Say what you want about the Trop, it's still not nearly the dump-like caliber of O.Co Coliseum. (Photo Credit: Greg Goodman)
Say what you want about the Trop, it’s still not nearly the dump-like caliber of O.Co Coliseum. (Photo Credit: Greg Goodman)
Back at it Thursday night, when the Tampa Bay Rays kick off a four-game series against the Athletics at the O.Co Coliseum, in Oakland. Say what you will about Tropicana Field, there is zero doubt in my mind that the home of the Athletics is the worst facility in Major League Baseball.

I digress.

The New What Next

Matt Moore (5-7, 4.33 ERA) will get the start opposite of Sonny Gray (4-8, 5.12 ERA). Moore has been excellent since late June, throwing six innings or more in eight consecutive starts — the longest quality start streak of his career. The southpaw lasted 7-1/3 innings his last time out, Moore’s longest start since his July 2013 complete-game shutout in Boston. Gray is 1-3 with a 4.07 ERA since his return from the disabled list after suffering from a strained right trapezius. In his last start against the Rays, Gray allowed six runs (three earned) on six hits, including three homers, over 5-2/3 innings. You can read more about the pitching matchup in our series preview.

Rays 7/21/16 Starting Lineup

Forsythe 2B
Miller SS
Longoria 3B
Dickerson DH
Souza RF
Kiermaier CF
Guyer LF
Beckham 1B
Maile C
Moore RHP

Noteworthiness

— Tim Beckham will slot in at first base tonight for the first in his professional career. “Why exactly is Beckham playing at first?” you may be asking. Logan Morrison has a right “wrist thing” that appears to be getting worse. Morrison, who is expected to see a doctor in Oakland, said his wrist started bothering him after the All-Star Break, and it hasn’t improved with the past couple days of rest. As for Steve Pearce, the logical backup first baseman, he’s out for precautionary reasons. Pearce to Marc Topkin (Tampa Bay Times) he’s “feeling” some fatigue in his hamstring, though he is available tonight if needed. Pearce expects to start Friday.

— Brad Boxberger will make his second rehab start tonight for the Charlotte Stone Crabs.

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