The Tampa Bay Rays are heading to Detroit to begin a three game set with the Tigers, before finally heading back to Tropicana Field to cap off their three city road trip. It has been a very successful trip for the Rays as they swept the Orioles and took two of three from the Boston Red Sox. Now, they move on to Detroit, who come into play having just lost two of three to the Orioles in Baltimore.

Heading into play tonight, the Rays have a record of 12-14, 7.5 games back in the division. Meanwhile, the Tigers are 11-15, and trail the AL Central leading Indians by 3.5 games.

Game conditions should be perfect, with the forecast calling for sunny skies with the temperature set to be in the upper 60’s.

Starting Pitchers

Jake Faria vs Jordan Zimmerman

It was more of the same for Jake Faria during his last time on the mound as his early season command issues have continued to plague him. Facing the Orioles, Faria allowed four runs on four hits, while he walked three and and struck out five before departing with one out in the fifth inning.

Prior to the outing, Faria had reeled off consecutive starts in which he allowed just one run and pitched into the sixth during both appearances.

Jordan Zimmerman Scouting Report

Zimmerman’s tenure with the Detroit Tigers has been a struggle as the former Cy Young candidate has failed to bring his success with the Washington Nationals to the Motor City.

Thus far in 2018, Zimmerman has been hit around quite a bit, having allowed a total 20 runs in just over 19 innings pitched. He was knocked of his past start early as the Pirates got to him for six runs (three earned) on six hits — 2 HR — while he walked one and struck out four over three innings of work.

Starting Lineups

Carlos Gomez has been dropped in the Rays order as Matt Duffy will hit third.