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Tampa Bay Rays vs Houston Astros Game Preview, Starting Lineups, and Scouting Report: Blake Snell vs Collin McHugh

The Rays look for a series victory against the top team in the American League

MLB: Houston Astros at Detroit Tigers Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight, the Tampa Bay Rays have the opportunity to defeat the Houston Astros in a four game series, which would be an incredible bounce back performance from this squad, as they were reeling in the weeks following the All-Star Break.

Thus far, they have taken the past two games in Houston, with the Astros opening the series with a victory.

The Rays are now back at three games over .500 with a record of 56-53. They trail the division leading Red Sox by 3.5 games while they’re just .5 games back in the Wild Card chase behind the Kansas City Royals.

Starting Pitchers

Blake Snell continues to show signs for future dominance but also current rustiness as he pitched an out into the sixth inning during his last time out. He allowed three runs on six hits, including a homer, while he walked two and struck out four.

Collin McHugh made his return to the Houston Astros rotation back on July 22nd (his season debut), after opening the year on the disabled list due to a ‘dead arm’. After a so-so performance on the 22nd, McHugh was fantastic during his last outing (the 29th) as he delivered six innings of one run ball against the Detroit Tigers notching just four hits off him, while they walked once and struck out seven times.

Starting Lineups

Today's Lineups

TAMPA BAY RAYS HOUSTON ASTROS
Corey Dickerson - LF Jose Altuve - 2B
Lucas Duda - 1B Alex Bregman - SS
Evan Longoria - 3B Yulieski Gurriel - 3B
Logan Morrison - DH Evan Gattis - C
Steven Souza - RF Marwin Gonzalez - LF
Brad Miller - 2B Derek Fisher - RF
Wilson Ramos - C Tyler White - 1B
Mallex Smith - CF A.J. Reed - DH
Adeiny Hechavarria - SS Jake Marisnick - CF
Blake Snell - LHP Collin McHugh - RHP