Rays vs Yankess series preview Archives

The New What Next: Rays Vs. Yankees — a series preview

July 27, 2017 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

The Tampa Bay Rays finished off an otherwise disappointing home stand by taking two of three big games from the Orioles. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing the gauntlet. The Tampa Bay Rays are about to embark on a stretch of 17 consecutive games without an off-day, with the next 11 coming against playoff contenders. First stop the Bronx, where the Rays will take on the Yankees in a four-game series that will likely have postseason implications.

Tampa Bay finished off an otherwise disappointing 2-4 home stand by taking two of three big games from the Orioles. New York has won three in a row, including six of its past eight. The two are separated by a game in the standings as both chase the first-place Red Sox in the AL East, and both contend for a Wildcard spot.

On the subject of this gauntlet of a stretch, Adam Sanford (DRaysBay) said it best:

The next three weeks will be critical in deciding the Rays playoff hopes, as a prolonged slump could lead them being dismissed early, while a sudden winning streak could see them surge to the top of the standings.

… And it all starts Friday night.

(Stats: ESPN)

Evan Longoria told Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) that he is excited for the challenge ahead:

It’s going to be fun. Going on the road and playing teams in first place or in playoff contention is fun. I feel like this team is really built for that. We play well on the road, and it seems like when we go and play tough teams, we’re able to rise to the occasion.

This will be pretty indicative of what type of team we are and definitely get a feel for how we can play under pressure.

While it may be fun — and the Rays do tend to play better when they are faced with a challenge — the fact of the matter is that they have not performed well in the Bronx this season, going 0-3 at New Yankee Stadium, and 4-5 against the Bronx Bummers overall. Then again, the Rays did take 2-of-3 from the Yankees, the last time they faced them in May.

While it was encouraging for Tampa Bay to average five runs per game over the last two games, the team desperately needs the bats of Corey Dickerson and Logan Morrison to come back to life.

For Dickerson, that means limiting the amount he swings outside of the zone, thus forcing pitchers like CC Sabathia (who he will face Friday) back over the plate. Consider that Dickerson made contact with 74% of pitches outside of the zone to start the season. Since slipping into this extended funk though, that percentage has dropped to 71.9% overall. Meanwhile, his strikeout rate has ballooned from 18.8% at the start of May, to 23.6% currently. Dickerson has taken a few walks of late, a sign that he’s starting to see the ball a little better. But, he hasn’t had a hit in his last 17 plate appearances (extending back to 7/21, when he went 3-for-4 against Oakland). Without the productive bat of Colby Rasmus to lean upon, LoMo and Dickerson have become that much more important in the Rays lineup … yet they haven’t been there of late. Hopefully that short porch in right field is enticing enough for the two of them to hammer a few bombs over the span of this series.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Kevin Cash will depend upon Chris Archer (7-6, 3.77 ERA, 3.10 FIP), a pitcher to be determined before Friday’s ball game, Blake Snell (0-6, 4.86 ERA, 5.08 FIP), and Jacob Faria (5-1, 2.67 ERA, 3.65 FIP) over the next four days. Joe Girardi will counter with CC Sabathia (9-3, 3.44 ERA, 4.19 FIP), Masahiro Tanaka (7-9, 5.37 ERA, 4.92 FIP), Caleb Smith (0-0, 9.82 ERA, 2.88 FIP), and Jordan Montgomery (7-2, 3.92 ERA, 4.07 FIP).

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Archer was electric against the Orioles on Monday, but took his fourth loss after he uncorked two wild pitches which allowed the go ahead run to score all the way from second. Archer, however, has made five consecutive quality starts and has gone at least six innings in 12 straight starts. New York typically has trouble against Archer, who has posted a 2.73 ERA against the Yankees and held them to a .202 batting average.

