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d’Arnaud, Rays come from behind to defeat New York, 5-4; Glasnow update

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  • Move over Dan Johnson, there’s a new legend in town, Travis d’Arnaud. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

If the Tampa Bay Rays make the playoffs this season, Monday’s late-inning, come from behind victory will be a ballgame that will be looked back upon with great reverie. Travis d’Arnaud hit three big home runs ⁠— tying a franchise record originally set by Evan Longoria ⁠— in the Bronx, the last of which gave Tampa Bay the go-ahead lead with two outs in the ninth. The Rays snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, beating the first-place Yankees, 5-4.


Source: FanGraphs

Blake Snell got the start and allowed one run on three hits and two walks over five innings. He struck out four. Snell threw an inefficient 93 pitches (56 strikes, 60% strike rate) and did not have a clean inning in his first three frames, yet his only real mistake resulted in an Edwin Encarnacion solo shot in the fourth inning. Snell exited the contest in line for his sixth win of the season. The southpaw lowered his ERA by 15 points to 4.55 and has managed a 3.82 K/BB across 95 innings on the season.

Meanwhile, d’Arnaud gave the Rays a first-inning lead when he hit a solo homer to right on a 3-2 pitch off starter James Paxton to start the game.

d’Arnaud hit another solo shot in the third inning on a 1-0 pitch for a two-run lead.

The backstop now has two multi-home run games with Tampa Bay, and eight homers on the season, three of which have come against New York.

Yet for the second consecutive game against Paxton, the Rays were unable to tack on any runs in spite of numerous opportunities.

In the fourth inning, Avisail Garcia hit a one-out infield hit but was thrown out trying to go first to third on Kevin Kiermaier’s single to right. Then in the fifth inning, Willy Adames singled to left and swiped second, although he was picked off second when Joey Wendle squared around to bunt.

An inning later, Garcia walked after an infield single by Yandy Diaz. However, Kiermaier struck out and Guillermo Heredia hit a soft liner to short, ending the threat. The Rays ultimately went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Yankee starters have posted a 2.49 ERA (22 earned runs across 79-2/3 IP) against Tampa Bay this season.

Down by a run in the seventh, New York tied the game on a two-out, 0-2 homer by Gio Urshela off Emilio Pagan. Pagan followed by allowing a walk and a hit before he struck out Aaron Judge on a high, 96 mph fastball to keep the game knotted up at two apiece.

Andrew Kittredge followed Pagan in the eighth inning and struck out Luke Voit and Gary Sanchez. However, Aaron Hicks singled to right before Edwin Encarnacion worked a nine-pitch at-bat, consequently resulting in a two-run homer to left, giving the Yankees a 4-2 lead.

Down by a pair in the ninth, Kiermaier and Heredia singled to start the frame against All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. However, Adames and Wendle struck out giving the Rays one last shot. With two on and two out, d’Arnaud worked an eight-pitch at-bat before homered into the short porch in right on a hanging slider.

Kittredge, who put the Rays behind in the eighth, got the first two outs in the bottom of the ninth before he walked Aaron Judge to extend the frame. At 38 pitches (29 strikes, 76% strike rate), Kittredge was lifted in favor of The Drake. Voit worked a full count before he struck out looking to end the game.

It was Tampa Bay’s first win this season when trailing after eight innings (1-32), and New York’s first loss when leading after eight (49-1). After winning just one ballgame against the Yankees all season, Tampa Bay has won the last three meetings against New York.

Noteworthiness

Ryne Stanek (0-2, 3.14 ERA) will open for the Rays and will be followed by left-hander Jalen Beeks (5-0, 2.79 ERA), who will be recalled before the game. They’ll be opposed by C.C. Sabathia (5-4, 4.03 ERA).

In 26 opens this season, Ryne Stanek has a 1.98 ERA and has struck out 46 across 41 innings. The Rays are 17-9 in games started by Stanek this season. The right-hander threw two perfect frames on Sunday, although he gave up four runs in one inning the last time he faced the Yankees.

Jalen Beeks was initially optioned to Triple-A Durham at the end of June, but he’ll return to the big league roster for the second game of the series. Beeks has managed a 2.79 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP across 61-1/3 innings this season, with 51 punchouts. Beeks was stretched out to 80 pitches at Triple-A.

