Kevin Kiermaier is looked at by a trainer, manager Kevin Cash, and third base coach Charlie Montoyo after getting hit with a pitch from Felix Hernandez during the sixth inning on Wednesday. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Kevin Kiermaier is looked at by a trainer, manager Kevin Cash, and third base coach Charlie Montoyo after getting hit with a pitch from Felix Hernandez during the sixth inning on Wednesday. (Photo credit: AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

The Tampa Bay Rays are starting a 10-game road trip on the heels of a 2-5 home stand, which included five consecutive losses. First stop Baltimore, where the team will take on the Orioles in a three-game, weekend set.

The most recent defeat took place Wednesday, when the Rays recorded just four singles against Felix Hernandez in a 3-0 defeat against Seattle. The culprit? Sloppy play in the field (exacerbated by the placement of James Loney on the DL), and the inability to drive in runners in scoring position — the team went a tepid 3-for-28 wRISP against the Mariners (.107 BA wRISP).

The Baltimore Orioles continue their eight-game home stand in the first actual series between the AL East rivals at Camden Yards this season. Recall that the teams three-game set at the beginning of the month was relocated to Tropicana Field because of social unrest in Baltimore. Baltimore won two of those three contests, limiting the Rays to a total of four runs the entire series, after kicking off the campaign. The Orioles are 3-2 on this home stand after splitting a doubleheader at against the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

However, there is hope (alternately, so you’re saying there’s a chance). Miguel Gonzalez, who will get the start for the Orioles on Friday, has been tagged for at least four runs in four of his last six starts, although he didn’t allow an earned run in either of the other two outings. An aside, one of those two starts came against Tampa Bay on May 2, when Gonzalez relinquished four hits in 7-2/3 scoreless frames. And while his 10-game hitting streak may have come to an end on Wednesday, Evan Longoria has had a massive amount of success at Camden Yards, hitting 13 home runs and driving in 42 RBI there — his highest career totals at any road ballpark.

Rays and Orioles series starters over the last 14 days.
Rays and Orioles series starters over the last 14 days.
Rays and Orioles offensive production over the last 14 days.
Rays and Orioles offensive production over the last 14 days.
Rays and Orioles by the numbers.
Rays and Orioles by the numbers.

Miguel Gonzalez: Per Rotowire, Gonzalez gave up four earned runs on five hits and two walks with eight strikeouts in seven innings Tuesday en route to his fifth win of the season. Gonzalez has been able to stifle Tampa Bay this season, holding the team to just one earned run in 13-1/3 innings of work. Be that as it may, the Rays still have a good OBP (.338) and SLG (.406) against the righty. Key matchups: Tim Beckham (1-3), Asdrubal Cabrera (3-11, 2B, HR, RBI), David DeJesus (3-12, 3 BB), Logan Forsythe (3-6, 2B), Kevin Kiermaier (2-7, 2B), Evan Longoria (7-28, HR, RBI, 4 BB), Rene Rivera (1-4).

Wei-Yin Chen: Per Rotowire, Chen (soreness) will start Saturday’s game against the Rays, MASN’s Roch Kubatko reports. Chen is a pitcher who the Rays have had success against this season, tagging the lefty for five earned runs on 11 hits (two homers) and four walks in 10-1/3 innings. Furthermore, the team has a combined .263 BA/.329 OBP/.453 SLG/.782 OPS in 137 at-bats against Chen. Key matchups: Joey Butler (1-3), Logan Forsythe (6-17, 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB), Brandon Guyer (3-11, 2B), Kevin Kiermaier (4-9, 3B, HR, 2 RBI), Evan Longoria (8-26, 3 2B, 3 RBI, 6 BB).

Chris Tillman: Per Rotowire, Tillman went seven innings against the Astros on Tuesday, allowing two runs on five hits and three walks with five strikeouts, but was stuck with his sixth loss of the season. Tillman is another one of those pitchers who happens to be a chronic thorn in the side of Tampa Bay. Nevertheless, the Rays were able to hand Tillman a hard-luck loss on May 1. The Orioles ace has given up four or more runs (all resulting in losses) in four of his nine starts — perhaps the Rays can sink his battleship on Sunday. Key matchups: Jake Elmore (1-2), Brandon Guyer (2-6), Evan longoria (15-38, 3 2B, 6 HR, 9 RBI, 4 BB).

Noteworthiness

— The team should be close to full strength to start the series. Kevin Kiermaier isn’t expected to miss time after being hit by a pitchWednesday. Asdrubal Cabrera pinch hit in each of the last two games and seems likely to be back in the lineup. The team hopes Steven Souza Jr. (sprained left wrist) returns after missing the past three games.

— Hopefully the buck stops here. The Rays bullpen has allowed at least one run in six consecutive games; the longest stretch for that unit since June 13-18, 2013.

— Matt Moore took a line drive to the chest an extended spring start on Thursday. He is reportedly fine, the ball just grazed him. Moore threw three innings and 46 pitches in his outing game and, per the Rays, everything went as planned.:

— Kirby Yates threw one inning (and 16 pitches) in an extended spring game; everything went as planned as well.

— Your quote comes courtesy of Marc Topkin via WDAE:

If you’re uncertain what that’s in reference to, read about the most recent Stadium Saga happenings here.

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