Sabathia, the swarthy left-hander, has won two of his three starts since coming off the 10-day DL at the beginning of July. His most recent outing came against Seattle, in which he threw five innings of one run ball, while allowing four hits. He struck out five. The southpaw has fared well against Tampa Bay of late. The Yankees are in the midst of a seven-game winning streak against Rays in his starts, and in the past two-plus years, Sabathia is 4-0 with a 3.05 ERA against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (3-11, 2B, RBI, BB), Peter Bourjos (4-15, BB), Evan Longoria (30-74, 9 2B, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 15 BB), Logan Morrison (2-3), Trevor Plouffe (6-23, HR, RBI, 2 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (6-16, HR, RBI, BB)

TBA

Tanaka has pitched better since a poor string of starts in May, yet he lost his last two starts against the Brewers and the Red Sox. In his most recent outing, he allowed four runs over six innings against Seattle, yet earned a win. Tanaka has not been very good against the Rays this season, lasting just 5-2/3 innings in two starts, and allowing 13 runs on 17 hits — including Opening Day, when he allowed seven earned runs in 2-2/3 innings. Key Matchups: Corey Dickerson (8-18, 2 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI, BB), Adeiny Hechavarria (2-3, RBI), Trevor Plouffe (3-12, 2B), Wilson Ramos (1-3), Mallex Smith (1-2), Jesus Sucre (1-2, 2B, RBI)

Snell pitched well against the Orioles on Monday, throwing two batters into the eighth inning and — much to the surprise of some, and the chagrin of others — rarely found himself in trouble with any of Baltimore’s batters. The southpaw worked over the outside of the plate against righties with fastballs and changeups, although he wasn’t afraid to come inside from time to time. Snell stayed in control of his stuff for all seven-plus innings of his start — and yes, that includes the two hits he allowed in the top of the eighth (a single to left by Rubén Tejada, and a bunt single by Joey Rickard that rolled back into play). The Yankees have chased Snell early in his starts, but without much damage. He has a 2.38 ERA against New York in five starts but has lasted only 22-2/3 innings.

Smith couldn’t make it through four innings in his first big league start against Seattle on Sunday, allowing four runs on five hits over 3-2/3 innings. The southpaw has primarily relied upon a 93 mph four-seam fastball with slight arm-side run and some added backspin, a whiffy 81 mph slider, and a firm 84 mph changeup.

Faria has pitched well since being promoted from Triple-A Durham, posting quality starts in eight of nine starts. He bounced back with an impressive 7-1/3 inning start — his longest outing since he went eight for Montgomery at the end of 2015. There was a legitimate fear of familiarity with Faria facing the Orioles for the third time this season, yet the right-hander scattered seven hits, walked two and struck out five; holding the birds to 1-for-6 wRISP. His pitch mix kept the Orioles off balance, and though Baltimore made some noise with loud, hard contact, defensive luck — with those balls finding gloves not gaps — kept Faria in the black.

Montgomery carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning in his most recent start against the Reds. He, however, was pulled from the game after tossing just 85 pitches, after he allowed one run on two hits, while fanning six. Montgomery made his big league debut against the Rays in April and allowed three runs on five hits (including a homer) over 4-2/3 innings. Key Matchups: Tim Beckham (1-2), Peter Bourjos (1-2), Steven Souza Jr. (1-3, 2B)

Noteworthiness

— Daniel Robertson and Kevin Kiermaier will start their rehab assignments with the Charlotte Stone Crabs on Thursday. Kiermaier is on track to return in early to mid August.

— Diego Moreno was activated from the DL yesterday, then optioned to Triple-A Durham. However, since the Rays needed to open a spot on the 40-man roster for the newly acquired Dan Jennings, Moreno has been designated for assignment.

— Austin Pruitt has been added to the taxi squad and will start Friday for the Rays in New York.

The New What Next: Rays vs Yankees — a series preview; Brad Miller placed on DL

May 19, 2017 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Former Ray Steve Pearce is forced out at second by second baseman Brad Miller, who was placed on the 10-day DL Thursday. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

The Tampa Bay Rays return home from a 4-2 road trip, to begin a three-game series against the AL East Division leading New York Yankees. The Yankees are up six games up on the Rays, however, things can easily change this weekend.

Not only did the Rays post their first winning road trip of the season, but they are coming off a pair of winning series’ at the hands of the Red Sox and Cleveland — of which they averaged 6-1/2 runs per game. Meanwhile the Yankees, we able to take the series from the suddenly hot Royals, although they dropped the finale by a 5-1 margin. They also have lost five of their last eight overall.

