The Tampa Bay Rays are in a bizarre state of flux proper now the place they both win a sequence or are being swept, there isn’t a in between.
By taking two of three over the St. Louis Cardinals this weekend, the Rays improved to 63-67 on the season and are nonetheless 6.5 video games again of the Seattle Mariners within the Wild Card chase. The Rays may have a first-rate alternative to overhaul one of many groups forward of them as they’ll journey to Cleveland for a 3 sport sequence in opposition to the Guardians.
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An fascinating notice, the Rays shall be beginning Ian Seymour for the sequence opener. When Seymour takes the mound, will probably be the primary time all yr and first time since September 26, 2024 that the Rays may have a left-handed beginning pitcher.
The Guardians are having a curler coaster of a yr. In early May, Cleveland managed the highest Wild Card spot. Over the following month, the group went via some struggles, however nonetheless had been tied for the third Wild Card spot on June twenty second. Then they’d endure a 10-game dropping streak instantly adopted by a stretch during which they received 11 of 13. The Guardians are again to dropping once more, having dropped 5 in a row and are at the moment 64-65, 5 video games again within the Wild Card chase.
Meanwhile, the Guardians have needed to cope with controversy as Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase had been positioned on depart whereas MLB investigates a potential sports activities betting scandal as a consequence of suspicious exercise relating to microbets whereas these two had been on the mound.
As for the Guardians not at the moment dealing with potential lifetime bans, Jose Ramirez continues to be among the best gamers in all baseball as he’s hitting .288/.362/.512 with 26 HR and 36 SB, registering a 135 wRC+ and accruing 5. 1 fWAR over 126 video games. The 32-year previous switch-hitting third baseman now has 54.8 fWAR over his final 10 campaigns. Ramirez accounts for a lot of the manufacturing from the Guardians lineup, with solely two different gamers on the Guardians roster peforming above league common: Kyle Manzardo (114 wRC+ | 1.0 fWAR) & Steven Kwan (101 wRC+ | 2.5 fWAR).
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On the mound for the Guardians, Cade Smith has taken the nearer job from Clase and is among the many higher relievers in baseball; Smith actuall leads the Guardians pitching employees in fWAR. It reveals what a battle this yr has been for Cleveland when Clase and Ortiz are two of the highest 5 pitchers in fWAR.
The Guardians beginning pitcher employees all have very related total numbers this yr with nobody standing out because the clear ace at this level. The Rays will face one of many higher starters, Tanner Bibee, later tonight.
Frivolities
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The prime gamers in line with Baseball Reference to have performed for the Rays and Guardians:
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The Rays greatest participant offensively in opposition to the Guardians all-time (min. 25 PA):
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Jose Cruz Jr: .368/.538/1.053 with 3 HR over 26 PA
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The subsequent 4 are Steve Cox, Jason Bartlett, Wade Boggs, & Luke Scott
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The Rays most earlier transacation with the Guardians:
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7/31/23: Rays purchase Aaron Civale from the Guardians for Kyle Manzardo
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The Rays first transaction with the Guardians:
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8/4/08: Guardians declare Andy Cannizaro off of waivers from the Rays
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Probable pitchers are projected by MLB
GAME ONE
Monday, August twenty fifth
6:40 pm EDT
LHP Ian Seymour vs RHP Tanner Bibee
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GAME TWO
Tuesday, August twenty sixth
6:40 pm EDT
RHP Shane Baz vs LHP Parker Messick
GAME THREE
Wednesday, August twenty seventh
1:10 pm EDT
RHP Drew Rasmussen vs RHP Slade Cecconi