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Tampa Bay Rays 8/12/18 pregame notes, Chaz Roe update, WOOOOOO!

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The Iron Sheik and Nature Boy Rick Flair … I mean, Jesus Sucre and Willy Adames. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After winning their third consecutive game yesterday, the Tampa Bay Rays look to sweep the three-game series from the Blue Jays this afternoon, in Toronto. A victory would put Tampa Bay at four games over .500 going into an off-day, equalling the club’s high-water mark for the season. The Rays are 7-1 so far against the Blue Jays in 2018.

Willy Adames came up big yesterday, going 2-4 with an RBI and a run scored. He has gotten toasty at the plate, slashing .359 BA/.409 OBP/.564 SLG/.973 OPS/.412 wOBA/167 wRC+ with two home runs, six RBI and 10 runs scored over the last 14-days — joining Mallex Smith, Joey Wendle and Matt Duffy as the most productive hitters over the same stretch of play. That is important because CJ Cron and Jake Bauers have both cooled down considerably.

The New What Next

Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 2.57 ERA) will get the start for Tampa Bay, pitching opposite of Marcus Stroman (4-8, 5.20 ERA).

Ryan Yarbrough was not used on Saturday, and he is available for length today behind Glasnow.

Glasnow made his second start for the Rays on Monday, but because he had been used as a reliever in Pittsburgh, Glasnow was on a pitch count of four innings or 60 pitches and will continue to be until he is fully stretched out.

Over his first two frames, Glasnow struck out five of six batters on 98 mph fastballs and low 80’s curveballs that were hard to time up due to the speed differential and the movement.

Baltimore got its first baserunner with two outs in the third, when Caleb Joseph singled and swiped second, but Glasnow struck out Jonathan Villar on four pitches, setting up a filthy 86 mph slider with a trio of fastballs.

Tim Beckham, ever the intrepid fastball hunter, led off the fourth inning with a solo home run when Glasnow’s velocity dropped a touch, but that was the only damage incurred against the tall right-hander.

All told, Glasnow struck out nine and walked none — not bad for a guy with a reputation of having control issues.

Following the game, Glasnow told reporters he feels comfortable with Tampa Bay and is pitching more athletically than trying to control his delivery.

I felt good physically and I wanted to go out and attack, Glasnow was quoted as saying.

The next step for Glasnow is to prove he’s capable of going five or six innings per outing.

Stroman suffered an injury that forced him to leave Tuesday’s game after seven innings; a blister on his right middle finger. The right-hander cruised through Boston’s lineup before he was pulled during warmups prior to the eighth inning. And while Stroman said he “won’t be missing (his) next start,” everything will depend on his progress over the next few days. He has dealt with the blister issue throughout the season. He has relied primarily on a whiffy 93 mph sinker with natural sinking action and a sweeping 86 mph slider with two-plane movement, while also mixing in a 91 mph worm-killer cutter, an 83 mph curveball with slight glove-side movement, a 93 mph four-seam fastball and an 83 mph changeup with slight arm side fade. Stroman is 5-4 with a 4.37 ERA in 11 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (3-8), Matt Duffy (2-5. 2B, BB), Carlos Gomez (2-2, HR, 3 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (8-28, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), Mallex Smith (1-4, 2B)

You can read about the series in our preview.

The New What Next: Rays vs Blue Jays — a series preview

Rays 8/12/18 Starting Lineup

Smith RF
Duffy 3B
Bauers 1B
Wendle 2B
Choi DH
Kiermaier CF
Adames SS
Lowe LF
Perez C
Glasnow RHP

Noteworthiness

— Chaz Roe threw a perfect inning for the Charlotte Stone Crabs on Saturday. He is scheduled to face one batter today to complete the second of back-to-back outings and should join the team in New York.

— …And because it bears mentioning:

The New What Next: Rays vs Blue Jays — a series preview

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From one dome to another. The Rays head to Toronto for a three-game series, starting Friday. (Photo Credit: X-Rays Spex)

The Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays are set to start a three-game series on Friday night, at the Rogers Centre. Tampa Bay is coming off a series win against the Baltimore Orioles, while Toronto dropped two-of-three to the Red Sox, thanks to some atrocious pitching.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

An anomalous appearance by Sergio Romo in the second game of the series against Baltimore — resulting in a loss — notwithstanding, the Rays did what they set out to do: win the series. Jake Bauers came up big, driving in six of Tampa Bay’s 13 runs including four in the series finale. Mallex Smith also did his part, going 3-11 with five runs over the last three games.