(Stats: ESPN)

This series features three of the hottest hitters in baseball, those being Aaron Judge, Starlin Castro, and Corey Dickerson.

For the Rays, though Logan Morrison leads the team with 11 home runs, Dickerson — who has nine homers to go along with 53 hits (23 XBH) — is the hottest hitter overall.

FYI here are Corey’s ranks among DHs on the ballot:
▪️1st – avg
▪️1st – hits
▪️1st – 2B
▪️1st – 3B
▪️1st – XBH
▪️1st – TB
▪️1st – runs

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 17, 2017

For New York, Judge is leading the majors with 14 home runs, and is fifth in slugging percentage (.720) and runs scored (32). Castro is first in the majors in base hits (38) and hits overall (54), sixth in batting average (.351), and seventh in runs scored (29).

The AL East rivals have played each other six times this season, with New York leading the series 4-2. However, the Rays are 2-1 against the Yankees at the Trop, where the series will be played.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Kevin Cash will throw Erasmo Ramirez (2-0, 2.92 ERA, 3.65 FIP), Matt Andriese (3-1, 3.18 ERA, 4.45 FIP), and Chris Archer (3-2, 3.70 ERA, 3.16 FIP) over the next three days. Joe Girardi will counter with Luis Severino (2-2, 3.86 ERA, 3.75 FIP), Masahiro Tanaka (5-2, 5.80 ERA, 5.37 FIP), and CC Sabathia (3-2, 4.93 ERA, 4.84 FIP).

Pitching Matchups

Ramirez moved into the starting rotation after Blake Snell was optioned to Triple-A Durham. That isn’t to question Ramirez’s ability to start games, as he has made spot starts on and off the last two seasons. In his last start, against the Detroit Tigers, Erasmo fired five innings of one-run ball, allowing just two hits while striking out five batters. The right-hander has worked to a 2-0 record with a 2.92 ERA/3.65 FIP.

Severino allowed three runs on six hits and three walks over 2-1/3 innings Sunday. He struck out two and hit a batter in the no-decision. Severino posted seven strong innings against the Rays back on April 13, allowing just two runs on five hits. In the month of May, the hard throwing right-hander has allowed nine runs over his last 15 innings of work. Key matchups: Peter Bourjos (1-2, HR, RBI), Corey Dickerson (3-5, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, BB), Steven Souza Jr. (3-9, 2B, HR, RBI, BB), Jesus Sucre (1-2, RBI)

Andriese battled against the Red Sox in his last start, allowing just two runs on four hits and four walks, while striking out five batters over five innings. The right-hander has been solid, although the outcome of this game likely depends upon which Tanaka shows up to pitch for New York on Saturday.

Tanaka was tagged for eight runs on seven hits and one walk over just 1-2/3 innings on Sunday by the Astros. He has shown some promise this season, winning each of his previous five starts, and allowing a total of 11 earned runs in that span. Yet at other times it looks like he’s throwing batting practice. Tanaka allowed seven runs on eight hits in just 2-2/3 innings of work against Tampa Bay on Opening Day. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-3, 2B), Corey Dickerson (6-16, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (6-12, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI, BB)

Archer relinquished seven runs (six earned) on five hits and six walks over five innings on Monday. He fanned six batters. The right-hander was undone in the first when he allowed three runs on three walks and two hits — including a three-run blast by Lonnie Chisenhall. And though he settled down, Archer still struggled with his control en route to a new season high in walks. He looks to bounce back against Grimmace on Sunday.

Sabathia fired 6-2/3 scoreless innings Tuesday night, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out four. Sabathia has beaten the Rays once this season, in a five-inning start where he allowed just three hits and a big ol’ goose egg. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (3-8, 2B, RBI, BB), Kevin Kiermaier (4-8, 2 HR, 2 RBI), Evan Longoria (30-73, 9 2B, 7 HR, 16 RBI, 14 BB), Logan Morrison (2-3), Derek Norris (3-11, 2B, HR5 RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (6-14, HR, RBI, 2 BB)

Noteworthiness

— After missing the last two games with abdominal soreness, Brad Miller was officially placed on the 10-day DL Thursday afternoon with a lower abdominal strain, retroactive to May 16. He is available to return to the fold as early as May 26.

