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The New What Next: Rays vs Tigers part two — a series preview

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Much to Jon Heyman’s chagrin, the Rays walloped the New York Mets on Sunday, 9-0. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays return home for a brief, three-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Monday, before they hit the road once again ahead of the All-Star Break. Tampa Bay most recently took two of three from the Mets, while Detroit split a four-game set with the Rangers.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

After starting the series against the Mets on a rather frigid note, the Rays’ offense showed signs of life in the series finale — hammering New York for nine runs on nine hits (including three home runs). Nathan Eovaldi and Andrew Kittredge held the Mets to just two hits and no runs, allowing the Rays to earn their league leading eighth shutout in the last 38 games.

Moving runners was a monumental task for Tampa Bay in the first two games, as the Rays went 2-for-25 with runners in scoring position. However, they inevitably showed they could both hit home runs and play small ball — going 5-for-13 (.385 batting average) wRISP the rest of the way.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

The Rays should be able to continue that bourgeoning success against a Tigers’ pitching staff that has fared poorly on the road — performing to an 4.71 ERA/4.56 FIP/.258 opponents BA/.337 opponents OBP/.438 opponents SLG/.334 opponents wOBA over 372-1/3 innings away from Comerica Park. Furthermore, the Rays have won 11 of their last 15 (eight vs. contending teams) and allowed just 31 runs — 17 fewer than any other team.

In the end, there is a score to be settled with the Tigers, as Tampa Bay dropped two of three in Detroit, between April 30 and May 2, after picking up a win in the lead game. Hopefully all facets of the Rays will be up for the task.

Pitching Probables

Kevin Cash will lean on a rehabilitated Chris Archer (3-4, 4.24 ERA), and likely Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.71 ERA) and Ryan Yarbrough (7-4, 3.75 ERA) over the next three days. I will update this piece when that situation becomes clear. Ron Gardenhire will counter with Francisco Liriano (3-5, 4.03 ERA), Matthew Boyd (4-7, 4.58 ERA) and Jordan Zimmermann (4-0, 3.51 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Chris Archer will return from the disabled list on Monday, although he will likely be limited to about 75 pitches. The 29-year-old has been on the DL since June 5 with an abdominal strain, posting a 4.24 ERA and 1.34 WHIP over 76-1/3 innings prior to the injury. Archer appeared to be turning a corner though, firing off five quality starts over a stretch of seven appearances that was bookended by an injury marred, five inning outing against Seattle on the fifth of June. Over his last four starts against the Angels, Red Sox, Athletics and the Mariners, Archer allowed a total of three runs, while sporting a 2.18 K/BB. The secret to his success? He kept the ball inside the park.

Francisco Liriano took a loss Wednesday even though he allowed three runs on five hits, but five walks, across six innings. He struck out five. The five walks marked a new season high, and the southpaw is lucky that he only allowed three runs to cross the plate with so much traffic on the base paths. Liriano has posted back-to-back quality starts, yet he has taken a loss each time thanks to a lackluster offense that scored just two runs or fewer in each of Liriano’s last two outings. Despite that, he is 3-4 with a 5.40 ERA in 15 starts against the Rays, and 1-2 with a 9.73 ERA in seven games (five starts) at Tropicana Field. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (3-6), Carlos Gomez (11-24, 2B, 3B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB), Daniel Robertson (2-6, HR, RBI, 2 BB), Mallex Smith (1-3), Jesus Sucre (1-2, RBI)

Matt Andriese fired two scoreless innings on Wednesday, allowing a hit and two walks. He recorded three strikeouts and threw 36 pitches overall. Andriese has become one of the most flexible options out of the Rays ‘pen, given his extensive starting and relief experience. After a rocky June (6.39 ERA over 12-2/3 innings), Andriese has posted four scoreless innings across a pair of appearances.