Toronto, on the other hand, had nothing to show for its efforts against Boston, dropping two-of-three. After three straight games where they were very impressive against Seattle, the Jays’ streaky pitching staff struggled once again — allowing just six total runs in the first three games against the Mariners, but a whopping 31 runs in the four that followed. The bullpen has been the largest contributor to their poor spate of play, with the relievers carrying an 11.40 ERA over the last five games.

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

As always, the Blue Jays represent a powerful team that can hit the ball long distances. That being said, Toronto also strikes out at a decent clip and doesn’t walk a ton. The Rays pitching staff must keep the Jays in the ballpark, while Bauers and company need to jump on any mistakes they may see at the plate.

Pitching Probables

Over the next three days Kevin Cash will lean on Blake Snell (12-5, 2.27 ERA), Jake Faria (4-3, 5.26 ERA), and Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 2.57 ERA). John Gibbons will counter with Marco Estrada (5-8, 4.65 ERA), Sam Gaviglio (1-4, 5.25 ERA), and Marcus Stroman (4-8, 5.20 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Blake Snell allowed one run on three hits and two walks over four innings while striking out three against the ChiSox, in his first start since recovering from shoulder fatigue. Snell was limited to 59 pitches (34 strikes, 54% strike rate) but delivered a solid effort, with the only run against him coming via a Jose Abreu homer. The southpaw will likely get stretched out a little further in his next outing Friday.

Marco Estrada allowed one run on one hit and two walks while striking out four over seven innings in a win over Seattle on Saturday. The right-hander wasn’t exactly dominant (just eight swinging strikes on 93 pitches), yet he was successful at pitching to contact, as the Mariners couldn’t find any holes in the field. After outperforming his peripherals for a few seasons, Estrada has crashed hard the last two years with all the homers finally catching up to him. His 10.4% strikeout-to-walk rate this season is his worst mark since 2008. Estrada held the Rays scoreless over six innings on May 6th but is 1-8 with a 4.54 ERA in 15 career appearances (11 starts) against Tampa Bay. Key Matchups: Ji-Man Choi (1-2, HR, 2 RBI), CJ Cron (2-7, HR, 3 RBI, BB), Matt Duffy (2-6, 3 RBI), Carlos Gomez (3-3), Kevin Kiermaier (8-23, 2B, 3B, HR, 2 RBI, BB), Jesus Sucre (1-2, HR, RBI)

Jake Faria was credited with the win in Wednesday’s 7-2 victory over the Angels, allowing one run on four hits and three walks over 3-2/3 innings of relief. He struck out four on 68 pitches (41 strikes, 60% strike rate). Faria entered the game in relief of Tyler Glasnow, though he wasn’t exactly sharp. Even so, he limited the damage from his lack of control and benefited from a couple of big innings by the Rays offense.

Sam Gaviglio allowed three earned runs on seven hits and three walks while fanning seven across 5-2/3 innings Sunday against Seattle — falling one out shy of a quality start and was pulled after 89 pitches and walking consecutive batters in the sixth inning. His seven strikeouts (including 11 swinging strikes) marked his second-best performance in an outing this season. While Gaviglio has a solid 74 strikeouts across 78 frames this season, he has only two quality starts in 15 chances and has struggled to post useful peripherals (5.08 ERA, 1.44 WHIP). He allowed five earned runs on seven hits (including a home run) over 3-1/3 innings in his last start against the Rays and is 1-1 with a 6.48 ERA in two career starts against the good guys. Key Matchups: Willy Adames (1-1, RBI), Jake Bauers (2-2, 2B, HR, 2 RBI), Matt Duffy (2-3), Mallex Smith (1-2, RBI), Joey Wendle (1-1, RBI)

Tyler Glasnow made his second start for the Rays on Monday, but because he had been used as a reliever in Pittsburgh, Glasnow was on a pitch count of four innings or 60 pitches and will continue to be until he is fully stretched out.

Over his first two frames, Glasnow struck out five of six batters on 98 mph fastballs and low 80’s curveballs that were hard to time up due to the speed differential and the movement.

Baltimore got its first baserunner with two outs in the third, when Caleb Joseph singled and swiped second, but Glasnow struck out Jonathan Villar on four pitches, setting up a filthy 86 mph slider with a trio of fastballs.

