ST. PETERSBURG, FL (SNN-TV) – The Rays have fallen to fourth place in the American League East, but it’s not all doom and gloom. Two games separate the Rays from the second place Toronto Blue Jays and the Rays, as they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates to town for a three-game series.
The Yankees lead is 12.5 games over the Blue Jays, 13.0 games over the Boston Red Sox, 14.5 games over the Rays, and 20.5 games over the Baltimore Orioles. The Rays still hold a 37-32 record and are in the middle of the Wild Card race.
The visiting Pirates have struggled offensively putting up a .221/.290/.362 line and 84 wRC+. The production is third worst in the league and coincides with the third fewest runs.
The Pirates have called up Oneil Cruz. Cruz is unique for a being a shortstop that has the height of Aaron Judge (6’7”). He had a mediocre start in AAA hitting .232/.336/.422 and putting up a 104 wRC+. In 18 plate appearances he’s hit .222/.222/.333 line and has put up a 51 wRC+.
Tonight’s series begins tonight at 7:10pm from Tropicana Field.
Series Probables:
Friday 7:10 PM: Mitch Keller vs Jeffrey Springs
Saturday 1:10 PM: JT Brubaker vs Corey Kluber
Sunday 1:40 PM: Roansy Contreras vs Shane McClanahan