Matthew Boyd allowed seven runs (six earned) on seven hits over four innings in his last start against the Rangers. He struck out three. Boyd didn’t allow a run in the first inning, yet allowed multiple runs thereafter before receiving the early hook in the fourth. The key blows were a pair of two-run homers by Joey Gallo and Ronald Guzman. Boyd has been hit or miss since limiting the Rays to one run on May 1, allowing five or more earned runs three times over his past four starts — pushing his ERA up from 3.23 before his rough stretch to 4.58. He is 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (1-3), Johnny Field (1-2), Adeiny Hechavarria (1-3), Kevin Kiermaier (1-1), Wilson Ramos (1-2, BB), Mallex Smith (1-3)

Ryan Yarbrough allowed two runs on four hits and one walk over three innings of a no-decision against Miami on Tuesday. He struck out three. Yarbrough ran into a bit of trouble in the second inning, loading the bases on an IBB before the opposing pitcher, Trevor Richards, laced a two-run single to center. Even though he limited the damage and breezed through the third inning with ease, Yarbrough didn’t come back out for the fourth despite tossing 6-1/3 innings and 90 pitches in his previous outing. He has allowed four runs total in his last 15-1/3 innings of work.

Jordan Zimmermann allowed one run on four hits over eight innings in a win against Texas on Friday. He fanned a season-high 11 batters. After serving up a leadoff homer to Shin-Soo Choo, Zimmermann was all but untouchable the rest of the way, throwing 67 of 96 pitches for strikes including 15 swinging strikes (70% strike rate, 22% whiff rate). Zimmermann has been outstanding since returning from the DL in mid-June, posting a 1.80 ERA, 0.72 WHIP and a 24 K/BB over four starts (25 innings). He two-hit the Rays in a seven inning scoreless outing on April 30, and is 1-1 with a 3.68 ERA in six career starts against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (2-3), Kevin Kiermaier (3-7, 2B)

Noteworthiness

— Another unfortunate break for the Rays, RHP Chaz Roe has been placed on the 10-Day DL with a torn meniscus in his left knee, requiring arthroscopic surgery. He is expected to miss 4-to-6 weeks.

(Screen Grab Credit: FoxSportsSun)

According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times), the injury means further changes to the already amorphous bullpen roles, with rookie Diego Castillo likely replacing Roe in facing the toughest right-handed hitters in late-inning situations, and others, including Jaime Schultz, who was called up Sunday, taking on more challenging work.

We’re going to have a bunch of guys probably moving now, manager Kevin Cash said.

Roe had a 3.60 ERA in 41 appearances overall and hadn’t allowed an earned run in 17 of his previous 18 games before Friday.

It’s definitely disappointing, Roe said. I’d been feeling great on the mound and to end it like this right now kind of sucks. But I thought this was the best time to get it done, pitching well right now and hopefully come back even better.

To fill Roe’s spot on the 25-man roster, the team has recalled RHP Jaime Schultz from Triple-A Durham.

— 1B/DH CJ Cron is starting to get toasty, slashing .438 BA/.500 OBP/.813 SLG/1.313 OPS/.375 wOBA in the month of July, with seven hits (four for extra bases) and four runs batted in. He’s struck out just twice in 18 July plate appearances.

Tampa Bay Rays 7/4/18 pregame notes, roster moves

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Daniel Robertson tied a club record by reaching base six times last night. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a wild, 16-inning marathon — resulting in a 9-6 victory — the Tampa Bay Rays look to win the first leg of the 2018 Citrus Series this afternoon in Miami.

There’s too much to unpack from last night’s contest, so in lieu of half-assing a game recap, check out these three:

Rays: 9, Marlins: 6 – OMG (DRaysBay)

Game 85: Rays 9 Marlins 6 (16 innings) -Postgame News and Notes (Rays Radio)

The secret to Rays 16-inning success vs. Marlins (Tampa Bay Times) 

The New What Next

The Rays are planning to rely on a “heavy, heavy” bullpen day against the Marlins, having used nine pitchers in the 16-inning win over Miami.

Matt Andriese (1-3, 3.86 ERA), who pitched Monday, will start for Tampa Bay, pitching opposite of Jose Urena (2-9, 4.40 ERA).

Andriese has allowed runs in four of his six appearances since the start of June, pitching to a 5.52 ERA.