Tim Beckham, ever the intrepid fastball hunter, led off the fourth inning with a solo home run when Glasnow’s velocity dropped a touch, but that was the only damage incurred against the tall right-hander.

All told, Glasnow struck out nine and walked none — not bad for a guy with a reputation of having control issues.

Following the game, Glasnow told reporters he feels comfortable with Tampa Bay and is pitching more athletically than trying to control his delivery.

I felt good physically and I wanted to go out and attack, Glasnow was quoted as saying.

The next step for Glasnow is to prove he’s capable of going five or six innings per outing.

Marcus Stroman suffered an injury that forced him to leave Tuesday’s game after seven innings; a blister on his right middle finger. The right-hander cruised through Boston’s lineup before he was pulled during warmups prior to the eighth inning. And while Stroman said he “won’t be missing (his) next start,” everything will depend on his progress over the next few days. He has dealt with the blister issue throughout the season. He has relied primarily on a whiffy 93 mph sinker with natural sinking action and a sweeping 86 mph slider with two-plane movement, while also mixing in a 91 mph worm-killer cutter, an 83 mph curveball with slight glove-side movement, a 93 mph four-seam fastball and an 83 mph changeup with slight arm side fade. Stroman is 5-4 with a 4.37 ERA in 11 career starts against the Rays. Key Matchups: CJ Cron (3-8), Matt Duffy (2-5. 2B, BB), Carlos Gomez (2-2, HR, 3 RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (8-28, 2 2B, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), Mallex Smith (1-4, 2B)

Noteworthiness

— Key number: six, as in the Rays have played six consecutive one-run ballgames. They’ve gone 2-4 over that stretch.

— The Rays recently announced their MLB Player’s Weekend nicknames, with newcomers Tyler Glassnow (Mini Horse) and Jalen Beeks (Beeker) clearly winning:

Rays 8/8/18 pregame notes; Glasnow’s second start in Tampa Bay

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More of this, please. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After winning in walk-off fashion on Tuesday night, the Tampa Bay Rays look to win a series against the Orioles tonight. Tampa Bay has won seven games in walk-off fashion, four via the home run. The seven walk-off wins are tied for the American League lead. Thanks to losses by the Mariners and Athletics, the Rays start the day 9.5 games out of the final Wildcard spot, and 7.5 behind Seattle.

Tyler Glasnow, one of the players who came to Tampa Bay in the Chris Archer trade, got the start for the Rays. Because he had been used as a reliever in Pittsburgh, Glasnow was on a pitch count of four innings or 60 pitches and will continue to be until he is fully stretched out.

Over his first two frames, Glasnow struck out five of six batters on 98 mph fastballs and low 80’s curveballs that were hard to time up due to the speed differential and the movement.

Baltimore got its first baserunner with two outs in the third, when Caleb Joseph singled and swiped second, but Glasnow struck out Jonathan Villar on four pitches, setting up a filthy 86 mph slider with a trio of fastballs.

Tim Beckham, ever the intrepid fastball hunter, led off the fourth inning with a solo home run when Glasnow’s velocity dropped a touch, but that was the only damage incurred against the tall right-hander.

All told, Glasnow struck out nine and walked none — not bad for a guy with a reputation of having control issues.

Following the game, Glasnow told reporters he feels comfortable with Tampa Bay and is pitching more athletically than trying to control his delivery.

I felt good physically and I wanted to go out and attack, Glasnow was quoted as saying.

The other big story from the game was Willy Adames’ walk-off homer, his first hit of that type since he was in Double-A Montgomery. It also came in front of his parents and sister, who had flown in from the Dominican Republic.

That bat flip though!

It’s just an amazing feeling, Adames said after the game. I have no words to explain the feeling I have right now.

The New What Next

Ryne Stanek (1-3, 2.27 ERA) will open for the Rays, and will likely be followed by Jalen Beeks (1-0, 10.80 ERA). They’ll be opposed by Andrew Cashner (3-10, 5.05 ERA).

Stanek struck out all five batters he faced his last appearance against the White Sox.

Beeks allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk over five innings on Thursday. He struck out four. Beeks didn’t exactly set a high bar in his debut against the Orioles on July 28th, allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over 3-1/3 innings. Yet the southpaw looked considerably more composed over an efficient 71 pitches (47 strikes, 66% strike rate, 13/18 first-pitch strikes) Thursday, limiting the damage after Hunter Wood had been stellar over the first two innings as the opener. The key to Beeks’ bounce back success was two-fold: he got ahead of batters, and remained calm when things appeared like they might spiral out of control. He figures to be utilized in similar fashion Wednesday, with his ability to pitch multiple innings makes him a natural for the second-man-in role on “bullpen days.”

