in the final game before the All-Star Break on Sunday. Key Matchups: Corey Dickerson (1-3), Adeiny Hechavarria (2-6), Trevor Plouffe (9-25, 2 2B, 3 RBI, BB)

Noteworthiness

— Brad Miller continued his rehab stint with the Durham Bulls on Wednesday, going 2-for-4 with a leadoff homer, a run, an RBI, and a strikeout. He could return to the Rays before the end of the upcoming series.

The New What Next: Rays vs Rangers — a series preview

May 29, 2017 By belowaverage Leave a Comment

Erasmo Ramirez: the closer in the series finale against the Twins, and starter in the opening game against the Rangers. Go figure. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a frustrating, thrilling, and exciting 15-inning victory in the series finale with the AL Central leading Twins, the Tampa Bay Rays continue their road-trip in Arlington, where they will face the Texas Rangers.

(Stats: ESPN)

The Rays continue to hold their own in the AL East and head into Arlington one game over .500. They have won nine of their last 15 games following the marathon victory on Sunday. It was, as Joe Maddon once called it, a moment of growth for the Rays. Tampa Bay has an opportunity to add to its +.500 record against a scuffling Texas team that his lost five of its last six.

The Rangers salvaged a win in the series finale against Toronto Sunday afternoon; one of the few bright spots on an otherwise awful road trip. With just a 3-6 record on the trip, the Rangers head back to Arlington a game below .500 and 10 games back of Houston in the AL West.

While the Rays lead the majors with 555 strikeouts, including 17 on Sunday — putting them on pace to eclipse the Astros’ major league record of 1,535 set in 2013 — they have been able to reduce their strikeout rate by two percentage points over the last 14 days. Besides, it would be erroneous to confuse the strikeouts with a bad offensive team. Tampa Bay is second in Major League Baseball with 74 homers, and are hitting around league average with a .247 overall team batting average — six points better than the Rangers. They also lead the majors with 209 walks.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will call upon Erasmo Ramirez (2-0, 2.76 ERA, 3.51 FIP), Matt Andriese (5-1, 3.24 ERA, 4.48 FIP), and Chris Archer (4-3, 3.61 ERA, 2.78 FIP). Jeff Banister will counter with Martin Perez (2-5, 3.77 ERA, 3.73 FIP), Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.69 ERA, 5.20 FIP), and a pitcher to be determined prior to Thursday’s ball game.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Ramirez pitched a perfect 15th inning on Sunday, collecting two strikeouts and recording the save on 12 pitches in the Rays’ win over the Twins.

There is some concern with Ramirez slated to throw on back-to-back days. Cash, however, doesn’t seem as concerned as the Rays’ Twitter-sphere.

He should be fine, Cash said on Sunday. Erasmo, we always talk about how resilient he is.

For his part, Erasmo said he pushed Cash to allow him to make the start.

My arm feels good, Ramirez said. I’m glad the inning was quick. I executed every pitch, and that gave me the chance to not just feel it that much. I told Cash my arm feels good just in case you want to continue with the plans. I want to start for sure.

Perez is 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA over his past three starts, and 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in six home starts this season. He, however, is 0-2 with a 5.33 ERA in four career starts (and one relief appearance) against Tampa Bay. This season Perez has relied on a kitchen sink repertoire of pitches: a worm burner 94 mph sinker with good arm side run, and a 94 mph four-seam fastball. He’s also mixed in an 85 mph circle changeup that generates a fair number of grounders, an 80 mph curveball, and an 86 mph slider. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (2-4, 2B), Kevin Kiermaier (1-3), Evan Longoria (6-12, 3 2B, HR, 5 RBI), Derek Norris (5-11, 3 2B, HR, 4 RBI, BB), Colby Rasmus (2-8), Steven Souza Jr. (1-3), Jesus Sucre (1-2)

Andriese looks to notch his fifth win in May after he held the Angels to six hits over eight shutout innings in his last start — inarguably his best start of the season. He’ll be making his fourth road start of the season, where he holds a 1-1 record and a 3.00 ERA.

Martinez allowed four runs over five innings against Boston on Thursday. The right-hander will make his fourth start at home, where he has a 3.32 ERA. Martinez has relied primarily on his 93 mph four-seam fastball with average velocity, while also mixing in a 93 mph sinker with little sinking action, an 89 mph worm killer cutter, an 80 mph 12-6 curveball, and a firm 86 mph changeup with slight armside fade. He has no record and a 5.25 ERA in three career outings against the Rays. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-3, 3B, RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (1-3, 2B, RBI, BB), Jesus Sucre (1-3, RBI)

Archer allowed two runs on five hits and a walk over 7-2/3 innings on Friday. He struck out 11. The right-hander, who is poised to break the club record for strikeouts in a month, has now recorded double-digit strikeouts in four of his last five starts. His 51 strikeouts in May leave him three behind David Price’s mark, set in June 2014. He has slashed 3.82 ERA/1.06 WHIP/51:10 K:BB in 33 innings over that stretch.