Urena will make his first appearance since being placed on the 10-day DL on June 21 with right shoulder impingement. He had his best outing of the season two turn ago, throwing eight scoreless innings and holding the Orioles to three hits. Urena, however, wasn’t as fortunate five days later, allowing five runs on eight hits over 5-2/3 innings to the Giants. The right-hander is 0-0 with a 1.59 ERA against Tampa Bay in 5-2/3 innings in six relief appearances. This season he has relied primarily on his 96 mph four-seam fastball with heavy sinking action and obvious tail, and a hard 87 mph 12-6 slider, while also mixing in a 91 mph changeup with backspin and slight armside fade. Key Matchups: Wilson Ramos (1-3), Daniel Robertson (1-1)

You can read about the series in our preview.

Rays 7/4/18 Starting Lineup

Kiermaier CF
Robertson 2B
Bauers LF
Cron 1B
Wendle 3B
Gomez RF
Adames SS
Sucre C
Andriese RHP

Noteworthiness

— Send reinforcements!

Vidal Nuno was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain, while Austin Pruitt was optioned back to Triple-A Durham.

Andrew Kittredge was recalled from Durham, and right-hander Ryan Weber was selected from Durham.

To make room for Weber on the 40-man roster, Wilmer Font was transferred to the 60-day DL.

— Chris Archer was sharp on Tuesday in his first, and potentially only, rehab start as he works his way back from an abdominal strain. Archer threw four no-hit innings for the Class-A Charlotte Stone Crabs, striking out seven and walking one, while throwing 37 of his 54 pitches for strikes (68% strike rate). Archer’s fastball velocity was good, clocking in at 93-96 mph. If all goes well, and Archer feels good over the next few days, the Rays could bring him back as soon as Monday against Detroit at Tropicana Field, giving him two starts before the All-Star Break.

The New What Next: Rays vs Astros part two — a series preview

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The Rays look to continue their spate of winning against the Astros, starting Thursday. (Photo Credit: X-Rays Spex)

The Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros are set to start a four-game series on Thursday night, when they collide at Tropicana Field. The Rays have won five in a row — all at the expense of the Yankees and Nationals — and seven of their last nine. Houston is 4-1 in its last five contests after recently taking two of three from the Jays.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

Tampa Bay started an incredibly tough stretch of play back on May 8, playing 51 games in 54 days. Over that span the Rays faced eight teams with a +.500 record, and went 24-27 overall, with four winning streaks of three or more games, and four losing streaks of three or more games. That seesaw certainly isn’t eye popping to say the least. However, they made hay against the Angels and Athletics, and most recently the Yankees and Nationals.

Pitching has been key to the Rays of late. Their five-game winning streak includes three shutouts and a 22-inning scoreless streak, while they have pitched to a combined 2.87 ERA since May 19 (best in the majors) when they launched their “game opener” strategy, with a .207 opponents batting average and a 1.11 WHIP (second best in the majors).

The pitching’s been outstanding, keeping us in every single ball game, manager Kevin Cash said. It’s kind of how we’re built. We’ve got to take advantage of it when we get it. And we’re getting it here of late.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Even thought they don’t have much to show for their success at the plate over the last 14-days, the Rays have performed well offensively since they last faced the Astros — averaging four runs per game, and slashing a combined .269 BA/.354 OBP/.450 SLG/.804 OPS/.349 wOBA/.325 BABIP line over the last week, with 25 runs (63% of all the runs they’ve scored over the last two weeks), a .181 ISO, and a 5.7 Weighted Runs Above Average (wRAA).

True, Tampa Bay closed out its most recent road trip by losing two of three in Houston, yet the team is perfect on its current nine-game home-stand. And in all fairness, the Rays could have won two of three against the Astros, as the loss in the first game of that particular series came by a run.

To be sure, it would be a fool’s errand to seek a four-game sweep of the Astros. The question then should be how will Tampa Bay bounce back from loss? Will the Rays drop three or more consecutive games, as they have throughout the season, or will they recover from a loss to win the very next game? A series split, in the least, will give them a far better chance to again climb over the .500 mark against their next four, sub .500, competitors: the Marlins, Mets, Tigers, and Twins.

