X-Rays Spex

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The Rays scored three late runs to defeat the Mariners, 5-3

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  • The Mariners, who have the third most stolen bases in the league, learned a valuable lesson last night: Don’t run on Travis d’Arnaud. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays scored three runs in the ninth inning en route to a 5-3 win over the Mariners, their first win in Seattle since 2015. At 67-50 (17-games over .500), Tampa Bay remains a half-game ahead of Oakland for the final playoff spot in the American League.

They enter play with a 67.7% chance of a playoff berth, per FanGraphs. Baseball Prospectus has them with an 81.0% chance.

The Rays took the initial lead in the second inning against left-hander Marco Gonzales. Matt Duffy started the rally with a one-out double to left-center and moved up to third on a base hit to left by Kevin Kiermaier. Mike Brosseau followed with a chopper off the plate which Gonzales fielded and, for whatever reason, threw to second to get Kiermaier as Duffy crossed the plate. Had he thrown to first, he would have found himself in a “runners at second and third” situation with two outs and a tie score. His indecision, however, allowed a run to cross the plate.

They were able to tack on another run on a groundout in the following inning. Tommy Pham and Austin Meadows hit back-to-back singles to start the inning, putting runners at the corners. Pham scored on a slow bouncer to third by Jesus Aguilar.

Gonzales settled down though and gave up just three singles over his final four innings of work, allowing only one runner to get as far as second base over that stretch. Gonzales worked 6-1/3 impressive innings, allowing seven hits, and two walks while fanning nine. He was pulled from the game after getting an out on Willy Adames’ comebacker that struck him on the leg.

Seattle got on the board in the third inning against an inefficient and erratic Jalen Beeks. Mallex Smith walked with one out then moved up to second on a grounder to first. Domingo Santana singled to left, scoring Smith to cut the Rays lead in half.

An inning later, catcher Tom Murphy reached on an error by second baseman Mike Brosseau. Kyle Seager followed with a bloop single to center, putting two on with none out. After Austin Nola just missed a three-run homer to deep left, and Tim Lopes flew out to right for the second out, 31-year-old rookie Ryan Court looped a single to right, scoring Murphy and tying the game at two apiece. Colin Poche struck out Smith to keep the game even.

Beeks was charged with two runs (one earned) over 3-2/3 innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out four. He was rather ineffective in a start that Rays skipper Kevin Cash had hoped would take him into the fifth inning, throwing 50 of 85 pitches for strikes (59% strike rate) and getting into five three-ball counts.

I didn’t do a very good job of getting ahead of guys, in general. I can hang my hat that I battled, but just going forward, I’ve just got to get ahead of guys with all three pitches a little better and get in a little better rhythm. … I’ve just got to do a better job of being more aggressive and getting in the zone. I mean, that’s the goal from here on out.

— Jalen Beeks

The Mariners, who hadn’t been retired in order in the first five innings, had a great chance to take the lead in the fifth. Crawford hit a looper just beyond the reach of shortstop Willy Adames into shallow left field. Santana then walked on four pitches, bringing Seattle’s lone All-Star, Daniel Vogelbach, to the plate. Though Vogelbach struck out against Poche, as did Murphy and Seager, ending the inning.

That began a stretch where Rays’ relievers retired nine consecutive batters, fanning seven of them. Chaz Roe, who has a 0.90 ERA since the All-Star Break, and Nick Anderson paired up to throw perfect consecutive innings, combining for four strikeouts along the way.

Knotted up at two since the third inning, Tampa Bay moved back in front for good in the ninth against closer Anthony Bass. Pinch-hitter Eric Sogard led off the frame with a single to right, while Kevin Kiermaier walked on a 3-2 pitch, putting two on base. Brosseau sacrificed the runners into scoring position, and Willy Adames was walked intentionally, loading the bases for Ji-Man Choi.

Choi fell behind 1-2 before he drew a walk to give the Rays a one-run lead. Pham then hit a slow roller to short which Crawford bobbled, as Kiermaier scored to put Tampa Bay up by a pair. Finally, Meadows also grounded slowly to short as Adames crossed the plate for a 5-2 lead.

