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TNWN: Rays vs Blue Jays — one last series preview

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Mike Zunino hit an important three-run homer in the series finale against the Yankees, on Thursday.

The Tampa Bay Rays return home on the heels of a massively successful 9-1 road trip (a franchise-best for a road-trip) which included a pair of series sweeps against the Yankees and Red Sox. In doing so, Tampa Bay became the fifth team in MLB history to sweep a three-game series (or more) at Fenway Park and at Yankee Stadium on the same road trip, and the first team to do so since September 1990 (Oakland Athletics). They will play host to the Toronto Blue Jays, who are coming in for a four-game set after notching a doubleheader sweep of the Phillies.

The Rays enter the four-game set as the top team in the AL East by 1/2 game, eight-games over .500 on the season, and with a 99.2% chance of a playoff berth according to FanGraphs.

The Rays were able to limit New York to just 10 runs total over the life of their series, good for an average of 3.33 runs per game. Because of it, they were able to complete their third-ever sweep of a series of three or more games at Yankee Stadium. This season they’ve beaten the Yankees six times in seven tries, ensuring their first season-series win since 2014.

And though they hit just .090 with runners in scoring position against the Blue Jays in the previous series, the Rays bounced back against the Yankees to the tune of a .409 batting average wRISP. Tampa Bay was able to go yard and hit situationally, while also limiting the number of home runs they allowed. All told, the Rays hit six home runs to the Yankees’ four, accounting for 11 of their 20 total runs.

As for Toronto, they mounted a comeback in the second game of a doubleheader against Philadelphia on Thursday. The Blue Jays allowed seven runs to Philadelphia in the top of the first inning, yet a seven-run sixth inning propelled them to a 9-8 win. Hey Fernando Tatís Jr., if you’re reading this, who cares if you’re staked to a seven-run lead. Advantages can evaporate in an instant. Swing away, my friend!

I digress.

Rowdy Tellez led the way in the come from behind win, going 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBI, while Lourdes Gurriel Jr. also added three runs batted in. Toronto also won the first game of the doubleheader, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win, 3-2. Gurriel hit an RBI single in the seventh inning to drive in Teoscar Hernández and win the game.

Both teams have been productive over the last two weeks, however, the Rays offense has been a smidge more effective, outpacing the Blue Jays by 16% as it relates to wRC+, with a +14 run differential. Much like the Yankees, the Blue Jays tend to lean on the home run ball a little too much. If Tampa Bay can keep the ball in the yard, they should be able to collect a series win against Toronto in this, the third and final regular-season set against these AL East rivals.

Pitching Probables

Over the next four days, Kevin Cash will likely call on Ryan Yarbough (0-2, 4.13), Charlie Morton (1-1, 5.40 ERA), Blake Snell (2-0, 3.00 ERA), and Tyler Glasnow (0-2, 6.00 ERA). Charlie Montoyo is expected to counter with Matt Shoemaker (0-1, 5.23 ERA), Hyun-Jin Ryu (2-1, 3.46 ERA), a pitcher to be named before Sunday’s ball game, and Tanner Roark (2-1, 4.76 ERA).

Ryan Yarbrough allowed four hits while striking out two across three scoreless frames against Toronto on Saturday before the contest was suspended due to rain. Yarbrough wasn’t spotless in the performance — he stranded runners in scoring position in two of his three frames — yet the lefty managed to escape both jams and finish his three innings of work with a 1-0 lead. Yarbrough has been dominant against the Blue Jays, going 6-1 with a 2.00 ERA across 11 games and 45 innings of work.

Matt Shoemaker, like a petulant child, was ejected from Sunday’s game against the Rays when he argued about a pitch that was two baseballs off the plate. I guess a real-life pitch f/x box would’ve benefitted Shoemaker. I digress. He ultimately allowed three runs on three hits (including a home run) and one walk while punching out seven across four innings prior to the ejection. It had all the makings of another one of those games against the finesse pitcher. Shoemaker is 3-0 with a 1.90 ERA in four starts (23-2/3 IP) at Tropicana Field. Key Matchups: Not available at the moment.