In his place, the Rays purchased the contact of Michael Martinez from the Cleveland Indians for money and a player to be named later. The team moved LHP Xavier Cedeño to the 60-day DL to make room on the 40-man roster for Martinez.

Martinez has played in a total of 282 games between 2011 to 2017, posting a total of -2.7 WAR over that time. In his most recent claim to fame, Martinez the player who made final out of 2016 World Series for Cleveland, in the loss to the Cubs.

Daniel Robertson will handle the starting second base duties in Miller’s absence, with Martinez serving as infield bench depth.

— The Rays plan to promote Jose De Leon to Triple-A Durham next week. He has been working his way from a spring flexor issue with the Class-A Charlotte Stone Crabs.

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

April 10, 2017 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays to cap a winning homestand. They opened season a franchise-best 5-2. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times)

The Tampa Bay Rays departed from the Sunshine State on Sunday, en route to New York where they will start a three-game/four day set against the Yankees Monday afternoon — the second series against the Bronx Bummers in a week and a half.

(Stats: ESPN)

Tampa Bay capped a massively successful 5-2 homestand with another come-from-behind win against the Blue Jays, a 7-2 contest that included a triplet of homers by Corey Dickerson, Steven Souza Jr., and Jesus Sucre. The 5-2 start marks the Rays’ best seven game start in team history, while they sit three games over .500 for the first time since July 2, 2015.

The Yankees, on the other hand, suffered their second consecutive series loss, this time to the Orioles; although they did salvage a win on Sunday for just their second win of the season. Speaking of losses, New York placed catcher Gary Sanchez on the 10-day disabled list with a right biceps strain that he incurred during an at-bat against Baltimore on Saturday.

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Kevin Cash will throw Alex Cobb (1-0, 1.59 ERA), Blake Snell (0-1, 5.40 ERA), and Matt Andriese (0-0, 9.00 ERA) over the next three games. Joe Girardi will counter with Michael Pineda (0-1, 9.82 ERA), Luis Severino (0-0, 7.20 ERA), and Masahiro Tanaka (0-1, 11.74 ERA).

(Stats: FanGraphs)

Pitching Matchups

Alex Cobb looked like, well…Alex Cobb on Wednesday, holding the Yankees to one run on four hits and a walk, while striking out four in 5-2/3 innings to earn the win. Yet with a 4.45 FIP and a minuscule .188 BABIP over the balance of his start, one can’t help but wonder how much of the favorable outcome had to do with good luck. In any case, including Wednesday’s win, the right-hander is 6-3 with a 2.82 ERA over his career against the Yankees, and 1-1 with a 2.63 ERA in four career starts at Yankee Stadium. He’s even better in daytime starts, collecting an 11-8 record with a 2.73 ERA. That he’s facing the Yankees during the day at Yankee Stadium holds a good omen for Cobb; no whammies.

Michael Pineda gets the call for the Yankees’ home opener, after surrendering four runs and eight hits over 3-2/3 innings to the Rays. Pineda is looking to snap a career-long 11-start win drought, with his last victory coming on August 5, 2016. He, however, might have his work set out for him against Tampa Bay, a team that he hasn’t fared well against over his career (2-5, 4.65 ERA against the Rays). To his credit, Pineda has good stuff — a worm killer of a cutter, a whiffy slider, and a hard swing and miss changeup — although he tends lose “it” once or twice a game, as evidenced by his last start against Tampa Bay. It’ll be up to the Rays to take advantage of Pineda when he starts to lose command and control of his pitches. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (8-14, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (5-20, 2B, 3B, 3 RBI, 4 BB), Brad Miller (7-20, 2 2B, 2 3B, HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), Logan Morrison (5-14, HR, 2 RBI, Derek Norris (1-2, 2 RBI), Mallex Smith (1-2), Steven Souza Jr. (10-21, 3 2B, 4 HR, 7 RBI)

Blake Snell allowed five runs in 6-2/3 innings in his first start of the year Thursday. The southpaw, however, was better than his line suggests, as one swing of the bat resulted in a grand slam from Kendrys Morales. His downfall continues to be his walks, and he had five of them against Toronto. Snell went 0-1 with a 4.70 ERA at Yankee Stadium last season.

