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Game 11 Preview: Tampa Bay Rays @ Chicago White Sox

The Rays go for their first series victory of the new season behind Blake Snell

Tampa Bay Rays v Chicago White Sox Photo by David Banks/Getty Images

The Tampa Bay Rays have finally notched another victory into the win column as they defeated the Chicago White Sox yesterday afternoon to snap their eight game losing streak. The Rays are now 2-8 on the season, while Chicago is 3-6.

Kevin Kiermaier is still nursing a sore foot as well as recovering from an illness he picked up while the team was in Boston over the weekend, so he is out of the today’s lineup for the second straight day. He is said to be available off the bench, if needed.

It’s another chilly day in Chicago it is currently 42 degrees with wind blowing just shy of double digits. First pitch is expected around 2:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers

Blake Snell vs Carson Fulmer

Blake Snell struggled with his command during his last start in New York against the Yankees, as the potent Yankee offense got to him for four runs on five hits — 2 HR — while Snell walked three and struck out five before departing with two outs in the 4th inning.

The Rays are hoping he puts that poor outing behind him as he looks to build off his second half from last season.

Carson Fulmer Scouting Report

Carson Fulmer made his debut on the 4th in Toronto against the Blue Jays allowing three runs on five hits, while he walked a hitter and struck out five.

The 2015 first round selection quickly reached the majors with Chicago in 2016, but has struggled to remain on the major league squad. He pitched in seven games (started five) for Chicago in 2017, finishing the year with a 3.86 ERA / 5.69 FIP.

His repertoire, per Brooks Baseball

In 2018, he has relied primarily on his Fourseam Fastball (94mph), also mixing in a Cutter (89mph) and Change (86mph). He also rarely throws a Curve (81mph).

Basic description of 2018 pitches compared to other RHP: His fourseam fastball has essentially average velo, results in somewhat more groundballs compared to other pitchers’ four seamers and has slight armside run. His cutter generates an extremely high number of swings & misses compared to other pitchers’ cutters, results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ cutters and has some natural sink. His change results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ changeups, is slightly firmer than usual, has slight armside fade and has some natural sink to it. His curve (take this with a grain of salt because he’s only thrown 6 of them in 2018) is basically never swung at and missed compared to other pitchers’ curves, has primarily 12-6 movement, results in more flyballs compared to other pitchers’ curves, has little depth and is slightly harder than usual.

Starting Lineups

Today's Lineups

TAMPA BAY RAYS CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Denard Span - LF Yoan Moncada - 2B
Joey Wendle - 2B Avisail Garcia - RF
Carlos Gomez - CF Jose Abreu - 1B
C.J. Cron - 1B Matt Davidson - DH
Matt Duffy - 3B Welington Castillo - C
Mallex Smith - RF Nicky Delmonico - LF
Wilson Ramos - C Tim Anderson - SS
Adeiny Hechavarria - SS Tyler Saladino - 3B
Daniel Robertson - DH Adam Engel - CF
Blake Snell - LHP Carson Fulmer - RHP