Charlie Morton was pulled from an August 9 contest against the Yankees after just two innings due to a right shoulder injury. It is thought that he will be activated from the Injured List this weekend after a 13-day stint on the shelf. It, however, is not yet clear if he will pitch Saturday afternoon or not, although it would seem reasonable for him to get the start given that the Rays have yet to announce their pitching plans. Morton is 2-2 with a 3.23 ERA in seven starts (41-2/3 IP) against Toronto.

Hyun-Jin Ryu allowed one run on four hits across six innings of a 7-2 win over Baltimore. He struck out three. Ryu appears to have shaken off his early-season struggles, and the lefty has now turned in back-to-back quality starts while posting a 5:1 K:BB over those 12 innings. He allowed three runs on four hits and three walks over 4-2/3 innings against Tampa Bay on Opening Day. Key Matchups: Not available at the moment.

Blake Snell allowed three runs on four hits (two home runs) and two walks over five innings against the Yankees on Tuesday. He struck out three. Snell has yet to last longer than five innings in a start this season, although his last two outings have resembled vintage Snell, and he’s won both of them. He threw 46 pitches (26 strikes, 57% strike rate) in three scoreless frames against the Blue Jays on July 26. The southpaw has been good in his career against Toronto, going 4-3 with a 2.78 ERA in 12 starts (58-1/3 IP).

TBA

Tyler Glasnow got the start and tossed 5-2/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits and three walks while punching out eight. Down by a pair in the third, New York answered when Luke Voit hit a two-out solo home run into the second deck in right in the third inning. Then in the sixth, Aaron Hicks lined a 1-0 pitch down the right-field line for a triple to lead off the sixth before Voit drew a free pass on a full count curveball. With runners on the corners, Gio Urshela hit a sacrifice fly to right, tying the game at two. Yet Glasnow struck out Mike Ford for the second out of the inning before he gave way to Ryan Thompson. All told, Glasnow threw 51 of 88 pitches for strikes (58% strike rate) while coaxing nine swinging strikes (18% whiff rate). While his strike and whiff rates weren’t eye-popping, the results speak for themselves.

Tanner Roark gave up two runs (one earned) on nine hits with five strikeouts and one walk over five innings against the Orioles. The right-hander certainly wasn’t at his best Wednesday given that he allowed 10 baserunners, although he benefited from Baltimore running into two outs at home plate. Roark has a 4.76 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, and a 15:10 K:BB across 17 innings (four starts) this season. Roark gave up three runs on four hits (including one homer) and four walks across four innings of work against the Rays on August 14. Still, he is 2-0 with a 3.18 ERA in three starts (17 IP) against the Rays.

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

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The high-flying Rays tagged the Boston Red Sox for 42 runs across four games, culminating in a series sweep. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After tagging the Boston Red Sox for 42 runs over their last four games, culminating in a series sweep, the Tampa Bay Rays look to keep the ball rolling against the Toronto Buffalo Blue Jays Bisons in a three-game road set starting Friday. The Blue Jays are coming off a series split with the Marlins.

The Rays turned things around after scuffling in the second and third series of the truncated season. Because of it, they enter the three-game set against the Blue Jays four-games over .500 with a 96.5% chance of a playoff berth (per FanGraphs) with 40 games left to play.

In Boston, the Rays…

  • Scored their most runs and hits since July 12, 2019
  • Notched their first four-game sweep since September 5-8 2019
  • Collected the second four-game sweep against the Red Sox in club history
  • Hit four home runs in back-to-back games for the fourth time in club history.
  • And because they scored 42 runs in the series, they currently lead all of baseball in runs scored.

Because of their hot spate of play, Tampa Bay’s ISO, wOBA, wRC+, and wRAA all increased significantly, as has their BABIP, making them a far more formidable opponent than they were two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jay’s young lineup hasn’t quite lived up to their lofty expectations through the first three weeks of the season. And while they boast a ton of potential — led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette — they haven’t been able to consistently manufacture offense. To their credit, Wednesday’s 11-run output was a step in the right direction.

It bears mentioning, the Rays pitching staff allowed 11 two-out runs against Boston, something that was buried given the offenses explosive output. They will need to rein it in and fast, starting yesterday.