C.C. Sabathia allowed three runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts across seven innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Saturday. Even though he didn’t capture his third consecutive win, Sabathia did post his third straight quality start. He’s pitched fairly well since the beginning of June, although a couple of bad outings have bloated his ERA to 4.67 in his last six starts. He now is 18-16 with a 3.59 ERA in 52 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Micheal Brosseau (1-2, BB), Travis d’Arnaud (5-15, RBI, 2 BB), Kevin Kiermaier (6-19, 2 HR, 2 RBI), Nate Lowe (1-2, HR, 2 RBI), Tommy Pham (4-13, RBI, BB), Joey Wendle (1-2)

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

TNWN: Rays vs Yankees — a series preview, part five

Rays 7/16/19 Starting Lineup

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

Noteworthiness

— In order to make room for Beeks on the 25-man roster, the Rays optioned outfielder Guillermo Heredia.

— Tyler Glasnow, who has been on the shelf with a flexor strain since the beginning of May, will not be allowed to begin his throwing program for at least two weeks after his latest MRI, which came back clean.

The Rays are taking a cautious approach with Glasnow, who is an important piece in the long-term puzzle

Rays manager Kevin Cash announced Monday that the right-hander may not make it back this season, which could intensify the team’s efforts to acquire pitching before the July 31 trade deadline.

— Anthony Bemboom, who the Rays activated from the IL then designated for assignment Monday afternoon, has been acquired by the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations. The move frees up a spot on the 40-man roster ahead of the pending activation of Matt Duffy from the IL.

TNWN: Rays vs Yankees — a series preview, part five

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  • Ryne Stanek and Ryan Yarbrough took a perfect game into the ninth inning of the series finale in Baltimore, on Sunday. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The top two teams in the AL East will kick off a four-game series in the Bronx, Monday night. The Tampa Bay Rays look to gain ground in the division, while the Yankees set their focus on extending their lead. Tampa Bay closed a four-game, three-day series against Baltimore on Sunday, winning 4-1 and taking three of four in the series. New York finished its three-game home set against Toronto on Sunday afternoon, winning the rubber match 4-2.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

The Rays bounced back from a loss in the first game of a day-night doubleheader Saturday to win the nightcap and followed it up with a win to close the set Sunday behind a strong pitching performance from the tandem of Ryne Stanek and Ryan Yarbrough. The Rays enter the current series second in the AL East, six games behind New York in the standings. They currently hold the first Wildcard spot.

New York bounced back from a tough, low-scoring loss on Saturday to prevail in the rubber game against Toronto. As a result of the loss, the Yankees let the Rays to gain 1/2 game.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

The Rays have not fared well against the Yankees this season, having won just four of their 13 previous meetings, and just one at Yankee Stadium. What’s more, New York has a +33 run differential against Tampa Bay. Yet, there’s no time like the present for the Rays to flip the script on the Evil Empire. Over the last 14 days, the Rays have outperformed the Yanks in every important offensive category including OPS (.812 vs .741), ISO (.203 vs .173), wOBA (.342 vs .316), wRC+ (117 vs 94), and wRAA (8.6 vs -1.0).

These are a big four games. We’re going to try to close that gap on them. They’ve been playing great baseball all year and obviously, we’ve had our trouble with them this whole year.

— Kevin Kiermaier

Rays hitters — namely Nate Lowe, Mike Brosseau, Tommy Pham, and Austin Meadows — have gotten toasty, and the starters tasked with taking on this formidable opponent have pitched well of late. Expect fireworks in this all-important series.

The teams split a four-game set at the Trop from July 4-7.

Pitching Probables

Over the next four days, Kevin Cash will throw Blake Snell (5-7, 4.70 ERA), a pitcher to be named before Tuesday’s contest, Yonny Chirinos (8-4, 3.11 ERA), and Charlie Morton (11-2, 2.35 ERA). Aaron Boone will counter with James Paxton (5-4, 4.01 ERA), C.C. Sabathia (5-4, 4.03 ERA), Diego German (10-2, 3.49 ERA), and J.A. Happ (7-5, 4.93 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Blake Snell allowed one run on five hits with two walks and five strikeouts across five innings of work. Even though he didn’t get the win, Snell followed his 12-strikeout performance from his last start with another stellar, albeit labor intensive, outing. The Yankees worked the hurler over his 93 pitch (62 strikes, 67% strike rate) outing, yet Snell certainly didn’t get any help from the home plate umpire, who made more than a few egregious calls. For the fifth time in his last seven appearances, Snell averaged more than a strikeout per inning, as he lowered his ERA to 4.70 ERA with 122 strikeouts across 90 innings.

