Rays vs Yankess series preview Archives

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.

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

May 27, 2016 By Schmitty Leave a Comment

Logan Morrison celebrates a two-run homer in the sixth inning on Wednesday. (Photo Credit: Will Vragovic/Tampa Bay Times)

The Tampa Bay Rays will hit a prove your mettle part of the schedule on Friday, when they kick off a three-game series against their AL East rival New York Yankees at Tropicana Field.

The Rays looked as though they were turning things around after collecting 38 runs during a four-game win streak, yet they have gone 1-5 since while allowing just over six runs per game in that span. Tampa Bay fell a half-game behind the Yankees after dropping three of four in a home/home series against the Miami Marlins.

Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) wrote about the struggles among the front five on Friday, saying,

And when the front four to their touted rotation — Chris Archer, Drew Smyly, Jake Odorizzi and Matt Moore — has a combined 8-16 record, a 4.46 ERA and has allowed 216 hits in 220 innings, the job is not getting done.

Topkin also included a rather telling quote from the Rays skipper,

We came in, a lot of hype about our pitching staff,” manager Kevin Cash said. These guys take a lot of pride in what they do. They’re going to figure it out, and when they do, we’re going to get hot. …But we need them to pitch better. We need them to get going. They’re fully aware of that.

And while the starters have collected just 26 quality starts in 44 games, the hope is that they can snap out of this funk, starting now.

The Yankees dropped two straight following a six-game win streak ahead of a lengthy 10-game road trip. And while they continue to receive stellar pitching, logging seven quality starts in their last eight games, their offense hasn’t been so hot ― especially on the road. New York is putting up a lackluster combined .234 BA/.297 OBP/.344 SLG/.641 OPS/.283 wOBA/-20.2 wRAA slash line away from new Yankee Stadium.

Kevin Cash will throw Chris Archer (3-5, 5.16 ERA), Matt Moore (1-3, 5.47 ERA), and Jake Odorizzi (2-2, 3.46 ERA) over the holiday weekend. Joe Girardi will counter with Masahiro Tanaka (2-0, 3.24 ERA), Michael Pineda (2-5, 6.24 ERA), and Nathan Eovaldi (5-2, 3.95).

Rays series starters

Archer lasted just three innings on Sunday, allowing six runs on eight hits and a walk while fanning four in a 9-4 loss to the Tigers. The righty appeared to be turning things around, posting a combined 3.18 ERA in his first three starts in May, yet he flopped in the less than ace caliber start. While his impressive 11.18 K/9 is a career high, so are his 4.47 BB/9, 1.72 HR/9, and 3.50 BABIP. Archer will take another stab at righting the ship against a Yankees offense that hasn’t been very good on the road this season.

Archer maintained a positive mental attitude about his struggles, telling MLB’s official website,

I’ve kept the team in the game. So mechanical, there’s no adjustments. Just need to throw pitches in better locations.

Curt Casali, whose caught Archer over the last handful of games, also waxed positive,

He was nasty. But sometimes it’s too nasty. Sometimes his stuff is so good it’s hard to control. And I completely get it. He gets it, too. He knows he needs to be better. The team needs him to be better. He’s going to get back to the drawing board tomorrow and get back to work and help us in his next start.

Moore gave up five runs on 10 hits and a walk with just three strikeouts over five innings on Monday. The southpaw allegedly worked with pitching coach Jim Hickey to address a hitch in his delivery, yet the results suggest otherwise. Moore wasn’t very whiffy (seven whiffs in 88 pitches) and allowed three extra-base hits, including a home run. He allowed fewer than one long ball per nine innings in his first three starts of the season, however, he’s given up 17 in just 109 innings (1.4 HR/9) since returning from Tommy John surgery in 2015. His ERA is now up to 5.47 (4.52 FIP), and don’t expect things to get better until he can figure out how to efficiently put batters away, and keep the ball in the yard.

Odorizzi blanked the Marlins on two hits and three walks while striking out seven to earn his second win of the season on Tuesday. Be that as it may, he threw 107 pitches which forced an early exit, while the bullpen barely held onto to lead as the Rays narrowly eked out a victory. We all miss the efficient Jake of 2015.

Yankees series starters

Tanaka scattered five hits, an earned run, and two walks over seven strong innings on Saturday. He fanned four. Tanaka was efficient, needing just 92 pitches (13 pitches per inning, 64 strikes) overall, collecting first-pitch strikes on 16 of 28 batters. This after he allowed 15 hits and 10 earned runs in his previous two starts. Tanaka Stymied Tampa Bay on April 23, allowing just two runs on five hits and a walk over seven innings, striking out seven. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (2-3, 2B, RBI), Brandon Guyer (1-2, 2B)

Pineda earned his second win of the season on Sunday, when he allowed three runs on six hits and a walk with six strikeouts across six innings. Despite collecting his first quality start since May 6, Pineda is still owns a gaudy 6.34 ERA, although his 11.88 K/9 in a three start stretch is impressive. The Rays beat up on the righty on April 24, tagging him for seven runs on 10 hits including four home runs. Key matchups: Corey Dickerson (1-3, HR, RBI), Desmond Jennings (3-8, 2B), Brad Miller (2-7, 2B, RBI, 2 BB), Steve Pearce (3-10, HR, RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (6-12, 2B, 3 HR, 6 RBI)

Eovaldi limited Toronto to two hits and three walks over six innings Tuesday night, collecting five strikeouts along the way. The two hits surrendered by Eovaldi were singles. The three walks, however, tied a season high for Eovaldi, although he’s done a decent job of limiting his free passes this season ― 5.9% over 54-2/3 innings. In 2016, he has relied primarily on a blazing 98 mph four seam fastball that generates a lot of grounders, and an 89 mph worm-burner of a splitter. He’s also mixed in a whiffy 89 mph slider and an average 76 mph curveball bereft of movement. Key matchups: Hank Conger (2-6, 2B, BB), Evan Longoria (1-4), Steve Pearce (1-3), Steven Souza Jr. (2-4)