Pitching Probables

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash will lean on Trevor Richards (0-0, 5.79 ERA), Ryan Yarbrough (0-2, 4.71 ERA) and Yonny Chirinos (0-0, 1.04 ERA) will pitch at some point over the weekend. This piece will be updated as Kevin Cash’s pitching plan becomes clear. Charlie Montoyo will counter with Tanner Roark (1-1, 5.63 ERA), Chase Anderson (0-0, 3.00), and Matt Shoemaker (0-1, 4.86 ERA).

Trevor Richards covered four innings out of the bullpen Sunday against the Yankees, surrendering two runs (zero earned) on four hits and two walks while punching out four. Richards entered the contest in the top of the third inning with no outs and a runner on first base after Charlie Morton departed early with right shoulder inflammation. The right-hander started 23 games last season between Miami and Tampa Bay.

Tanner Roark gave up four runs on three hits (two homers) and five walks across three innings against the Red Sox. He struck out one. The right-hander was making his first start since July 28, due to the Blue Jays’ scheduling chaos, and the time off clearly affected him. Roark threw just 31 of 68 pitches for strikes (46% strike rate) before he got the hook. He relies primarily on a worm-killer 90 mph four-seam fastball, while also mixing in an 89 mph two-seam fastball/sinker with little sinking action, an 85 mph 12-6 slider, an 85 mph cutter with good “rise” and has strong cutting action, a 73 mph curveball with exceptional bite, and a 79 mph changeup. Roark is 2-0 with a 2.00 ERA in two starts against Tampa Bay. Key Matchup: José Martínez (2-6)

Ryan Yarbrough gave up four runs on five hits and two walks over 4-1/3 innings on Monday. He struck out one. He didn’t have his best stuff, getting tagged for three runs in the first inning, but Yarbrough was able to settle down and limit the damage the rest of the way. He threw 49 of 77 pitches for strikes (64% strike rate) although he didn’t complete at least five innings for the first time in four starts. Yarbrough is 6-1 with a 2.14 ERA in 10 outings (42 IP) against Toronto, and

Chase Anderson allowed one run on a hit and two walks while fanning one in three innings of work against the Red Sox on Saturday. Anderson threw 26 of his 45 pitches for strikes (58% strike rate). He missed a couple of weeks due to an oblique strain, although he pitched fairly well in a short debut. His only run came on a Christian Vazquez single. The right-hander pitched to a 4.21 ERA and 1.27 WHIP with 124 strikeouts across 139 innings last season with Milwaukee. He still may need a few weeks to get to a starter’s workload. Anderson relies primarily on 93 mph four-seam fastball and a whiffy 78 mph curveball with exceptional bite, while also mixing in an 89 mph cutter, and an 84 mph circle changeup with a ton of added backspin. He has never faced the Rays. Key Matchups: Manuel Margot (2-8), Hunter Renfroe (2-7, 2 2B)

Yonny Chirinos, in his last start before he hit the Injured List, allowed one run on five hits and two walks while striking out three across 4-2/3 innings in a loss to the Orioles. Chirinos increased his pitch count in his second to 72 pitches in his second start of the season, however, expect him to be on a short leash if he takes the mound this weekend. Chirinos is 2-0 with a 6.31 ERA in six outings (25-2/3 IP) against the Blue Jays.

Matt Shoemaker allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits and no walks while punching out six across six innings on Sunday against the Red Sox. Shoemaker allowed two solo homers, one to Mitch Moreland and the other to Rafael Devers, however, the only other hit he allowed was a single to Jackie Bradley Jr. Shoemaker has a bloated 4.86 ERA after getting hit hard in his second outing, yet he has recorded quality starts in his other two turns. The soft-tossing right-hander limited the Rays to one run on three hits and two walks across six innings back on July 25.

TNWN: Rays vs. Blue Jays — one last regular-season series preview

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The Tampa Bay Rays closed out their regular-season home schedule with a sweep of the Yankees. (Photo Credit: X-Rays Spex)

After sweeping the New York Yankees, and winning five of six in their final regular-season home stand, the Tampa Bay Rays hit the road for one last road trip. On Friday, the Rays will start a three-game set against the Toronto Blue Jays, who took two of three from the Orioles.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

Tampa Bay is in the driver’s seat in the AL Wildcard race after their sweep of the Yankees. The Rays pitching staff was dominant in the two-game series, combining for 29 strikeouts and allowing just one run across 21 total innings. In the series finale, the Rays fanned 16 and allowed just one hit; the only other time the Yankees struck out that often with just one hit was the famous Pedro Martinez one-hitter on September 10, 1999, when he struck out 17.