James Paxton fanned 11 while allowing two runs on seven hits and no walks through against the Rays on Sunday. Paxton allowed a hit to each of the first three batters he faced and surrendered both runs in the first inning, but afterward, he effectively shut down the Rays coaxing 20 swinging strikes (15 of which came on his fastball). The southpaw has allowed just three runs and has 14 strikeouts in his last two starts. Look for the Rays to pounce on mistakes early; Paxton has a reputation for trouble at the beginning of games with a 10.20 ERA in the first inning and a 2.49 ERA in all other frames. He now is 3-1 with a 3.24 ERA in four career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Yandy Diaz (2-3, 2B), Avisail Garcia (4-8, 2 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-2), Tommy Pham (2-6, 2 2B, RBI)

TBA

C.C. Sabathia allowed three runs on six hits and two walks with five strikeouts across seven innings in a no-decision against Tampa Bay on Saturday. Even though he didn’t capture his third consecutive win, Sabathia did post his third straight quality start. He’s pitched fairly well since the beginning of June, although a couple of bad outings have bloated his ERA to 4.67 in his last six starts. He now is 18-16 with a 3.59 ERA in 52 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Micheal Brosseau (1-2, BB), Travis d’Arnaud (5-15, RBI, 2 BB), Kevin Kiermaier (6-19, 2 HR, 2 RBI), Nate Lowe (1-2, HR, 2 RBI), Tommy Pham (4-13, RBI, BB), Joey Wendle (1-2)

Yonny Chirinos allowed just two runs on four hits with no walks and eight strikeouts across seven innings. The Orioles scored two-out runs in the third and fourth innings, their only tallies against the Rays starter. The 25-year-old turned in his best outing since June 7, although he has pitched well over the last month plus. Overall, Chirinos is 8-4 with a 3.11 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 89 punch outs across 107 innings this season.

Domingo German tossed six scoreless frames against the Blue Jays on Friday, fanning seven and walking none while allowing just three hits. He coaxed 13 whiffs on his curveball in the outing. German’s breaking ball may not have a reputation yet, but it is one of baseballs best curves. He hit a bit of a rough patch in four starts from the middle of May to the beginning of June (7.32 ERA, 1.53 WHIP), but has pitched well otherwise this season. German is 2-0 with a 6.75 ERA in four career outings (three starts) against the Rays. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (2-7, 2B, BB), Ji-Man Choi (1-2, HR, RBI, BB), Avisail Garcia (1-2), Brandon Lowe (1-3), Austin Meadows (2-3, 2B, HR, 2 RBI)

Charlie Morton gave up two runs on six hits over six innings on Saturday. He struck out six and walked one. Morton got into a bases-loaded jam in the fourth inning, consequently allowing a two-run single, yet he kept the Orioles in check otherwise. The 35-year-old has allowed up 10 runs (eight earned) total and has a 6.83 K/BB in his last five starts (31-1/3 innings).

J.A. Happ allowed two runs on five hits and one walk while striking out five across 5-1/3 innings on Saturday. Happ has now dropped his last two turns after winning six consecutive decisions from May 9 to June 18. That streak ended with a thud, as the Astros hung an eight-spot on Happ in his final start of June. He is now 5-4 with a 4.15 ERA in 18 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: Travis d’Arnaud (1-4, BB), Avisail Garcia (5-14, 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI), Austin Meadows (1-3), Tommy Pham (3-5, 2B, BB), Mike Zunino (3-11, RBI, BB)

Rays 7/14/19 pregame notes; injury updates

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Friend of the blog, Michael Nazarro, grabbed this photo from last night’s ballgame. (Photo Credit: Michael Nazarro)

After splitting a doubleheader against Baltimore on Saturday, the Tampa Bay Rays look to take three of four from the Orioles this afternoon. Tampa Bay hit six homers and won 12-4 in the nightcap after being held to just one run on three hits by Baltimore in the opener.

Following the nightcap, Tampa Bay optioned Jake Faria and recalled Ryan Yarbrough (7-3, 4.55 ERA), who will act as the bulk inning guy this afternoon. Ryne Stanek (0-2, 3.26 ERA) will open for Tampa Bay. Tom Eshelman (0-0, 3.60 ERA), who takes the place of Andrew Cashner, will pitch in opposition.