Pitching Probables

Over the next four days Kevin Cash will lean on Ryne Stanek (1-1, 1.99 ERA) — who will likely be followed by Ryan Yarbrough (7-3, 3.96 ERA), Wilmer Font (1-1, 1.64 ERA), Matt Andriese (1-3, 4.02 ERA), and Blake Snell (10-4, 2.31 ERA). AJ Hinch will counter with Lance McCullers Jr. (8-3, 3.82 ERA), Gerrit Cole (9-1, 2.56 ERA), Justin Verlander (9-3, 1.82 ERA), and Charlie Morton (10-1, 2.54 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Ryne Stanek is one of the prime reasons for the team’s pitching success, having not allowed a run in 10 consecutive appearances, including five lead-off outings. Stanek has allowed just four hits during this stretch, while striking out 14 and walking five over 13 innings. Ryan Yarbrough threw 3-1/3 shutout innings against the Yankees last Friday, walking three but fanning four.

Lance McCullers Jr. picked up his fifth consecutive quality start, but settled for his second straight no-decision after allowing three runs on four hits over six innings of work in his last turn. McCullers struck out nine. The Tampa product owns a 5-2 record in nine starts away from Minute Maid Park, yet with a 4.83 road ERA. This season he has relied primarily on a hard 87 mph 12-6 curveball and a 95 mph sinker with some armside run, while also mixing in a whiffy 88 mph changeup with obvious armside fade. The right-hander is 0-2 with an alarming 6.00 ERA in losing both of his careers starts at Tropicana Field.

Wilmer Font shut down one of baseball’s most potent offenses on Saturday, stymying a silent Yankees team.

Font threw 5-2/3 solid innings — his longest outing in the Majors — and allowed just three hits, walking just one and striking out four. It was the 28-year-old’s first big league victory (in his 26th appearance and fourth start). He has progressively increased the length of his appearances, from 2-1/3 innings to 3-1/3 to 4-2/3 and now 5-2/3.

It’s exciting, and I’m very happy, said Font, who was acquired by the Rays on May 25 and is playing with his third organization (Dodgers, Athletics) this season. I was trying to attack from the start. The first pitch was very important. After that, work the corners. I felt very, very good today.

Since joining the Rays, he is 1-1 with a 1.63 ERA in eight appearances (four starts). While there is still a lot of work for him to do, as Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) writes, Font may turn out to be a steal for the Rays off the discard pile given his physical tools, maturity and hunger at age 28 to finally succeed.

Gerrit Cole fanned eight over five one-run innings on Sunday against Kansas City. He allowed two hits and three walks along the way. Cole limited baserunners, with the only run against him coming on a Lucas Duda solo shot in the fourth. The Royals fouled off 27 pitches to help push Cole’s pitch count, resulting in his removal after collecting just 15 outs. Despite the short outing, Cole bounced back from allowing four earned runs in each of his last two starts, including four runs on three hits and five walks against Tampa Bay on June 18. Cole is now 0-0 with a 5.14 ERA against the Rays. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (1-4, 2B, RBI), Carlos Gomez (6-14, 3B, 2 BB), Wilson Ramos (3-12, 2 HR, 4 RBI, BB), Joey Wendle (1-3, 2 RBI)

Matt Andriese gave up three runs on three hits and two walks while striking out one in the Rays’ bullpen day on Sunday. His ERA jumped from 3.68 to 4.02 after the outing. Andriese followed 16 consecutive appearances in which he allowed two earned runs or fewer, with two straight starts in which he gave up three runs in each — including a 2-2/3 inning, three run start against the Astros on June 18.

Justin Verlander allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks with six punch outs over 6-2/3 innings of a loss against the Blue Jays on Monday. Home runs have been an issue for Verlander lately, as he has allowed six homers in his past four starts after giving up just five over his first 13 outings. The result was the first time all season that Verlander allowed more than three runs, pushing his ERA all the way up to 1.82. The right-hander gave up a second inning solo shot to CJ Cron in a 1-2 loss to the Rays on June 19, but otherwise struck out 10. Verlander is 5-2 with a 2.53 ERA in eight career starts at Tropicana Field. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (1-3), Wilson Ramos (1-3), Joey Wendle (2-3, 2B)

Blake Snell slammed the door on the Nationals over the balance of his seven inning, one hit start after he allowed a pair of first inning free passes.