TBA

Noteworthiness

— Evan Longoria’s 15th-inning home run was his first extra-inning homer since Game 162 in 2011 (when he hit an extra inning walk-off home run to put the Rays in the playoffs).

— The six hour and 26 minute contest marked the longest game ever at Target Field.

— Nap time with Logan Morrison:

— DL notes: Brad Boxberger (flexor) will throw live batting to 2B Brad Miller (abdominal strain) and SS Matt Duffy (left heel) with Wilson Ramos (right knee surgery) catching on Monday. Ramos, Miller and Duffy could get at-bats in an extended Spring Training game on Tuesday.

Rays 8/22/16 starting lineup, Kevin Kiermaier returns to the lineup, etc

August 22, 2016 By belowaverage Leave a Comment

Former ace, meet future ace. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

Rays 8/22/16 Starting Lineup

Forsythe 2B
Kiermaier CF
Longoria 3B
Miller 1B
Duffy SS
Beckham DH
Souza Jr. RF
Mahtook LF
Maile C
Snell LHP

Noteworthiness

— Aftet snapping an 0-for-29 plate appearance streak with a walk on Sunday afternoon, Mikie Mahtook took early batting practice on Monday. His hitless stretch is nearing Luke Scott’s 0-for-41 team record set in 2012. The MLB record is 0-for-46.

— Kevin Kiermaier returns to lineup tonight hitting second, while Logan Forsythe returns to the diamond, hitting first.

— Don’t forget to read about tonight’s Blake Snell/David Price pitching matchup in our series preview.

The New What Next: Rays vs Red Sox — yet ANOTHER series preview

August 22, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

17,685 attended the series finale between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Texas Rangers. (Photo Credit: Anthony Ateek/X-Rays Spex)

The Tampa Bay Rays continue their current 10-game home stand with a four-game series against AL East rivals, the Boston Red Sox, starting Monday.

Led by one of the hottest pitching staffs in baseball since the All-Star Break, Tampa Bay took two of three from the AL West leading Texas Rangers over the weekend. Chris Archer (Tuesdays starter) is coming off of one of his best starts of the season, while Jake Odorizzi (Thursday’s starter) is 5-0 since the All-Star Break.

Drew Smyly got the start in the series finale, and though he left two mistake pitches up in the zone, bot of which were hammered by Texas’ hitters, he is now 4-0 in his last six starts.

We’re very capable of winning, said Smyly, who will not make an appearance in the upcoming series. Texas is a first-place team, they’ve been in first place all year. It’s just consistency.

In that series, the Rays showed something they hadn’t all season: the ability to string together wins after posting a losing effort.

It just seemed like for a while we would win two or three and then turn around and lose five or six in a row and we struggled with those comeback games, Rays skipper Kevin Cash said. But if you look at the Texas series and the way we started it and turned things around quickly to finish strong. That’s what I want to see from this team.

Boston split their weekend four-game set with the Tigers, including a disappointing 10-5 loss in the series finale (editor’s note: you won’t hear me crying). Overall, the Rays are 4-5 against the Massholes this season, with a -1 run differential. That is, in spite of some sloppy play earlier in the season on the part of the good guys, both teams have played one another fairly close.

Over the next four days Kevin Cash will lean on Blake Snell (4-5, 3.06 ERA), Archer (7-17, 4.05 ERA), Matt Andriese (6-5, 3.66 ERA), and Odorizzi (8-5, 3.63 ERA). John Farrell will counter with David Price (11-8, 4.19 ERA), Clay Buchholz (4-9, 5.42 ERA), Rick Porcello (17-3, 3.22 ERA), and Drew Pomeranz (10-9, 2.95 ERA).

Rays Series Starters

Snell allowed one run on five hits and four walks over five innings in Tuesday’s 15-1 win over the Padres. He struck out eight. Although he was inefficient yet again — needing 95 pitches to make it through five frames, while walking four for the second consecutive start — the southpaw was given help by his team’s offensive explosion. His fantastic 13.50 K/9 over the last 14 days is offset by a 10.8 BB/9 over the same stretch, significantly damaging Snell’s ability to make hitters swing swing through pitches.