Luis Severino pitched well throughout most of his season debut, yet a poorly placed fastball resulted in a three-run homer by Manny Machado — similar to Snell, his opponent on Wednesday. Severino boasts a 95 mph four seam fastball, a hard changeup, and a low ’90s slider, and has posted a 3-1 record with a 3.47 ERA in seven games (three starts) against Tampa Bay. However, he is 4-6 with a 4.93 ERA at Yankee Stadium. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (2-2, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (3-6, 2B, HR, RBI, BB)

Matt Andriese, who appears to be the weakest link in the Rays starting rotation, lasted just four innings Friday against Toronto, the fifth time since the start of last season he’s been unable to finish five innings (in 20 starts). He went 1-1 with a 6.30 ERA in two 2016 starts at Yankee Stadium, and 1-2 with a 6.05 ERA against the Yankees overall.

Masahiro Tanaka has been rather disappointing thus far, surrendering a career-high seven earned runs in just 2-2/3 innings against the Rays, and three runs over five innings against the Orioles. Tanaka walked four and hit two batters in that start. Tanaka typically boasts a potent four-pitch repertoire: a 91 mph sinker, an 88 mph splitter, a 92 mph four-seam fastball, and an 84 mph slider. He also rarely throws a 79 mph curveball and a 91 mph cutter. That mix has been spotty at best over his last 7-2/3 innings of work. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-3, 2B), Corey Dickerson (6-16, 2 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (6-12, 2B, 3B, HR, RBI, BB), Mallex Smith (1-2)

Noteworthiness

— All three Rays home runs Sunday came on two-strike counts: Corey Dickerson (1-2), Steven Souza Jr. (1-2), Jesus Sucre (0-2).

— Souza has six RBI in his past three games.

— Dickerson has reached base at least twice in five straight games.

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

August 12, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Matt Duffy, photographed taking batting practice at the Trop, will make his debut with the Rays on Friday in New York. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays conclude their brief six-game roadtrip with a three-game series in New York, against those dastardly Yankees. Tampa Bay, who recently swept New York at home, currently leads the season series five games to four.

The biggest news going into the series isn’t the culmination of Alex Rodriguez’s career, which couldn’t have come soon enough in my opinion. Sorry A-Rod, you pompous asshole, I’m looking forward to the debut of shortstop Matt Duffy, who was acquired by the Rays in the trade of Matt Moore to San Francisco.

Leading up to his activation from the DL, Tampa Bay shifted Brad Miller to first base and optioned Richie Shaffer back to Triple-A Durham, freeing up space for Duffy on the roster .

Duffman came up as a shortstop, but was placed at third with the Giants because of a little middle-infielder, you may have heard of, named Brandon Crawford. Though when Matt Silverman put together the trade for Duffy, he did so with an eye on solidifying the team’s defense moving forward.

Rays manager Kevin Cash compared Duffy to another AL East shortstop, J.J. Hardy:

Our hope is he is a ‘two-out shortstop’ —and what I mean by that is when we’ve got two outs and a ground ball is hit to him, the inning’s over. I compare, just from watching him take ground balls, with the utmost respect, he looks like a J.J. Hardy. Looks very, just, solid. Catches balls. We’re not looking for him to go range around all over the diamond. But when the ball’s hit to him, you’re out.

Duffy allowed that he wants to be a solid fielder:

I wasn’t making the highlight reel, I guess you would say, but I was proud about being counted on to make the routine play, I guess that was kind of my thing. And trying to be as calm as possible all the time no matter what the situation.

We wrote about what you can expect from the newest Ray after the trade deadline.

Meanwhile back at the ranch…The Rays are 5-2 in their last seven games against the AL East, this in spite of their most recent series loss to Toronto. The Yankees, on the other hand, are 0-4 in CC Sabathia’s (who gets the start Friday) last four home starts, and 0-5 in his last five starts against the AL East. They did just take two of three from Boston in their most recent series.