I got pissed; I was annoyed, said Snell on the subject of walking the first two batters.

The left-hander carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning until Anthony Rendon led off the frame with a double off the left field wall. Snell walked two more batters in the frame, although he was able to escape with the shutout intact. Snell fanned 10 and lowered his home ERA from 0.96 to 0.70, extending his club record by allowing just one earned run or fewer in a 10th straight home start.

Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) also dished some noteworthiness relating to Snell’s phenomenal outing:

Retired 18 straight, tying the third-longest streak of consecutive batters retired in team history, behind Matt Garza (22) on July 26, 2010, vs.
Detroit and Chris Archer (19) on July 29, 2015 vs. Detroit.

Made the 11th scoreless start of his career and matched the longest scoreless start of his career.

Reached double-digit strikeouts for the fourth time in his career, third this season. No other Rays pitcher has done so.

Became the seventh Ray to reach double-digit wins
before the All-Star break, first since Matt Moore (13) in 2013.

Allowed two runs or fewer for an AL-most 14th time this season, matching Washington’s Max Scherzer for most in the majors. And allowed one run or fewer for the 10 time, matching most in the majors.

Charlie Morton struck out 13 over seven scoreless frames on Tuesday against the Blue Jays. Morton allowed four hits and two walks en route to a win. The right-hander relinquished zero extra-base hits and threw 67 of 98 pitches for strikes (68% strike rate) in his dominant outing — the fifth time this season that Morton has recorded double-digit strikeouts. Morton now sports a 3.13 K/BB over 95-2/3 innings and a .195 batting average against, making him one of only seven pitchers in the big leagues to hold opponents under a .200 average. In his last start against Tampa Bay, Morton allowed just one run on two hits and four walks, although he is 0-2 with a 5.25 ERA in two career starts at the Trop. Key Matchups: Jake Bauers (1-1, 2B, 2 BB), Matt Duffy (1-3), Carlos Gomez (6-18, HR, 5 RBI, BB), Wilson Ramos (5-14, RBI, 3 BB)

The New What Next: Rays vs Nationals part two — an interleague series preview

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Walk it off, Jake. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After an exhilarating weekend of play, the Tampa Bay Rays will play host to the Washington Nationals in a brief two-game interleague series, starting Monday night. The Rays are coming in off a sweep of the Yankees, after defeating the top team in the AL East, 7-6, in 12 innings Sunday afternoon. The Nationals avoided a sweep of their at home against the Phillies.

Washington swept the two-game series against Tampa Bay at Nationals Park earlier this season.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

The Rays improved to 37-40 on the season and look to maintain some momentum despite trailing Seattle by 10 games in the Wildcard race. Jake Bauers, Carlos Gomez and Jesus Sucre each had two hits in the series finale for Tampa Bay. Bauers hit a walk-off homer (his second of the season) on the first pitch of the bottom of the 12th inning.

The solo shot marked Tampa Bay’s first hit since the third inning: five Yankee relievers had combined for eight no-hit innings prior to that. It should be noted, however, that the Rays were able to chase Domingo German after tagging the right-hander for six runs in the first three innings.

Washington dropped the first two games of their series against the Phillies, yet bounced back to defeat Philadelphia by an 8-6 margin in the finale. The Nationals enter the series 41-35 on the season, putting them three games behind the Braves in the NL East. In spite of their plus .500 record though, the Nats have gone just 5-10 over a 15-game span following the above mentioned two-game sweep of the Rays in DC. They’ve averaged just 3.6 runs per game along the way.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Yes it’s true that the Nationals are a powerful team, and in all fairness they have outpaced the Rays in most offensive categories over the last 14 days. Even so, they have scored just four more runs than Tampa Bay over that that span, and their -0.7 wRAA certainly isn’t anything to write home about. In fact, according to BaseRuns, the Rays and Nationals should have essentially the same Win/Loss record; 42-35 with a .540 theoretical WP for Tampa Bay, 42-34 with a .549 theoretical WP for Washington.