Tampa Bay enters the final series of the season 31 games over .500 for the first time since 2010, a game behind Oakland for the top Wildcard spot, and with a two-game lead over Cleveland for the final AL Wildcard spot. The Rays can clinch their first postseason berth since 2013 with a win and a Cleveland loss, or a pair of wins this weekend.

With three games left to play, the Rays have a 97.1% chance of a postseason berth according to FanGraphs. Baseball Prospectus gives them a 92.8% chance.

The Blue Jays put 11 runs on the board against Baltimore twice in a week, however, aside from those two ballgames, Toronto averaged just over four runs per game in 10 of the last 12 contests. Even so, the Jays are 8-4 over that stretch which included a series win against New York. Expect Toronto to try and play spoiler against Tampa Bay.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

The Rays have owned the Blue Jays this season, going 12-4 with a 28 run differential. In the season series, Toronto has averaged just under four runs per game.

Pitching Probables

Over the next three days, Kevin Cash is expected to throw Tyler Glasnow (6-1, 1.92 ERA), Ryan Yarbrough (11-5, 4.08 ERA), and Blake Snell (6-7, 4.21 ERA). Charlie Montoyo will counter with T.J. Zeuch (1-1, 4.58 ERA), Trent Thornton (5-9, 5.00 ERA), and Clay Buchholz (1-5, 7.00 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Tyler Glasnow was impressive across three innings on Saturday, allowing two hits with zero walks while punching out seven. The right-hander joined Andrew Kittredge and Shawn Camp as one of only three Rays to strike out seven in three innings or fewer. The team has been cautious with Glasnow, who missed a majority of the summer with a forearm strain since he returned from the IL. He didn’t make it through the four innings the Rays had planned, yet he was spectacular in his time on the mound. Glasnow owns a 2.25 ERA with 17 strikeouts in eight innings (three outings) since returning from the IL. Overall, he is 6-1 with a 1.92 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and a .198 batting average against with 72 strikeouts across 56-1/3 innings this season. Glasnow will get one final regular-season tuneup against the Blue Jays on Friday.

T.J. Zeuch allowed two runs on four hits with no walks and six strikeouts across four innings against the Yankees on Saturday. Zeuch was making his second start this season, and he shut out the Yankees over the first three frames before the 24-year-old allowed two runs in the fourth inning on doubles by Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton and a single by Mike Ford. He was removed after 70 pitches. In 17-2/3 big-league innings, Zeuch has a 4.58 ERA, a 1.47 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts. Zeuch relies primarily on a whiffy 92 mph sinker with armside run and has some natural sinking action, while also mixing in an 84 mph 12-6 slider with two-plane movement, an 83 mph changeup with a ton of backspin, and a whiffy 76 mph curveball.

Ryan Yarbrough gave up six runs on eight hits and one walk while striking out just two over 3-1/3 innings against the Red Sox on Sunday. Yarbrough endured a disastrous first inning in which he allowed six hits, including a three-run home run, before running into trouble again in the fourth. Expect Yarbrough, who has a 4.08 ERA with 114 strikeouts through 27 appearances this season, to be on a short leash.

Trent Thornton worked five innings and gave up four runs on five hits while striking out three on Sunday against the Yankees. Thornton had previously shined in his previous two turns as a primary pitcher with a sparkling 5.5 K/BB and one run allowed over 10 innings, but the two-run homer he allowed to DJ LeMahieu prevented the right-hander from maintaining momentum. Thornton is 0-1 with an 8.44 ERA in four starts against the Rays this season (16 innings of work). Key Matchups: Willy Adames (2-8, HR, 2 RBI), Matt Duffy (1-2), Avisail Garcia (4-7, 1 HR, 4 RBI, BB), Brandon Lowe (3-5, 2B, HR, 4 RBI), Austin Meadows (7-9, 2B, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), Eric Sogard (1-2), Joey Wendle (1-3, 2B)

Blake Snell allowed one run on two hits and three walks while striking out three over 1-2/3 innings against the Red Sox on Monday. Snell struggled with his command, allowing three free passes before being pulled in the second inning after allowing a run on a double. The Rays are still easing the left-hander back into his usual workload, and he was not expected to pitch more than a few innings. Snell has a 4.21 ERA with 143 strikeouts through 22 starts this season.

