Rays starter Yonny Chirinos leaves in the sixth inning, taking his first career loss as the Rays fell 7-2 to the Rangers on Tuesday. (Photo Credit: Monica Herndon/Tampa Bay Times)

The Tampa Bay Rays look to bounce back in the rubber-game of the three-game series against the Texas Rangers. Tampa Bay handed Texas an 8-4 loss on Monday, yet the Rangers responded in kind last night, handing the Rays a 7-2 loss. Jacob Faria (0-1, 8.18 ERA) will get the start for the Rays, toeing the rubber opposite of Cole Hamels Cole Hamels (1-2, 4.50 ERA).

Faria took a no-decision against the Phillies on Friday, although he gave up just one earned run on two hits over 5-1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven. It was a nice bounce-back for the right-hander, who was lit up for eight earned runs over just 1-2/3 innings by Boston in his previous start. He, however, still has issued more walks than strikeouts over his first 11 innings, with 10 free passes against nine K’s.

Hamels came away with a no-decision in a loss to the Astros, after he allowed just two runs on six hits (including two solo homers) and two walks over six innings. He fanned seven. The two George Springer solo shots were the only blemishes on his line for the night. Hamels threw 68 of 106 pitches for strikes (64% strike ratio) in his first quality start of the season. Home runs are a problem for the southpaw — he’s now given up seven over 22 innings, overshadowing a 2.72 K/BB. Key Matchups: Matt Duffy (3-9, 3 RBI), Carlos Gomez (6-22, 2B, HR, 3 RBI, 2 BB), Adeiny Hechavarria (11-29, 2B, 4 3B, 4 RBI, BB), Rob Refsnyder (1-1, BB), Denard Span (8-30, 2B, 2RBI, 4 BB), Jesus Sucre (4-6, 2B, 2 RBI)

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

The New What Next: Rays vs Rangers — a series preview; Kiermaier injury update

Rays 4/18/18 Starting Lineup

(Photo Credit: Neil Solondz)

Noteworthiness

— The seven runs allowed marks the seventh time in 17 games that Tampa Bay has allowed that many. The Rays have given up 92 runs so far this season, the most at this point of the year since 2007, writes Neil Solondz (Rays Radio).

— The Rays don’t expect Matt Duffy, who sustained a mild hamstring strain on Monday, to be on the disabled list beyond the designated 10-days.

Just a mild strain, actually not very serious, thankfully, said Duffy. It is something that is going to take five days to a week, so a DL trip is probably the safest thing. Hopefully we’ll get this thing figured out and be ready to come off when I’m eligible, ideally.

— There’s “a chance” Miller will be activated from the DL (groin strain) on Friday, Rays skipper Kevin Cash told the media Tuesday afternoon. Miller played first base in a rehab game for the Class-A Charlotte Stone Crabs on Tuesday, and went 1-for-4 with a single and a run. He is scheduled to do the same tonight. The team will re-evaluate his health, and timing at the plate, before making a decision.

— RHP Nathan Eovaldi (elbow) “continues to progress really well,” Cash said. He has started to throw off the mound, while his rehab is likely to extend into June.

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