Ryne Stanek will open for the 26th time this season. He last pitched on July 5th, when he allowed four extra-inning runs to New York in an 8-4 loss, with all of the runs coming via the long ball. Stanek has much better opening games, logging a 2.08 ERA as compared to a 7.59 ERA out of the pen. The right-hander has thrown four scoreless frames in three prior appearances against the Orioles.

Ryan Yarbrough last pitched for Durham on July 6th and allowed six runs across five innings against Gwinnett, allowing all but one run in his final inning of work. The lefty gave up one run in three innings in his last big league appearance (July 1) against Baltimore in a 6-3 Rays win.

Tom Eshelman had a promising big league debut against Tampa Bay on July 1, limiting the Rays to two runs on six hits and a walk across five innings, although he failed to fan a batter. The soft-tossing right-hander could be in danger of a demotion back to Triple-A if he turns in a poor outing. Key Matchups: Ji-Man Choi (1-2, RBI), Yandy Diaz (1-3), Avisail Garcia (1-2, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-2), Austin Meadows (1-3), Mike Zunino (1-2)

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

TNWN: Rays vs Orioles — a series preview, part four

Rays 7/14/19 Starting Lineup

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

Noteworthiness

— In spite of the 2-1 loss in the opening game of the doubleheader yesterday, Rays starters have pitched deep in each of the last three games. Because of it, the bullpen should be rested; only Colin Poche has worked more than an inning out of the ‘pen. Neither Oliver Drake nor Hunter Wood has pitched in the series.

— Matt Duffy (hamstring, back) played in a third straight ballgame for Durham yesterday. The injured third-baseman played all nine innings in the field and went 1-for-5 with a double and three RBI. Duffy will have an off-day today. Rays skipper Kevin Cash said Duffy is “champing at the bit” since he has yet to appear in a big league game this season. He will most likely see 25-30 rehab at-bats before being re-evaluated.

When he is eventually activated from the IL, the Rays will have to make another roster move, as the 40-man is full after Peter Fairbanks was acquired from Texas yesterday.

— Daniel Robertson’s rehabilitation from right knee surgery is progressing quickly. Cash said Robertson, who has been out since June 19th, could move onto a rehab assignment in the next week or so.

Rays acquire Peter Fairbanks from the Rangers

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With the trade deadline looming, the Rays acquired fireballer Peter Fairbanks from the Rangers on Saturday.

On Saturday, the Tampa Bay Rays acquired right-hander Peter Fairbanks from the Texas Rangers in exchange for INF/OF Nick Solak. To make room for Fairbanks on the 40-man roster, the Rays placed Christian Arroyo on the 60-day IL.

Fairbanks, 25, was selected by the Rangers for the first time this season. The right-hander struggled with command in his short big league stint, walking seven across 8-2/3 innings, while also allowing four home runs, however, he also flashed dominant stuff over that span — notching 15 strikeouts (36.6% strikeout rate) while averaging 97.2 mph on his fastball.

Fairbanks started his career with a low 90’s heater, yet credited the increase in his velocity to a change in his delivery as he rehabilitated from Tommy John surgery.

The rehab team was all on board with it. It’s happened really fast. It’s still baseball. It’s just in front of a lot more people who really care how you do. I knew if I sucked this year, I’d be released, probably.

— Peter Fairbanks

FanGraphs called Fairbanks an “impact relief piece,” while grading his fastball (70/70)/slider (55/55) combo as one of the best for burgeoning relief prospects across the minors.

For the time being, Fairbanks will head to Triple-A Durham, where he will be tasked with working on fastball command. The right-hander has the makings of a dominant reliever and this acquisition could bear fruit for the Rays in the near future, especially with Jose Alvarado on the shelf.

Rays pound Orioles, 16-4; look to continue win streak in the doubleheader Saturday

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The Orioles may have provided the fireworks outside Camden Yards, however, the Rays provided them inside the ballpark. (Photo Credit: Baltimore Orioles)

After setting season highs in runs and hits Friday night — as the Rays exploded for 16 runs on 20 hits — Tampa Bay is set for a day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles today.

Source: FanGraphs

The Rays put up seven runs in the first inning and never looked back. Tommy Pham blasted a home run to right off Dylan Bundy with one out, starting the seven-run outburst.