Clay Buchholz allowed six runs on six hits and three walks while striking out four over four innings against the Orioles on Monday. Buchholz was hit hard, allowing three home runs, including two in the fifth inning. The right-hander has a 1-5 record with a 7.00 ERA and 33 strikeouts across 11 starts this season. He is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two 2019 starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (3-4, 2 2B), Austin Meadows (3-8, RBI), Tommy Pham (1-3), Joey Wendle (2-2)

Noteworthiness

— Free on Sunday? Join us at Golden Dinosaurs Vegan Deli for only last regular season watch party, as OUR guys finalize their playoff push!

Let’s fill the patio with blue — both light and dark — grey, and sunburst yellow. Discounts for Rays fans…oh, and did I mention fun and camaraderie? Help cheer on OUR crew, hope to see you there!

Do they owe is a Wildcard? Of course they do, of course, they do.

TNWN: Rays vs Blue Jays — one last home series preview

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  • Can Travis d’Arnaud keep up his offensive productivity when the Blue Jays come to town? (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After winning two consecutive series against Cleveland and Baltimore and going 5-1 on the current homestand, the Tampa Bay Rays will welcome the Toronto Blue Jays into the Trop for a four-game set, starting Thursday. The Blue Jays dropped both games of a two-game series against Atlanta, and seven of their last 10.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

In spite of going 3-for-15 wRISP (.200 BA) and plating just nine runs total against the Orioles, Rays hitters have fared much better at the plate of late, slashing an overall .265 BA/.325 OBP/.454 SLG/.779 OPS line over the last 14 days, with a moderately powerful .189 ISO and an improved but not stellar 106 wRC+.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jays seem to be going in the opposite direction, slashing a combined .213 BA/.287 OBP/.364 SLG/.651 OPS line, with a significantly below league average 72 wRC+ over the last 14 days.

Toronto’s pitching staff also hasn’t been great over the same stretch, posting an overall 3-9 record with a 4.17 ERA and a 4.64 FIP (starters: 1-5, 4.01 ERA and a 4.51 FIP, relievers: 2-4, 4.78 ERA and a 4.74 FIP).

The Rays should be able to limit the Blue Jays offense and tag the pitching staff with some runs.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

After this series, Tampa Bay will embark on a pretty big road trip which will take them out west. Before they face the mighty Dodgers on the 17th and 18th — kicking off a stretch of eight consecutive games against plus .500 teams — the Rays will have an opportunity to pad the win column while also staying relevant in the AL Wildcard race. However, that doesn’t mean they should take this series for granted … after all, Toronto took two-of-three from Tampa Bay the last time the two teams met, at the beginning of August.

The Rays are 8-4 against the Blue Jays this season, and 4-2 at home.

Pitching Probables

Over the next four days, Kevin Cash will throw Austin Pruitt (2-0, 4.78 ERA), Brendan McKay (2-3, 5.55 ERA), Charlie Morton (14-6, 3.06 ERA), and Ryan Yarbrough (11-3, 3.49 ERA). Charlie Montoyo is expected to counter with Trent Thornton (4-9, 5.34 ERA), Clay Buchholz (1-3, 5.45 ERA), a hurler to be named before Saturday’s contest, and Jacob Waguespack (4-3, 3.97 ERA).

Austin Pruitt got the start against Cleveland on Friday because the Rays had used seven pitchers against Houston the day before. Contrary to his season numbers, “Cy” Pruitt set the tone with the best outing of his big league career. Pruitt surrendered four hits while striking out six across 5-1/3 scoreless frames. The right-hander threw 52 of 77 pitches for strikes (68% strike rate) as well as 14 of 20 first-pitch strikes while coaxing 11 swinging strikes. He lowered his ERA by almost a full point — from 5.57 to 4.78 — and now carries a 1.27 WHIP and a 3.67 K/BB over 37-2/3 on the season. Color me surprised … I’ll take it.