That put Oliver Drake on the right side of the ledger after he worked around a pair of hits in a scoreless eighth. The Drake allowed a single to left-center to Vogelbach on a 1-2 pitch to start the inning, yet he received some help from his battery mate after Keon Broxton pinch-ran for Vogelbach and Omar Narvaez pinch-hit for Murphy. The speedy Broxton was caught stealing at second for the first out before Narvaez hit a single to left on a 2-2 pitch. Drake struck out the next two batters, preserving the lead.

De facto closer Emilio Pagan got the first out in the ninth inning before he gave up a solo homer to Court, his first in the big leagues, making it 5-3. But Pagan bounced back and got Smith to strikeout for the second out, and Crawford to pop out to end the game.

The New What Next

Charlie Morton (12-4, 2.77 ERA) will take the mound for Tampa Bay, pitching opposite of Tommy Milone (1-6, 4.33 ERA).

Charlie Morton allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out nine over seven innings against the Blue Jays on Monday. Morton delivered another quality performance, although he was tagged with the hard-luck loss. It was an encouraging start because the right-hander has a 4.85 ERA and a 4.33 K/BB in his last four starts. He maintains a 2.77 ERA with 174 strikeouts on the season.

Tommy Milone allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over five innings against the Astros on Sunday. Working as the primary pitcher behind Sam Tuivailala, Milone gathered 14 swinging strikes but was out-dueled by Justin Verlander and was ultimately staked to the loss. Milone struck out the first five Astros he faced and retired the first six batters overall. The southpaw has a 4.33 ERA and 68 strikeouts through 70-2/3 innings this season. Milone relies primarily on an 87 mph four-seam fastball and an 80 mph changeup that boasts natural sinking action, while also mixing in a 78 mph slider with two-plane movement. Milone is 2-3 with a 6.07 ERA in six career outings (five starts) against the Rays. Key Matchups: Avisail Garcia (7-18, 2 2B, RBI, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (2-2), Mike Zunino (4-8, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Mariners — a series preview

Rays 8/10/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Kiermaier CF
  2. d’Arnaud 1B
  3. Meadows LF
  4. Garcia RF
  5. Duffy 3B
  6. Aguilar DH
  7. Brosseau 2B
  8. Zunino C
  9. Adames SS

Noteworthiness

— Jose Alvarado (right oblique strain) was scheduled to throw Friday for Triple-A Durham, although Tampa Bay’s immediate pitching needs could prompt the Rays to recall him if he’s ready.

— Brandon Lowe reportedly had his best day of running so far, said Rays’ Major League medical coordinator Paul Harker. The infielder still needs to progress with his burst running before he can begin a Minor League rehab assignment. Per Daniel Kramer (MLB.com), the chances of Lowe being activated during the Rays’ next homestand, which begins next Friday, are probably optimistic.

— Joey Wendle took swings back in Tampa Bay on Friday. With the nature of his wrist injury, the Rays are exercising caution on his follow-through, and because of it, he is still probably a few weeks away.

TNWN: Rays vs Mariners — a series preview

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  • Mike Zunino snapped out of his offensive funk long enough to crush a two-run home run Wednesday afternoon. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a 3-2 homestand, the Tampa Bay Rays will head on the road to battle the Seattle Mariners for a three-game series at T-Mobile Park, starting Friday night. The Rays are coming off a series loss against the Blue Jays, while the Mariners split a two-game series against the Padres.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

Tampa Bay is in the midst of a favorable schedule that gives the team an opportunity to maintain its Wildcard position. Their next five series’ are against teams with losing records which include sets against the Tigers and Orioles. Tampa Bay holds a slim half-game lead ahead of Oakland for the second Wildcard spot. Still, if the previous series against Toronto proved anything, it’s that a sub .500 record doesn’t mean the opponent won’t rollover.

Seattle’s offense is slumping of late and the team is dealing with numerous injuries and absences, which have not helped matters. Mitch Haniger is out until late August, while Ryan Healy is out for the remainder of the season. Dee Gordon should return next week, after this series, and former Ray Tim Beckham was issued a season-ending suspension for PED usage.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Tampa Bay’s pitching staff boasts a 3.57 team ERA, good for second in the big leagues, and the Rays stand at 35-22 on the road this season. Seattle’s pitching staff maintains a 5.21 team ERA, good for 28th overall, and the Mariners stand at 27-33 at T-Mobile Park.