It also is true that the Rays are coming off a 10-game stretch of play where they scored more than three runs just once. Be that as it may, Tampa Bay scored 13 runs against a very good Yankees’ pitching staff, and has shown it can win games if the hurlers can keep the ball in the park.

Pitching Probables

Over the next two days Kevin Cash will lean on Blake Snell (9-4, 2.48 ERA) and Nathan Eovaldi (1-3, 4.91 ERA). Dave Martinez will counter with Gio Gonzalez (6-4, 3.08 ERA) and Max Scherzer (10-3, 2.09 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Blake Snell was credited the win last Tuesday after he allowed one run on three hits and seven walks while fanning six over seven innings against Houston. Snell wasn’t at his sharpest with a season-high seven walks and only just over half of his pitches going for strikes (57 of 102, 56% strike rate), though he allowed just three base hits and was helped out by his defense with a couple of double plays and another out on the basepaths. Snell’s nine wins trail only Corey Kluber and Luis Severino in the American League, and he now sports a sterling 2.48 ERA. The southpaw has struggled with command of late with a 1.15 K/BB in his last three starts (18 innings), yet he’s now at 9.8 K/9 on the season.

Gio Gonzalez allowed two runs on five hits and struck out two over four innings of a rain delay-shortened loss Wednesday against Baltimore. Gonzalez allowed a second inning home run to Mark Trumbo but was otherwise sharp. The rain delay lasted two hours and 43 minutes, leaving the Nationals with no choice but to go to the bullpen. Prior to that start, the southpaw allowed at least three runs in three consecutive starts, with the shortest lasting just 3-1/3 innings against San Francisco (6/9). Gonzalez is 2-2 with a 5.54 ERA in six career starts against the Rays (26 innings of work), and 0-1 with an 11.25 ERA in three career appearances (one start) at Tropicana Field. This season he has relied primarily on a 90 mph sinker, a whiffy 91 mph four-seam fastball, an 83 mph changeup with some natural sink, and a 76 mph curveball with exceptional bite and sweeping glove-side movement. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (2-3, HR, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-2, 2B)

Nathan Eovaldi allowed four runs on seven hits across six innings of a loss to the Astros on Wednesday. All the damage against Eovaldi came on four solo home runs — three on consecutive pitches in his final inning of work. Despite having good stuff, Eovaldi has relinquished eight homers over his last four starts, including one against Washington in a 4-2 loss on June 5. The right-hander is 2-5 with a 5.30 ERA in 10 career starts against the Nationals.

Max Scherzer threw seven innings of two-run ball in a 4-2 win over Baltimore. He allowed five hits (including two solo homers), walked one and struck out nine. Overall it was a strong start even though Scherzer made two mistakes on the solo shots by former Ray Colby Rasmus and Mark Trumbo. Scherzer still owns a ridiculous 6.71 K/BB in 107-2/3 innings, and has given up more than two runs in just one of his 16 starts this season — back on May 25 when he allowed four runs to the Marlins in a 9-5 defeat over Miami. In his previous start against Tampa Bay, Scherzer allowed just two runs on five hits over eight innings. He fanned 13. Overall, Scherzer is 5-2 with a 2.82 ERA in nine career starts against Tampa Bay, but is 2-1 with a 4.11 ERA in five starts at the Trop. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (3-5, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Johnny Field (1-3, 2B), Carlos Gomez (2-7), Mallex Smith (2-7), Joey Wendle (1-3)

Noteworthiness

— Relief pitcher Jonny Venters left Sunday’s game with a strained right hamstring after trying to cover first base on a bunt play.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said that Venters will be placed on the 10-day disabled list. The Rays responded by again promoting RHP Austin Pruitt, who can provide length after the bullpen was taxed over the weekend.

— According to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) both Chris Archer and Jake Faria threw bullpen sessions at the Trop on Monday. While there is no word on how Faria, well…fared in his 30-pitch bullpen, Archer reportedly did well in his 40-pitch session, complete with PFP drills throwing to bases.