Trent Thornton yielded four runs (three earned) on six hits while striking out six over five innings on Friday against Houston. Thornton gave up all four of his runs in the fifth inning, allowing a three-run blast before getting the hook. Even though he owns a 5.34 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP, with 123 punchouts over 129-2/3 innings this season, the 25-year-old has allowed three or fewer earned runs in four consecutive outings. Be that as it may, Thornton is 0-1 with a whopping 11.12 ERA in three starts against the Rays this season. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (2-6, HR, 2 RBI), Travis d’Arnaud (1-3), Matt Duffy (1-2), Avisail Garcia (4-6, HR, 3 RBI, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (3-6, 2B, 3B, RBI, BB), Austin Meadows (6-7, 3 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), Tommy Pham (1-4), Eric Sogard (1-2)

Brendan McKay was recalled by the Rays on Tuesday. The highly-touted prospect made his big league debut in late June although he hasn’t really established himself. He owns a 5.55 ERA in 35-2/3 big-league innings thus far, which led to an August demotion. However, the southpaw struck out eight and allowed just a hit and a walk across three scoreless frames in his last appearance with Triple-A Durham. McKay ripped through opposing hitters over 53 pitches, 39 of which were strikes (74% strike rate). He allowed three runs on six hits (including two home runs) and a walk across five innings in his last start against the Blue Jays.

Clay Buchholz allowed two runs on three hits and five walks with three strikeouts across 5-2/3 innings against the Astros on Saturday. It’s been a tough season for Buchholz, as he missed three months with a shoulder injury, yet he finally tallied the first win of his 2019 campaign. Buchholz also pitched well in his previous start, yielding just three hits. The right-hander owns a 3.08 ERA in two outings since his return from the shoulder ailment but is 1-3 with a 5.45 ERA, and a 1.35 WHIP, with 18 strikeouts in 36-1/3 innings this season. He is 9-8 with a 2.62 ERA in his career against the Rays, and 6-3 with a 1.87 ERA in 12 starts at the Trop. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (1-2), Ji-Man Choi (1-4), Austin Meadows (2-5, RBI), Tommy Pham (1-3), Eric Sogard (1-3, RBI, BB)

Charlie Morton gave up one earned run on four hits and three walks with eight strikeouts across 5-1/3 innings against Cleveland on Sunday. Morton guided the Rays to a huge series sweep against Cleveland after he got blasted by the Astros in his previous outing. Morton yielded an RBI double in the second inning and found himself in a bit of a jam, although he was able to escape and finish the rest of his outing cleanly. He needed 108 pitches to get through just 5-1/3 innings, which isn’t the height of efficiency, yet the bullpen got the job done over the balance of the game. Morton now sports a 3.06 ERA and a 4.18 K/BB ratio over 170-1/3 innings. The right-hander is 0-1 with a 2.31 ERA in two starts against Toronto this season.

TBA

Ryan Yarbrough got the start on Monday and battled over six innings, allowing four runs on nine hits while fanning four against Baltimore. Yarbrough cruised through the first five frames, but the Orioles dinged him up for four runs in the sixth inning on a homer, three singles, and a double. Still, the 27-year-old has put together a solid 2019 campaign, posting a 3.49 ERA and a 0.90 WHIP, with a 7.29 K/BB across 121-1/3 innings.

Jacob Waguespack allowed four runs (two earned) on one hit with five walks and four strikeouts across four innings against Atlanta on Monday. While he gave up just one hit, it was a home run, while the walks just killed him. One of his five walks scored on the long ball, and two more Braves who reached with walks crossed the plate because of an error. Waguespack threw seven shutout innings two starts ago, but since he’s yielded five earned runs (nine total) in seven innings. He owns a 3.97 ERA, a 1.27 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts across 59 innings this season. The right-hander is 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA in three outings (two starts) against the Rays this season. Key Matchups: Jesus Aguilar (1-3), Ji-Man Choi (2-7, RBI, BB), Travis d’Arnaud (2-5, 2B, 2 RBI), Avisail Garcia (1-3), Nate Lowe (1-3), Tommy Pham (2-7, 2B, RBI, BB), Eric Sogard (1-2)

Noteworthiness

— Enter Tommy Pham, the smoothie king:

— After all the chatter about whether or not Orioles pitchers were trying to hit Pham, one of their hurlers did hit a Ray, Eric Sogard, late in Tuesday’s game. Fortunately, the utility player is okay.

https://twitter.com/EricSogard/status/1169090744482697217

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