:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63676775/usa_today_12568822.0.jpg)
Just a week after being swept at the hands of the hated Boston Red Sox, the Tampa Bay Rays will get another shot to attempt to drive a stake through the hearts of the defending champs. Their attempt to do so last week looked a bit like this:
In the meantime, the Rays took two out of three from the Royals, while the Sox split with the Tigers, leaving the Rays 5.5 games up on the Red Sox — once again a tantalizing number if they could win the series, and a terrifying number should they be swept again.
The Rays will turn to Charlie Morton (2-0, 3.38/3.22/3.73 ERA/FIP/xFIP) on Friday, Tyler Glasnow (4-0, 1.53/2.64/3.29) on Saturday, and then use the Opener Sunday. For the Sox, they stay have a fat TBD for Friday, with David Price (1-1, 3.75/2.86/3.28) Saturday, and Chris Sale (0-4, 7.43/5.59/4.41) Sunday.
Once again, the Rays have a chance to put a little distance between them and their division rivals, and once again they have the chance of being sent into a panic by Sunday afternoon.
Rays Links
- Rays head to Boston banged up and seeking revenge — TB Times weekend series preview.
- News before the Boston series:
#Rays will call up Arroyo and Pruitt on Friday before facing #RedSox. Wendle to IL and Wood remains on family medical list
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) April 25, 2019
- AL East trends that will — and won’t — last — It’s always a good thing when your trend that will last is a good one, and your trend that won’t last is a bad one.
- Hot Rods’ Franco stays hot with two jacks — Nice game for Wander who is starting to catch on fire again.
- Wander Franco dominating the Midwest League, already — Speaking of which.
Tweet of the Day
Wander Franco has homered twice tonight. He has a 1.041 OPS. He is hitting .331. He is the youngest player in the Midwest League by seven months. He will be the No. 1 prospect in baseball as soon as Guerrero, Tatis and Jimenez graduate.
— JJ Cooper (@jjcoop36) April 26, 2019
Around the League
- Stark: Useless Info Dept., Gloves Optional Edition — No Rays this week, but always a fun read.
- Sarris: Is there a better way to throw a curveball? Some pros are aiming to find out — Going to be honest, haven’t fully read this yet, but it’s Eno writing about pitcher grips/spin rates, go ahead and read.
- What you need to know about Vlad Jr.’s debut — I really hate that the Rays are going to have to face this kid 17 games a year... mostly because I will find it impossible to root against him.