Tampa Bay Rays look for a sweep of the Yankees Sunday afternoon

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The guys go for the sweep against the Yankees this afternoon. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After winning the first two games of the series against the Evil Empire, the Tampa Bay Rays look for a sweep of the Bronx Bombers afternoon, at Tropicana Field.

Moments that mattered from Saturday’s game

— Wilmer Font shut down one of baseball’s most potent offenses on Saturday, stymying a silent Yankees team.

Font threw 5-2/3 solid innings — his longest outing in the Majors — and allowed just three hits, walking just one and striking out four. It was the 28-year-old’s first big league victory (in his 26th appearance and fourth start). He has progressively increased the length of his appearances, from 2-1/3 innings to 3-1/3 to 4-2/3 and now 5-2/3.

It’s exciting, and I’m very happy, said Font, who was acquired by the Rays on May 25 and is playing with his third organization (Dodgers, Athletics) this season. I was trying to attack from the start. The first pitch was very important. After that, work the corners. I felt very, very good today.

While there is still a lot of work for him to do, as Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) writes, Font may turn out to be a steal for the Rays off the discard pile given his physical tools, maturity and hunger at age 28 to finally succeed.

— In the first inning, Kevin Kiermaier led off with a single — his first hit since being reinstated from the disabled list, snapping an 0-13 skid — and scored on Jake Bauers’ opposite-field double to left.

— In the second inning, C.J. Cron and Daniel Robertson hit back-to-back doubles to lead off the inning. Robertson then reached third on Mallex Smith’s sacrifice bunt and scored on Willy Adames’ single. Why was it important, aside from the obvious?

Cron turned on a knee high fastball over the inside part of the plate and pulled it down the left field line. When he’s going well, that’s a pitch he doesn’t miss as he had over the span of his 1-31 skid.

— In the third inning, Brett Gardner lifted a one-out fly ball into short center field that seemed destined to drop in front of Kevin Kiermaier. But after a long run, Kiermaier slid and made the spectacular catch.

— Up by three in the seventh, Adames gave the Rays an insurance run by hitting an opposite field homer.

— The Yankees, who lost back-to-back games for the first time since May 22 and 23 (vs. TEX), have scored just two runs in their past 27 innings. It was only the second time this season they have been shut out. More proof that if you negate the power of players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Didi Gregorious, even a team like the Yankees becomes beatable. That is a lesson that Tampa Bay will need to take into the upcoming series’ against the Nationals and Astros.

The New What Next

The Rays originally planned to start left-hander Blake Snell (9-4, 2.48) this afternoon, however, they instead will have a bullpen day and use right-hander Matt Andriese as the “opener,” tasking him with getting the first 3-6 outs. Meanwhile, they’ll face fast-rising Yankees rookie Domingo German (2-4, 4.77 ERA), who earned his first win of the season against Tampa Bay earlier this month.

Over the last 15 appearances (two starts) Andriese has a 2.55 ERA, lowering his overall ERA from 8.31 to 3.68 in the process.

German will make his ninth start of the season in the series finale against the Rays. Last time out, the righty pitched a career-high seven innings, allowing just a solo home run and two hits to the Mariners. German (2-4) earned the win against the Mariners on Tuesday, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits across seven innings. He walked none and recorded nine punch outs. This season German has relied primarily on a whiffy 83 mph 12-6 curveball and a hard 96 mph four-seam fastball that generates plenty of swings and misses, while also mixing in an 88 mph changeup with obvious armside fade, and a 96 mph sinker with natural sink. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (1-3), Matt Duffy (2-3, HR, RBI), Wilson Ramos (1-3, RBI), Joey Wendle (1-3, RBI)

You can read about the series in our preview.

The New What Next: Rays vs Yankees part three — a series preview

Rays 6/24/18 Starting Lineup

Kiermaier CF
Duffy DH
Bauers 1B
Wendle 3B
Gomez RF
Smith LF
Hechavarria SS
Sucre C
Adames 2B
Andriese RHP