Andrew Cashner allowed 10 earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one across just 1-2/3 innings in a loss on Thursday against the Rangers. Cashner only allowed one home run, yet five consecutive Rangers reached base in the second inning before he was chased from the game. Cashner had pitched well over a 52-inning stretch prior to Thursday’s game, performing to a 3.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP — although he only managed 31 strikeouts. In that stretch, the right-hander limited the Rays to two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings of work back on the 27th. Key Matchups: Jake Bauers (1-3), CJ Cron (3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Matt Duffy (4-16, 3B, RBI, 2 BB), Kevin Kiermaier (2-3), Michael Perez (1-2), Joey Wendle (2-5, 3B, RBI, BB) 

You can read about the series in our preview.

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

Rays 8/8/18 Starting Lineup

Smith LF
Duffy 3B
Bauers 1B
Wendle 2B
Choi DH
Gomez RF
Kiermaier CF
Adames SS
Perez C
Stanek RHP

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

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The offense woke up in the series finale against the White Sox. Unfortunately, the pitching staff couldn’t contain Chicago’s “potent” offense. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

The Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles will begin a three-game series Tuesday night at Tropicana Field. The Rays are holding onto postseason aspirations by a thread after a disappointing series loss to the White Sox, while the Orioles are still a lot of games under .500. Still, Baltimore won the last three meetings against Tampa Bay a week-and-a-half ago.

(Stats Credit: ESPN)

Tampa Bay bounced back from a series loss against the Orioles by sweeping the Los Angeles Angels. Yet whatever momentum the team generated from the series win was for not, as the White Sox silenced the Rays over a dismal, three-game weekend series. The Orioles didn’t fare much better this weekend past, dropping three of four against the Rangers. They enter the Trop with a 14-43 road record.

(Stats Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

Chicago’s success against Tampa Bay was due, in part, to the pitching staff leaning heavily on secondary offerings. And while the Rays put a lot of runners on the base paths, they couldn’t bring them in, going 6-29 with runners in scoring position — good for a .207 wRISP batting average. In contrast, Baltimore maintained its productive hitting against Texas, yet the hurlers couldn’t slow down the Rangers. The Rays hope for a similar outcome from the Orioles pitching staff, lest they continue their backslide toward irrelevancy.

Pitching Probables

Kevin Cash will lean on Tyler Glasnow (0-0, 3.00 ERA), likely Jalen Beeks (1-0, 10.80 ERA), and a pitcher to be named before the series finale on Thursday. Buck Showalter will counter with Alex Cobb (3-14, 5.84 ERA), Andrew Cashner (3-10, 5.05 ERA), and David Hess (2-6, 6.44 ERA).

(Stats Credit: FanGraphs)

Tyler Glasnow was impressive in his debut with the Rays, throwing three innings of one-run ball on 48 pitches (34 strikes, 71% strike rate, 21% SwStr rate). Glasnow allowed two hits (including a solo home run), one walk, and struck out five.

Fastball, curveball, slider today, I had a good feel for things, Glasnow said following the Rays’ win. I felt relaxed out there. Overall, the feel in this clubhouse is really good. It’s relaxed, it’s friendly.

Rays manager Kevin Cash had nothing but superlatives for the right-hander, saying,

Probably not going to (throw 70 percent strikes) all of the time. But a great start. If he’s featuring that kind of stuff at a 70 percent clip in the zone, he’s going to have a special career.

On Glasnow’s repertoire … The right-hander threw 24 of 35 four-seam fastballs for strikes (five whiffs), averaging 97.6 mph (and topping out at 99.5 mph); 3 of 5 sliders for strikes (1 whiff); and 7 of 8 curveballs for strikes (1 whiff). He was able to move his fastball all over the zone at will and played his off-speed stuff off of his heater.

The only real criticism for Glasnow, is that he left a fair number of hanging breaking pitches in hittable locations. One of those very hittable offerings was a 0-2 curveball that flattened out over the heart of the plate and was consequently hit into the Rays tank — thanks a lot, Kole Calhoun. Otherwise, it was an excellent introduction to the flame-throwing right-hander, who should have a longer leash his next time out.