Fair warning, Rays’ and Mariners’ series are typically close — Seattle went 6-1 against Tampa Bay last season, although the run differential between the two teams was just three runs.

Pitching Probables

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will lean on Jalen Beeks (5-1, 3.77 ERA), Charlie Morton (12-4, 2.77 ERA), and Ryan Yarbrough (10-3, 3.90 ERA). Scott Servais will counter with Marco Gonzales (12-9, 4.32 ERA), Tommy Milone (1-6, 4.33 ERA), and Wade LeBlanc (6-5, 5.38 ERA)

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Jalen Beeks allowed four runs (three earned) on five hits and one walk across four innings on Saturday against the Marlins. He struck out two. Beeks also hit three batters, including a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch during the second inning to give Miami an early lead. The southpaw clearly struggled with his command Saturday, delivering only 35 of his 59 pitches for strikes (59% strike rate). Beeks maintains a 3.77 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and a 2.18 K/BB over 76-1/3 innings.

Marco Gonzales gave up four runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings while striking out two against Houston. The southpaw got touched up for three runs in the first inning and while Gonzales was able to right the ship, his fate was sealed as four Astros’ hurlers combined for a no-hitter. He’ll carry a 4.32 ERA and a 2.89 K/BB across 139-2/3 innings into his start on Friday. Gonzales relies primarily on an 81 mph changeup with slight arm-side fade, an 89 mph sinker with a little run and sinking action, and an 85 mph cutter, while also mixing in a 76 mph curveball with sharp downward bite and slight glove-side movement, and an 89 mph four-seam fastball. Gonzales has been very good against Tampa Bay, posting a 2-0 record and a 1.93 ERA in two career starts. Key Matchup: Jesus Aguilar (3-5, HR, 2 RBI)

Charlie Morton allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out nine over seven innings against the Blue Jays on Monday. Morton delivered another quality performance, although he was tagged with the hard-luck loss. It was an encouraging start because the right-hander has a 4.85 ERA and a 4.33 K/BB in his last four starts. He maintains a 2.77 ERA with 174 strikeouts on the season.

Tommy Milone allowed two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out seven over five innings against the Astros on Sunday. Working as the primary pitcher behind Sam Tuivailala, Milone gathered 14 swinging strikes but was out-dueled by Justin Verlander and was ultimately staked to the loss. Milone struck out the first five Astros he faced and retired the first six batters overall. The southpaw has a 4.33 ERA and 68 strikeouts through 70-2/3 innings this season. Milone relies primarily on an 87 mph four-seam fastball and an 80 mph changeup that boasts natural sinking action, while also mixing in a 78 mph slider with two-plane movement. Milone is 2-3 with a 6.07 ERA in six career outings (five starts) against the Rays. Key Matchups: Avisail Garcia (7-18, 2 2B, RBI, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (2-2), Mike Zunino (4-8, 2 HR, 3 RBI, BB)

Ryan Yarbrough allowed three runs (one earned) on four hits and one walk over 4-2/3 innings against the Blue Jays on Sunday. He struck out five and did not factor in the decision. Two unearned runs crossed the plate during the fourth inning — a throwing error allowed both runs to score with two outs. The 27-year-old worked into the seventh inning as the bulk reliever, but he was pulled with two outs after giving up a double and a walk — both of which were stranded. Yarbrough has a 3.90 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and a 5.38 K/BB across 90 innings.

Wade LeBlanc allowed five runs on five hits and one walk across five innings while striking out five in his last appearance. LeBlanc entered the game in the second inning and retired nine of the first 10 batters he faced before he unraveled in the fifth inning when he allowed a walk and four hits — including a two-run homer off the bat of Fernando Tatis Jr. — to account for all five runs scored against him. Because of the loss, LeBlanc’s record fell to 6-5 on the season to go along with a poor 5.38 ERA, and a 1.40 WHIP across 92 frames. He relies primarily on an 84 mph cutter, a 79 mph changeup that features some natural sinking action, and an 86 mph sinker, while also mixing in a 73 mph curveball with sweeping glove-side movement. Over his career, LeBlanc is 0-1 with a 6.75 ERA across one start (5-1/3 innings) against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: Travis d’Arnaud (1-1), Avisail Garcia (1-2, BB), Tommy Pham (2-4, HR, RBI), Erik Sogard (2-3)

Noteworthiness

— It’s not clear when José Alvarado will be activated from the Injured List for Tampa Bay. Alvarado finished the second of back-to-back outings for Triple-A Durham on Wednesday by getting one out on one pitch in a combined no-hitter. In his most recent rehab stint, the left-hander hasn’t given up any hits across 1-1/3 innings, however, he only has one punch out and a pair of walks.

Rays look for a series win against Toronto on Wednesday; Jose Alvarado update

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There’s something very cool about the light and shadow work on the roof of Tropicana Field. (Photo Credit: X-Rays Spex)

After a thrilling 7-6, extra-inning win on Tuesday, the Tampa Bay Rays will go for a series win in the rubber match against the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field, on Wednesday. Tampa Bay hit a triplet of homers in the fourth inning, allowing them to erase a six-run deficit.

Down 6-0, Eric Sogard led off the fourth inning with a base hit to center before Avisail Garcia launched a 382 foot home run to left-field.

Then, Matt Duffy singled to left before Willy Adames hit a two-run, 375-foot homer to left-field.

https://twitter.com/FOXSportsFL/status/1158899910801948672

Finally, with two outs in the frame, Travis d’Arnaud singled to deep right before Austin Meadows blasted a no-doubt 447-foot homer to right field, tying the game at six.

The game stayed knotted at six apiece until the bottom of the tenth inning. Meanwhile, the Rays bullpen behind Nick Anderson, who racked up two strikeouts; Emilio Pagan, who struck out the side after allowing two batters to reach on back-to-back one-out hits; and Diego Castillo worked in tandem to keep the Blue Jays off the board.

Pagan was particularly animated when he struck out Cavan Biggio on a 96 mph fastball above the zone, stranding a pair of runners in scoring position.

The Rays ultimately won the game on a tenth inning, bases-loaded wild pitch, going 0-8 wRISP along the way.

It was Tampa Bay’s third walk-off win of the season and just their extra-inning win (in nine chances) at home. It was the second time in franchise history the Rays won on a walk-off wild pitch, April 30, 2011, by Fernando Rodney, then of the Angels.

Tampa Bay enters play a half-game in front of Oakland for the final Wildcard spot and 1-1/2 games back of Cleveland for the top Wildcard spot. Tampa Bay and Oakland won yesterday, while Cleveland’s game was postponed due to inclement weather.

The New What Next

Brendan McKay (2-1, 4.38 ERA) will get the start for the Rays, pitching opposite of former Ray Wilmer Font (3-2, 4.91 ERA).

Brendan McKay allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk over 5-1/3 innings against the Red Sox on Thursday. He struck out seven. McKay got off to an inauspicious start by allowing three of the first four hitters to reach base, including a two-run homer. He settled down though and left with a lead for his second big-league win. McKay was rocked for six runs in his previous outing, so Thursday’s effort was a positive sign for Tampa Bay.

Wilmer Font threw 26 pitches (17 strikes, 65% strike rate) over two scoreless frames on Friday, so it’s likely he will be used as an opener as opposed to a traditional starter. Font has a 4.91 ERA, 1.33 WHIP and 2.79 K/BB across 55 innings this season, and has given up four runs in 10 innings with Toronto. Key Matchups: Guillermo Heredia (1-1, RBI, BB), Mike Zunino (1-3)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Blue Jays — a series preview, part four

Rays 8/7/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Choi 1B
  2. Pham LF
  3. Meadows RF
  4. Garcia DH
  5. Sogard 2B
  6. Brosseau 3B
  7. Kiermaier C
  8. Zunino C
  9. Adames SS

Noteworthiness

— In the first of back-to-back rehab outings by for Jose Alvarado, the left-hander pitched in the seventh inning of a Durham Bulls ballgame, needing 28 pitches (12 strikes, 43% strike rate) to get through the frame. Alvarado ranged between 95-99 mph on his fastball, although his command of the fastball and slider (which ranged from 89-91 mph) lacked consistency. He will pitch again tomorrow. If he can throw strikes, he will be recalled by the weekend. If not, Alvarado may need a little more time in Durham.

— Brandon Lowe, Joey Wendle, and Yandy Diaz took grounders yesterday, although it is not clear when they will start their respective rehab assignments.

