Cobb, on the positive end of the spectrum, allowed just two earned runs over five innings on Wednesday in Baltimore. He, however, continued to struggle with his changeup, although he’s making progress. In his last start he threw his splitter 32 times, and got 18 swings (four whiffs).
Volquez has given up five first inning runs in five starts, and is susceptible to getting beaten up early. That’s good for the Rays, as they’ve scored 25 first inning runs; second only to Milwaukee, and 22.52% of their 121 total runs. Volquez is still seeking his first win in Miami. He is allowing loud, hard contact, and 51.9% of the balls put in play against the right-hander have been line drives or fly balls. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but Volquez is 3-1 with a 3.65 ERA across six starts against Tampa Bay. Key matchups: Peter Bourjos (3-6), Kevin Kiermaier (3-10, BB), Evan Longoria (5-17, 2B, 4 RBI), Brad Miller (2-3, HR, RBI), Logan Morrison (2-5, 3B, RBI, BB), Colby Rasmus (7-16, 3 2B, HR, 7 RBI), Steven Souza Jr. (2-3, HR, 3 RBI), Rickie Weeks Jr. (7-19, 2B, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 BB)
You can read more about the Citrus Series in our preview.
Rays 5/2/17 Starting Lineup
Dickerson LF
Kiermaier CF
Morrison 1B
Miller 2B
Souza RF
Beckham SS
Norris C
Robertson 3B
Cobb RHP
Noteworthiness
— Evan Longoria, citing a lingering foot injury, is out of the lineup for the second straight day.
— The Rays have activated OF Colby Rasmus from the 10-day disabled list. To make room, OF Shane Peterson, who is out of options, has been designated for assignment. The Rays could lose Peterson on waivers.
Rasmus joined the Rays on Monday and took batting practice in the cage during the game. He, however, did not crack the starting lineup Tuesday night.