Kevin Kiermaier doubled and scored on a Yandy Diaz single to center, then Nate Lowe doubled to right, putting runners at second and third. After Diaz scored on a wild pitch, Joey Wendle hit an RBI single and swiped second, putting himself into scoring position. Wendle scored on a Travis d’Arnaud base hit to left before Willy Adames and Austin Meadows each doubled, giving Tampa Bay a seven-run frame, and spelling the end of Dylan Bundy’s night.

In the second inning, Diaz singled against Gabriel Ynoa before Lowe launched a two-run homer to center, putting the Rays up by nine.

Tampa Bay went on to score seven more runs. Offensively, Lowe led the attack with four of the team’s 20 hits, three of the 16 runs batted in, and two runs scored. Seven different players had multiple hits, while all nine starters had a hit before the second inning was complete. They scored five two-out runs, while five of the Rays eight first-inning hits came with two strikes.

Yonny Chirinos allowed just two runs on four hits with no walks and eight strikeouts across seven innings. The Orioles scored two-out runs in the third and fourth innings, their only tallies against the Rays starter. The 25-year-old turned in his best outing since June 7, although he has pitched well over the last month plus. Overall, Chirinos is 8-4 with a 3.11 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 89 punch outs across 107 innings this season.

The New What Next

It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame. Let’s play two today!

— Ernie Banks

Brendan McKay (1-0, 2.45 ERA) and Charlie Morton (10-2, 2.32 ERA) will get the start for Tampa Bay, while Baltimore will counter with Aaron Brooks (2-3, 5.01 ERA) and John Means (7-4, 2.50 ERA).

Brendan McKay allowed three runs over five innings on Friday against the Yankees, fanning three while walking none and allowing six hits. McKay gave up a solo homer to Aaron Judge in the first inning and a two-run single to Mike Tauchmann in the fifth. He now owns a strong 2.45 ERA through his first two big-league starts, although his 15.0% strikeout rate is nothing close to the 35.3% mark he managed in Triple-A this season. McKay will be the 26th man and will be recalled on Saturday for the doubleheader. 

Aaron Brooks was claimed off waivers from Oakland and will start game one, his first start since April 30th. As Neil Solondz (Rays Radio) noted, David Hess is the 26th man, so he could provide some length.

Charlie Morton punched out 10 while allowing one run on five hits and one walk across 5-2/3 innings on Sunday. Morton found himself in a pitching duel with James Paxton and prevailed by only allowing a solo home run and generating 13 swinging strikes. Morton has back-to-back starts with 10 or more strikeouts and has a league-leading 83 punch outs on his curveball. Morton’s 2.32 ERA is the best in the American League heading into the second half of the season.

John Means allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and no walks while striking out five across seven innings Wednesday against Tampa Bay. Means pounded the strike zone, with 71 of his 98 pitches going for strikes (72% strike rate). After throwing only 84 pitches and working five innings in his first start after being activated off the injured list on June 28, Means posted his longest start since May 6. While his 7.5 K/9 isn’t particularly impressive, Means maintains a 1.0 HR/9 and 2.4 BB/9 across 82-2/3 innings this season. As a result, he currently holds a 2.50 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 2019. Key Matchups: Michael Brosseau (1-3, HR, RBI), Yandy Diaz (1-4, 2B), Avisail Garcia (1-4, RBI), Guillermo Heredia (2-3, 3B), Joey Wendle (1-3)

You can read about the series in our preview, and I’ll post both starting lineups upon availability.

TNWN: Rays vs Orioles — a series preview, part four

Rays 7/13/19 Starting Lineup (Game 1)

  1. Meadows RF
  2. Pham LF
  3. Kiermaier CF
  4. Diaz 3B
  5. Lowe 1B
  6. Brosseau 2B
  7. Choi DH
  8. Wendle SS
  9. Zunino C

Rays 7/13/19 Starting Lineup (Game 2)

  1. Heredia CF
  2. Pham LF
  3. d’Arnaud C
  4. Diaz DH
  5. Garcia RF
  6. Lowe 1B
  7. Brosseau 3B
  8. Wendle 2B
  9. Adames SS

Noteworthiness

— 1B/DH Ji-Man Choi (left ankle strain) has been activated from the 10-day DL. Ian Gibaut, who pitched two innings on Friday left and was the only reliever used in the game, has been optioned to Triple-A Durham. That gives the Rays 13 position players to use for the doubleheader.