Rays manager Kevin Cash said the goal is to get Glasnow through four innings as he continues to stretch out his arm.

Alex Cobb allowed one run on seven hits while fanning six across six innings as he secured his third victory of the season on Wednesday. The former Ray has turned it around on the hill of late, this despite a 5.83 ERA and 1.54 WHIP through 109-2/3 frames this season. Cobb has now surrendered seven runs over 23-1/3 innings (four starts) while recording 15 punch outs. Tampa Bay was able to get to the right-hander again on July 26, tagging him for four runs (three earned) on eight hits over six innings of work. Key Matchups: Jake Bauers (1-3, RBI), Ji-Man Choi (2-3, 2B, RBI), Kevin Kiermaier (1-3, 2B), Michael Perez (1-2, 2B), Mallex Smith (3-5, 2B, BB), Joey Wendle (4-8, 2 RBI)

Jalen Beeks allowed two earned runs on two hits and a walk over five innings on Thursday. He struck out four. Beeks didn’t exactly set a high bar in his debut against the Orioles on July 28th, allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits and three walks over 3-1/3 innings. Yet the southpaw looked considerably more composed over an efficient 71 pitches (47 strikes, 66% strike rate, 13/18 first-pitch strikes) Thursday, limiting the damage after Hunter Wood had been stellar over the first two innings as the opener. The key to Beeks’ bounce back success was two-fold: he got ahead of batters, and remained calm when things appeared like they might spiral out of control. He figures to be utilized in similar fashion Wednesday, with his ability to pitch multiple innings makes him a natural for the second-man-in role on “bullpen days.”

Andrew Cashner allowed 10 earned runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out one across just 1-2/3 innings in a loss on Thursday against the Rangers. Cashner only allowed one home run, yet five consecutive Rangers reached base in the second inning before he was chased from the game. Cashner had pitched well over a 52-inning stretch prior to Thursday’s game, performing to a 3.46 ERA and 1.29 WHIP — although he only managed 31 strikeouts. In that stretch, the right-hander limited the Rays to two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings of work back on the 27th. Key Matchups: Jake Bauers (1-3), CJ Cron (3-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB), Matt Duffy (4-16, 3B, RBI, 2 BB), Kevin Kiermaier (2-3), Michael Perez (1-2), Joey Wendle (2-5, 3B, RBI, BB) 

I will update things when a starter in Thursday’s game is announced.

David Hess coughed up seven runs (five earned) on five hits and a walk over 3-1/3 innings while striking out four Rangers. While some shitty defense helped deflect the blow to Hess’s ratios, most of it was by the pitcher himself, as he committed two of the Orioles three errors on the night. Hess has split his time out of the ‘pen and the rotation this season, although a lack of arms necessitated the starter status. In three games against Tampa Bay, Hess is 2-0 with a 1.98 ERA … but, that over just 13-2/3 innings of work. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (2-6, HR, 3 RBI), Joey Wendle (4-5, BB)

Noteworthiness

Medical Matters…

— Right-handed relief pitcher Chaz Roe threw live batting practice on Monday in Port Charlotte and hopes to begin a rehab assignment Thursday.

— UTL Daniel Robertson underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb Monday morning and is expected to be out 6-8 weeks, likely ending his season.

— OF Tommy Pham is feeling better after suffering a hairline fracture in his right foot last week, although he is still on the same 2-4 week timetable for his return.

Rays 8/2/18 pregame notes, Glasnow’s start, where HCC candidates stand on using public subsidies for a stadium

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The Rays look for a series sweep against the Angels Thursday afternoon. (Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Rays)

After a 7-2 win over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday, the Tampa Bay Rays look for a sweep on Thursday afternoon. With an off-day for the Athletics, a Rays win in the series finale would give them an opportunity to enter their upcoming series, this weekend, against the ChiSox 7-1/2 games back in the Wildcard race.

Something to keep in mind, Tampa Bay has an easier schedule than both the Athletics and Mariners, with the majority of the remaining games at the Trop, where they Rays are much more successful. I’m not saving money for a playoff run at the moment, although they’re in the running until they’re not. Whatever the case, it could get interesting these last two months.

The recently acquired Tyler Glasnow, and unknown quantity to a large extent, got the start in last night’s ballgame and exceeded expectations, throwing three innings of one run ball on 48 pitches (34 strikes, 71% strike rate, 21% SwStr rate). Glasnow allowed two hits (including a solo home run), one walk, and struck out five.

Fastball, curveball, slider today, I had a good feel for things, Glasnow said following the Rays’ win. I felt relaxed out there. Overall, the feel in this clubhouse is really good. It’s relaxed, it’s friendly.

Rays manager Kevin Cash had nothing but superlatives for the right-hander, saying,

Probably not going to (throw 70 percent strikes) all of the time. But a great start. If he’s featuring that kind of stuff at a 70 percent clip in the zone, he’s going to have a special career.

On Glasnow’s repertoire … The right-hander threw 24 of 35 four-seam fastballs for strikes (five whiffs), averaging 97.6 mph (and topping out at 99.5 mph); 3 of 5 sliders for strikes (1 whiff); and 7 of 8 curveballs for strikes (1 whiff). He was able to move his fastball all over the zone at will, and played his off-speed stuff off of his heater.

(Location Chart Credit: Brooks Baseball)

The only real criticism for Glasnow, is that he left a fair number of hanging breaking pitches in hittable locations. On of those very hittable offerings was an 0-2 curveball that flattened out over the heart of the plate, and was consequently hit into the Rays tank — thanks a lot, Kole Calhoun. Otherwise, it was an excellent introduction to the flame throwing right-hander, who should have a longer leash his next time out.

The New What Next

Hunter Wood (0-0, 3.38 ERA) will open for the Rays, and will be followed by Jaylen Beeks (0-0, 21.60 ERA), who will make his Tropicana Field debut. They’ll be opposed by Andrew Heaney (6-6, 3.64 ERA).

Wood has allowed just one run in 4-2/3 innings in the three previous outings, and this will be his first appearance against the Angels. Beeks allowed eight runs on 10 hits and three walks over 3-1/3 innings Saturday in Baltimore. Only 45 of his 82 pitches were thrown for strikes (55% strike rate), which is a recipe for disaster for a pitcher like Beeks, who relies upon deception and getting ahead in the count.

Beeks actually wasn’t hit that hard, “sort of placed to death,” as Kevin Cash put it, although the damage was still self-inflicted due to the compromising position he put himself in by falling behind hitters, and throwing only eight first-pitch strikes.

Beeks is well aware of the circumstances leading to his rough outing:

I’ve got to get in the zone more. Just didn’t get ahead of guys and put myself in bad counts.

That made the bad results less concerning to Cash:

It seemed like a lot he was behind, just 1-0, 2-0 on a lot of guys and that’s not him. So that’s something we’re confident he can correct here real quick.

Ideally you’d just like to see him bounce back, throw some more strikes, control the count a little better. We’ll probably have some better outings from him.

Heaney gave up up three earned runs on seven hits over eight innings in his last start, striking out five and walking none. Heaney was efficient in his outing, throwing just 63 pitches through the first seven innings, and needing just 81 (70% strike rate) to make it through eight frames. Heaney, however, cost himself a shot at his seventh win of the season after allowing the game-tying run in the eighth inning before being pulled from the game. It was still another solid start for Heaney, who has quietly been a workhorse over the last two months. This was the seventh time this season he hurled seven innings or more, and has lowered his standard peripherals to a 3.64 ERA and a solid 1.13 WHIP. Heaney’s command has been impressive, with the southpaw collecting 111 punch outs against just 32 walks through 116-1/3 innings this season. Heaney allowed four runs on three hits (including a grand slam) over six innings in a loss to the Rays on May 19. Key Matchups: Daniel Robertson (1-3, HR, 4 RBI)

You can read about the series in our preview.

The New What Next: Rays vs Angels part two — a series preview

Rays 8/2/18 Starting Lineup

Kiermaier cf
Duffy 3B
Robertson 2B
Pham LF
Cron DH
Bauers 1B
Gomez RF
Adames SS
Sucre C
Wood RHP

Noteworthiness

— Wondering where the candidates, running for a seat on the Hillsborough County Commission, stand on using public subsidies to build a stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays? Noah Pransky (WTSP, Shadow of the Stadium) wondered the same, and prepared a voting guide for you. Give the link (below) a look, and forward it to any Hillsborough County voter that may be able to use this guide in August and November.

Remember folks, this issue WILL NOT got to referendum ahead of the January 1, 2019 expiration of the memorandum of understanding between the City of St. Pete and the Rays, which allowed the team to search the region for a new stadium site.

— Jake Bauers enters the day having homered in three consecutive games.