— Anthony Banda (Tommy John surgery) threw four scoreless frames in Durham, allowing three hits while striking out one.

— Trevor Richards, in his first inning of work, since he was acquired from Miami, threw a scoreless inning, throwing 13 of 28 pitches for strikes (46% strike rate), allowing one hit and two walks, while fanning two.

Rays look to bounce back from 2-0 loss Tuesday night

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  • This guy has gone 5-for-15 since joining the Rays, with a homer, four runs, and a pair of runs batted in. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a 2-0 loss Monday night, snapping a six-game win streak, the Tampa Bay Rays look to bounce back and add a tally to the win column tonight, at the Trop. The Rays were shutout for the first time since the All-Star Break and held only to singles for the third time this season.

In spite of the loss, Tampa Bay remains a half-game in front of Oakland for the final Wildcard spot and two back of Cleveland for the top Wildcard. Tampa Bay, Oakland, and Cleveland all fell yesterday.

The New What Next

Andrew Kittredge (1-0, 2.52 ERA) will open for the Rays to be followed by Ryan Yarbrough (10-3, 4.01 ERA). They’ll be opposed by Trent Thornton (4-7, 5.23 ERA).

Andrew Kittredge allowed an earned run against the Marlins across two innings (19 pitches, 13 strikes, 68% strike rate) on Sunday. The right-hander has opened three games this season including July 27th in Toronto, when he gave up two runs in three innings while striking out seven.

Ryan Yarbrough allowed four runs on six hits over 4-1/3 relief innings against the Red Sox on Wednesday. He struck out three. Yarbrough served up as many homers as he generated swinging strikes (two) over 75 pitches (51 strikes, 68% strike rate) — but the Rays offense picked him up, allowing Yarbrough to earn his fifth straight win. It was the first time the left-hander allowed more than one run in an outing since June 13. He is 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA in three games (11 innings) against the Blue Jays this season.

Trent Thornton hurled six innings on Wednesday and allowed one run on five hits and no walks while striking out two. Thornton was coming off a 10-day stint on the IL with right elbow inflammation but limited Baltimore to six baserunners on five singles and a hit batsman while tossing 58 of 87 pitches for strikes (67% strike rate). He was successful despite missing few bats — he induced just six swinging strikes. The quality start came after a pair of rough post-All-Star Break outings in which the rookie surrendered nine earned runs across 4-1/3 combined frames. Thornton is now 4-7 with a 5.23 ERA and a 2.27 K/BB over 105 innings this season. He is 0-1 with a 9.39 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay this season. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (1-4), Avisail Garcia (3-5, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (2-4, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB), Austin Meadows (4-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Tommy Pham (1-4, BB)

You can read about the series in our preview, while the starting lineup and Noteworthiness are below.

TNWN: Rays vs Blue Jays — a series preview, part four

Rays 8/6/19 Starting Lineup

  1. Choi DH
  2. d’Arnaud C
  3. Meadows LF
  4. Aguilar 1B
  5. Sogard 2B
  6. Garcia RF
  7. Kiermaier CF
  8. Duffy 3B
  9. Adames SS

Noteworthiness

— Jose Alvarado will make the first of back-to-back appearances for the Triple-A Durham Bulls today. Pending the outcome of his outings, Alvarado could rejoin the team on the upcoming road trip.

TNWN: Rays vs Blue Jays — a series preview, part four

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Charlie Morton will get the start in the series opener against the Blue Jays, on Monday.

After the Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Marlins 7-2 on Sunday afternoon, completing a two-game sweep of Miami, they will welcome the Toronto Blue Jays into the Trop for a three-game series. The Blue Jays are coming off a series split against the Orioles.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

For the first time in franchise history, the Rays have scored six or more runs in seven consecutive games. Over that stretch, Tampa Bay has gone 6-1 and swept two consecutive series. They are a red-hot 8-2 in the last 10 games and have won three consecutive series.

The Rays offense has been very good of late, slashing a combined .333 BA/.417 OBP/.640 SLG/1.057 OPS line with a .307 ISO, a 179 wRC+, and a 21.5 wRAA over the last seven days. A caveat, however, they’ve been very lucky to the tune of an unsustainable .408 BABIP over that stretch. Be that as it may, Tampa Bay has done a good job of getting the important situational hits over the last four series (.300, .303, .290, .333 BA wRISP), during which the Rays took two-of-three from the Blue Jays.