Cash will rely upon the services of Chris Archer (6-15, 4.26 ERA), Matt Andriese (6-3, 2.90 ERA), and Jake Odorizzi (6-5, 3.69 ERA) over the next three days. Joe Girardi will counter with CC “Grimace” Sabathia (6-9, 4.18 ERA), Masahiro Tanaka (8-4, 3.32 ERA), and a pitcher to be named before to Sunday’s contest.

Rays Series Starters

Archer mowed down the Twins over six innings on Saturday, allowing one earned run on three hits and three walks over six innings, collecting seven K’s. The Rays’ ace put together his fourth consecutive quality start and notched his second victory over that span. Despite the gaudy record, Archer has settled into a groove since the All-Star Break, giving up total 13 runs (11 earned) on 24 hits and seven walks over 32-2/3. He also whiffed 38 over that span, and lowered his ERA from 4.66 to 4.26.

Andriese allowed three runs on six hits and a walk over 4-2/3 innings on Sunday. He struck out seven. The righty was stretched out a little more, throwing 76 pitches, although he got yanked in the fifth inning without being in any particular kind of jam. Look for him to pitch deeper into the game Saturday, and possibly even pitch long enough to qualify for a win.

Odorizzi gave up four runs (two earned) over 5-1/3 innings in a no-decision on Monday against Toronto. He relinquished eight hits, walked three, and fanned four. That start broke a stretch of three consecutive shutout starts for Odorizzi. Still, the righty has allowed just six runs in five starts since the All-Star Break.

Yankees Series Starters

Grimace gave up three earned runs on six hits and four walks over 5-2/3 innings in a loss to the Indians on Saturday. He struck out five. The southpaw was given an early 2-0 lead, however, he struggled with his control and couldn’t sustain the lead. As it was written elsewhere, Sabathia’s troubles actually started with the long ball, as he gave up a 399-foot homer to Jason Kipnis in the fourth. He yielded an RBI single to Rajai Davis in the following frame, and then Mike Napoli helped chase him with a 408-foot solo shot to right center. The 36 year-old has now given up eight earned runs over his first two August starts. Sabathia allowed three runs on nine hits and and three walks over 4-2/3 lackluster innings against the Rays on April 22nd. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-4, RBI, BB), Logan Forsythe (8-18, 4 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-2), Evan Longoria (26-67, 9 2B, 6 HR, 14 RBI, 13 BB), Steven Souza Jr. (3-7, 2BB)

Tanaka allowed one run on six hits over six innings while striking out eight on Sunday, in his best start of the season. The righty threw 21 of 25 first-pitch strikes, consistently keeping the Indians behind in the count. It was first time in six starts (the seventh time all season) that Tanaka hit a triple-digit pitch count, as the Yankees are carefully managing his workload. Tanaka blanked the Rays over seven innings back on May 27th, allowing just two hits. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (2-5, 2B, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (3-5, 3B, HR, RBI)

Noteworthiness

— Clearly some people give a shit about A-Rod, however, I’m not one of them. I cannot wait for the 27th out Friday night, to never have to bear witness to this smug asshole again. That said, Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) wrote a fitting eulogy for the death of A-Rod’s pock-marked career.

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

July 29, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

The Tampa Bay Rays claimed their first win at Dodger Stadium, a 3-1 victory in the series finale on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays are set to begin a three-game series against the New York Yankees Friday night, at Tropicana Field.

Tampa Bay looks for consistency after splitting the last 10 games. The starting rotation has allowed just seven runs in their last three games, and three runs or less in seven of their last eight. Yet in spite of their 2.51 ERA (3.34 FIP) over that 10-game span, the offense hasn’t been able to pick up the hurlers with any consistency. Nevertheless, they have won five of their last eight games when allowing three runs or fewer.

The Yankees have won six of their last nine games, and look to keep things rolling this weekend. New York scored just nine runs in their last three games, and four or more runs in four of their last nine. And while their offense has been hit or miss of late, they’ve won nine straight consecutive games when scoring more than three runs.

