The Tampa Bay Rays returned to the win column last night as they defeated the Detroit Tigers, 5-1. The Rays snapped a six game losing streak to the Tigers dating back to last year. The victory gave the Rays a record of 7-8 on the season, 4th in the division. Meanwhile, the Tigers fell to 8-5, grasping to a one game lead in the AL Central.

Starting Pitchers

Chris Archer vs Jordan Zimmerman

Archer had his worst start of the short season thus far during his last time out on the 14th in Boston against the Red Sox. It still wasn’t that poor of a performance, but he only last two outs into the sixth inning. Archer only allowed a run on six hits, while he walked two and struck out five.

Jordan Zimmerman Scouting Report

Zimmerman was very solid in his first of the season, his second start was a different story. He would exit the game after just two outs into the fifth inning, having already allowed five runs on four hits, while he struggled with his command, walking five and striking out three. That’s the most walks he’s even given up in a single start (has 198 career starts).

His Arsenal

Thus far in 2017, Zimmerman has primarily relied on his low 90’s fastball this season, using it over half the time, regardless of who is batting. He compliments that fastball with a low 80’s curveball. He can back those two pitches up with a slider and change-up in the mid 80’s.

His 2016 Splits

Something went terribly wrong for Zimmerman last year against right-handed batters as they had a .367 wOBA against him in over 200 plate appearances. Lefties were a slightly different story, but they still had a .310 wOBA against him. Whatever the problem was, Zimmerman only faced it at home in Detroit as he was significantly better on the road (.290 wOBA - Away / .384 wOBA - Home).

Every time through the order was terrible, so nothing really to dive into there.

Starting Lineups