Archer hurled 7-1/3 shutout innings against the Padres on Wednesday, allowing just four hits, while striking out nine and walking one. The righty threw 70 of his 107 pitches for strikes, and induced a whopping 20 swings and misses. Archer now has now fanned 18 and walked just one over his last 13-1/3 frames, while also notching nine strikeouts on August 12 (although he allowed five runs).

Andriese surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and two walks over 5-1/3 innings in a 6-2 loss on Friday. He struck out four. In all fairness, he wasn’t as bad as the final line might indicate, although he did give up some untimely hits. 66 of Andriese’s 95 pitches went for strikes, including 12 whiffs, however, the two homers surrendered were enough to sink his battleship. The righty has endured consecutive rough starts, while allowing 11 earned runs on 15 hits (including six homers) over 10-1/3 innings work.

Odorizzi allowed just one earned run on six hits and a walk over six innings in an 8-2 victory over the Rangers. He struck out four. Of his total 101 pitches, 65 went for strikes, with his only mistake being a solo shot to Roughned Odor. Odorizzi has been very good over his last seven starts, posting six quality starts over that stretch.

Red Sox Series Starters

Price gave up one run on four hits over six innings on Wednesday night. He struck out four. The former Ray finally put together a solid start in which he allowed just two base hits after a second-inning homer. And while he didn’t blow the opposition away, Baltimore managed mostly weak contact and never generated much of a threat — they had only one at-bat with a man in scoring position. Price posted eight scoreless innings against Tampa Bay in July, however, the Rays have tagged their former ace with a 6.00 ERA in three starts this season. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (1-3), Logan Forsythe (5-17, 2B, RBI, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (2-5, 2B, HR, RBI, BB), Steven Souza Jr. (2-8, 2B, RBI), Bobby Wilson (2-2, 2B, 2 RBI)

Buchholz was slotted back into the rotation in place of Steven Wright on Tuesday. His spot in the rotation depended on Wright’s status, so Tuesday’s start could be the last for him if he doesn’t do well, and/or pending the return of Eduardo Rodriguez. Buchholz’s overall numbers this season aren’t impressive (5.42 ERA, 1.38 WHIP), though he maintains an 8-7 record with a 2.63 ERA against Tampa Bay over his career. Key matchups: Logan Forsythe (3-7, 2B, RBI, BB), Logan Morrison (5-12, 2 2B, 2 HR, 6 RBI)

Porcello notched up his 17th win of the season on Friday, allowing just two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks in a win over Detroit. He struck out eight. The righty hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any game since the middle of June, and has won 11 of his last 12. Porcello posted six innings of one run ball against Tampa Bay in his last start on July 9th. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (3-10, 2 2B, HR, RBI), Matt Duffy (1-3), Logan Forsythe (6-20, 3B, 2 BB), Kevin Kiermaier (5-20, 2B, RBI, BB), Evan Longoria (9-36, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 2 BB), Luke Maile (1-1, 2B), Brad Miller (3-11, 3 HR, 3 RBI, BB), Logan Morrison (6-16, 2B, RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (6-18)

Pomeranz allowed one run on four hits over five innings Saturday against Detroit. He struck out three. The one run he allowed came on a James McCann solo shot, though a long rain delay knocked Pomeranz out of the game in the bottom of the fifth. He had thrown only 51 pitches over the first five innings, and now is 10-9 overall this season. He also has an impressive 2.95 ERA and 150 strikeouts in 140-1/3 innings this season. Pomeranz relies upon an 80 mph, worm-killer knuckle curveball and a whiffy 92 mph four-seam fastball. He’ll also mix in an 87 mph cutter and a hard 87 mph changeup. Key matchups: Logan Forsythe (2-8, BB), Brad Miller (2-5, HR, RBI)

Noteworthiness

— Tampa Bay continues its ascension back to .500 as one of the unluckiest teams in baseball; 63-59 BaseRuns record, 59-63 Pythagorean Expectation, 52-70 actual record.

— Logan Forsythe, who sat out four games with a back injury, returned on Sunday and homered for the third time in as many starts.

— Sandy Leon recorded multiple hits in six of his last nine starts and is batting .386.

The New What Next: C’mon Rays, make baseball fun again — a series preview

July 8, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Steven Souza Jr. went 0-3 with a walk and three strikeouts in the series finale with the Los Angeles Angels on Thursday. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

Mired in a 3-19 swoon — the worst 22-game stretch in franchise history — the Tampa Bay Rays travel to Boston for one last series before the All-Star Break.

The previous series against the Los Angeles Angels exemplified a simple fact: the Rays are not playing good baseball. For example, let’s take a look at Tim Beckham and Steven Souza Jr. — the dynamic duo who struck out six times in the series finale. Of the two Beckham was the most impressive/pathetic, as he saw just 10 pitches in his three at-bats. Then there was Hank Conger and Brad Miller, whose confusion on a double steal led to a run. Blake Snell, the starter in Thursday’s contest, deserved better. Hell, we all deserve better.

For the moment, let’s forget about terms like contention and postseason play. Sure, mathematically speaking, the Rays aren’t yet out of contention. However, they’ll have to play .750 baseball from this point forward if there’s any hope of magically getting back into things. To that point, Tom Jones (Tampa Bay Times) put it best:

We’re in too deep to think that somehow everything will magically turn around in the second half. Nothing that has happened in the first half suggests the Rays are better than what they have shown.

Rather, the organization needs to focus on evaluating the team then changing things to stop the bleeding. In short, figure out what the problems are and make the appropriate changes. Nationals’ franchise player Bryce Harper succinctly put it, Make baseball fun again — something the Rays have been strapped to do this season.

The Rays will kickoff their Make Baseball Fun Again campaign Friday against the Red Sox — a team they’ve played competitively against this season. Kevin Cash will throw Chris Archer (4-11, 4.50 ERA), Matt Moore (5-5, 4.54 ERA), and Jake Odorizzi (3-4, 4.33 ERA) over the next three days. John Farrell will counter with Sean O’Sullivan (2-0, 6.61 ERA), Rick Porcello (10-2, 3.82 ERA), and David Price (8-6, 4.64 ERA).

Rays Series Starters

Archer struck out 10 over 5-2/3 scoreless innings on Sunday in a loss against the Tigers. He allowed just three hits while walking three. The righty left the game with a one-run lead, yet the Rays’ bullpen coughed up five runs over the final two innings. And while Archer wasn’t terribly efficient (115 pitches, starting eight batters with first-pitch strikes), he was able to generate 18 swinging strikes along the way.

Moore allowed two earned runs on six hits and two walks over 6-2/3 innings on Monday. The 27-year-old lefty followed up his seven-inning shutout of Boston with another solid outing. Moore fired 74 of his 113 pitches for strikes (65% K%), and collected 20 (of 30) first-pitch strikes.

Odorizzi was tagged for a season-high seven runs on nine hits, while walking two and fanning four over 5-1/3 innings on Tuesday. The right-hander’s inconsistency has left the team reeling. Odorizzi sported a fine 3.36 ERA through April and May, but has a 4.96 ERA from then on.

Red Sox Series Starters

O’Sullivan is a journeyman hurler who most recently spent time in the Phillies organization. The 28 year-old righty came up big for Boston in his last start, holding the Angels to two runs over five innings a game after the Red Sox lost, 21-2. O’Sullivan relies primarily on an average 92 mph four-seam fastball, and an 83 mph slider which induces a fair number of fly balls. He also boasts a 90 mph sinker that generates a good number of grounders, and a 74 mph curveball with good bite. Key matchup: Evan Longoria (1-2, 2B, RBI, BB)

Porcello allowed four runs (three earned, all in the first inning) in Monday’s 12-5 win over Texas. He gave up 12 hits while fanning three with no walks in six innings. Boston has been put under a lot of pressure recently due to the pitching staff that’s given up a ton of first-inning runs, however, the offense bailed out Porcello, giving him 16 hits and 12 runs of support. The righty settled in, holding Texas scoreless on seven hits over his final five innings to earn the win. Procello held the Rays to one run on five hits over six innings on June 28. Key matchups: Oswaldo Arcia (3-8, 2B, HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Corey Dickerson (2-7, 2B, HR, RBI), Logan Forsythe (6-17, 3B, BB), Brad Miller (2-8, 2 HR, 2 RBI, BB), Logan Morrison (4-13, 2B, RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (6-15)

Price threw eight innings in a loss on Tuesday, allowing three runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out 10. This was actually one of Price’s better outings in recent weeks, and he notched double-digit strikeouts in consecutive games for the first time this season. It was a marked improvement from two starts ago when he was yanked after just 2-1/3 innings. He is 0-1 with a 10.80 ERA in two starts against his former team this year (10 innings pitched). Key matchups: Curt Casali (2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI), Hank Conger (1-3, RBI), Logan Forsythe (4-14, 2B, RBI), Nick Franklin (2-7, 2B, RBI), Brandon Guyer (4-13, 2B, 3B, HR, 3 RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (2-8, 2B, RBI)