Kevin Cash will throw Jake Odorizzi (4-5, 4.10 ERA), Drew Smyly (2-11, 5.42 ERA), and Blake Snell (2-4, 3.05 ERA) over the weekend series. Joe Girardi will respond with Ivan Nova (7-5, 4.65 ERA), Nathan Eovaldi (9-6, 4.80 ERA), and Michael Pineda (5-9, 5.00 ERA).

Rays Series Starters

Odorizzi threw eight scoreless frames in Friday’s extra-inning affair against the Athletics, allowing five hits and striking out five. In the midst of trade speculation, the 26 year-old righty showcased his best outing of the season. Sadly Odorizzi leads the league with 12 no-decisions, and in six of his no-decisions he’s allowed just one run or fewer. The culprit? Odorizzi is 13-14 since the start of last season, and has received just 24 runs of support in his 14 losses.

Smyly tossed six excellent innings of one-run ball Saturday against Oakland, fanning and walking one en route to a no-decision. The southpaw gave up a run in the first inning, after allowing three to reach base, before settling down and cruising for the next five, needing just 88 total pitches to do so. Smyly broke out of his slump of four straight losses, during which he posted an obscene 9.14 ERA, and nearly won his first game in over two months.

Snell relinquished just two runs in 6-2/3 innings on Sunday, collecting four strikeouts and walking two against the Athletics. The lefty got off to an inauspicious start by allowing two runs on four hits with just one out in the first inning, but he calmed down and allowed just five baserunners over the next six frames. Snell has posted three straight quality starts, while allowing just four runs in 18-2/3 innings in that span — lowering his season ERA to 3.06.

Yankees Series Starters

Nova, who could be the next hurler on the trade block for the Yankees, has had a home run problem this season, owning a 1.7 HR/9. He also hasn’t posted a K/9 above 8.0 since 2012. Be that as it may, the righty hurled seven innings of one-run ball in his last start, while scattering six hits and fanning seven. Nova collected 2-1/3 scoreless innings of work against Tampa Bay in April, but is 3-2 with a 5.11 ERA against the Rays in seven career starts. Key matchups: Curt Casali (1-2, 2B, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (3-5, 3B, HR, 2 RBI), Evan Longoria (10-36, 2B, 3 R, 7 RBI, 3 BB)

Eovaldi allowed two runs on seven hits and two walks over 6-2/3 innings on Sunday, striking out six against the Giants. The righty has put together two consecutive solid starts since returning to the rotation, relinquishing just three runs in 12 innings of work, with a 1.75 K/BB. He’s also kept the ball in the park over that stretch and hasn’t allowed a homer in five consecutive appearances, improving on his 1.9 HR/9 held prior to that run. Eovaldi threw six innings of one-run, six-hit ball in May against the Rays, striking out seven. Key matchups: Logan Forsythe (2-8, 2B, BB), Brandon Guyer (2-6, 2B), Evan Longoria (2-7, RBI, BB), Logan Morrison (1-3), Steve Pearce (2-6), Steven Souza Jr. (2-6, BB)

Pineda gave up just one run on five hits Monday against Houston, striking out eight over seven innings work. Pineda notched eight or more strikeouts for the sixth time in eight starts. The righty owns a superb 4.57 K/BB over a 47-1/3 inning stretch, pairing with a 3.42 ERA. The long ball is still a problem for Nova, as he’s allowed seven over that eight game stretch. Pineda’s collected an 0-2 record to go along with a 13.50 ERA in two appearances against Tampa Bay this season (totaling 8-2/3 innings). Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-2), Corey Dickerson (2-5, HR, 3 RBI), Logan Forsythe (4-6, 2B), Kevin Kiermaier (3-12, 2B, 3B, 2 RBI, BB), Brad Miller (4-10, 2 2B, HR, RBI, 2 BB), Steve Pearce (5-12, 2B, HR, RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (6-14, 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI)

Noteworthiness

— Suffice it to say, the Rays have been incredibly unlucky this season. While they enter the series with New York at 39-61 on the season, they should be 49-51 according to BaseRuns. Compare that to the Yankees, who enter the series 52-49 on the season, and 47-54 record according to BaseRuns. That said, this should be a fairly evenly matched series.