Toronto has gotten toasty since the two clubs last met, winning five of seven games. It should be noted though, those five victories came against the dregs of the American League (the Royals and Orioles). Still, the Blue Jays played Tampa Bay very competitively three series ago, and more of the same can be expected this week.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

The Rays are 7-2 against the Blue Jays this season, having outscored them 57-41.

Pitching Probables

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will throw Charlie Morton (12-3, 2.78 ERA), Ryan Yarbough (10-3, 4.01 ERA) in some capacity, and Brendan McKay (2-1, 4.38 ERA). Charlie Montoyo will counter with Jacob Waguespack (2-1, 4.80 ERA), Trent Thornton (4-7, 5.23 ERA), and a pitcher to be named before the series finale.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Charlie Morton allowed four runs on seven hits and two walks across 4-2/3 innings against the Red Sox on Tuesday. He struck out two. Morton’s previous start was also against the Red Sox, and it’s clear that Boston’s hitters made some adjustments. Still, had Morton not been pulled two outs into the fifth inning, he would have been in line for the win. The right-hander is having a great season, as he is 12-3 with a 2.78 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 165 strikeouts across 136 innings. Morton is 0-0 with a 1.93 ERA in one start against the Blue Jays this season.

Jacob Waguespack allowed one run on three hits over six innings against the Royals on Tuesday. He struck out two and walked one. Waguespack completed six innings for the first time in six starts. The 25-year-old maintains a 4.80 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and a 2.67 K/BB over 30 innings this season. Waguespack is 0-1 with a 5.00 ERA in two games (one start) against the Rays this season. Key Matchups: Ji-Man Choi (2-5, RBI), Travis d’Arnaud (2-5, 2B, 2 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-3), Austin Meadows (1-4, 3B, RBI, BB), Tommy Pham (2-4, 2B, RBI, BB)

Ryan Yarbrough allowed four runs on six hits over 4-1/3 relief innings against the Red Sox on Wednesday. He struck out three. Yarbrough served up as many homers as he generated swinging strikes (two) over 75 pitches (51 strikes, 68% strike rate) — but the Rays offense picked him up, allowing Yarbrough to earn his fifth straight win. It was the first time the left-hander allowed more than one run in an outing since June 13. He is 3-0 with a 0.82 ERA in three games (11 innings) against the Blue Jays this season.

Trent Thornton hurled six innings on Wednesday and allowed one run on five hits and no walks while striking out two. Thornton was coming off a 10-day stint on the IL with right elbow inflammation but limited Baltimore to six baserunners on five singles and a hit batsman while tossing 58 of 87 pitches for strikes (67% strike rate). He was successful despite missing few bats — he induced just six swinging strikes. The quality start came after a pair of rough post-All-Star Break outings in which the rookie surrendered nine earned runs across 4-1/3 combined frames. Thornton is now 4-7 with a 5.23 ERA and a 2.27 K/BB over 105 innings this season. He is 0-1 with a 9.39 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay this season. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (1-4), Avisail Garcia (3-5, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (2-4, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB), Austin Meadows (4-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Tommy Pham (1-4, BB)

Brendan McKay allowed three runs on seven hits and one walk over 5-1/3 innings against the Red Sox on Thursday. He struck out seven. McKay got off to an inauspicious start by allowing three of the first four hitters to reach base, including a two-run homer. He settled down though and left with a lead for his second big-league win. McKay was rocked for six runs in his previous outing, so Thursday’s effort was a positive sign for Tampa Bay.

TBA

Noteworthiness

— Jose Alvarado is scheduled to pitch in back-to-back games with Triple-A Durham on Tuesday and Wednesday. If all goes as planned, he will be activated from the IL this weekend on the road.

— Yandy Diaz (left foot bruise) ran on a treadmill Sunday, but there remains no timetable for his return.

— Brandon Lowe (right shin contusion) took ground balls before Sunday’s ballgame, the first time he has done so in several days. Lowe told reporters that a cortisone shot has greatly improved his rehab.

Hopefully, it keeps progressing and I’m back out there soon.

— Brandon Lowe