Game 33 Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics

The Rays return home to the Trop after a west coast swing that saw them win three in a row during a sweep against the Angels and than promptly lose that momentum as they were swept by the Mariners in Seattle returning them back home with a record of 15-17, five and half games back of the first place Orioles and Red Sox who are tied for the division lead.

Meanwhile, the Athletics were just taken out to a wood shed in Boston as they were also swept and have lost their past five games in a row. The places them with a record of 14-21, in third place in the AL West and seven and a half games back of the first place Mariners.

TODAY'S STARTING PITCHERS:

Jake Odorizzi is still somehow winless despite posting the second best season for Rays starting pitchers to date. He's given up two runs or less over five of his seven starts. His last time out was on the 7th against the Angels where he allowed two runs on five hits, and he also walked a batter while striking out four. He would get a no-decision, but the Rays went on to win that game.

Rich Hill Scouting Report:

Rich Hill has risen from the ashes to revive his career that looked over just a short while ago as he received a rather large payday courtesy of the Athletics and thus far, he has rewarded them with quality outings. Over his last four starts, he has given up just four runs over the course of close to 25 innings pitched. His last start came on the 7th against the Orioles where he picked up his 4th victory of the season, holding the potent Baltimore offense to a run on two hits, over five innings.

His Arsenal:

His Splits:

Starting Lineups: