The Tampa Bay Rays won again last night as they defeated the San Diego Padres, 7-5. Ji-Man Choi provided the big blow, a go-ahead two run home run that gave the Rays a 6-4 advantage. Brendan McKay got the start for the Rays and after a rough first inning in which he surrendered four runs, he rebounded to hold the Padres in check over the next three frames before being lifted; McKay was 0-2 at the plate.

Nick Anderson continued his dominance, striking out three more hitters; Anderson has now struck out 14 of the 19 hitters he has faced in a Rays uniform. Jose Alvarado made his return to the mound and suffered from a lack of command and a defensive miscue. He allowed one run before giving way to Emilio Pagan, who struck out all four batters he faced en route to nailing down the save.

The Rays will look for the sweep this afternoon behind Jalen Beeks.

News and Links

• Brandon Lowe is beginning his rehab assignment this afternoon with the GCL Rays
• ‘I flipped the script’: Anthony Banda aims to return this season from Tommy John Surgery - Josh Tolentino, The Athletic
• Avi exits with right oblique tightness - Juan Toribio, Rays Baseball
• ‘Old’ pitchers are a dominant force in 2019 - Will Leitch