Prediction, Preview of Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays. Is this going to be real?
The Tampa Bay Rays play host to the Boston Red Sox on Monday night in their series opener from Tropicana Field. With very little to separate these two in the standings, each meeting continues to be important when things are said and done down the road. These two have already faced off six times this season, with Tampa Bay taking two out of three in both series. Just last week, the Rays were able to take the series at Fenway Park, as they hope a trip back to Florida sees similar results. The Rays will like their chances after how last week went but this Boston team isn’t the type at all to quit.
Red Sox Take To The Road
The Red Sox have shown to be a contender in the American League so far this season, at least when it comes to the Wild Card standings. Even though they’re coming off of a lackluster weekend hosting the Yankees, they’ll be looking to use Monday’s opener to get their confidence and momentum going against the Rays. While close in the standings, the Rays have had Boston’s number, not just this season but over the past few years as well. For the Red Sox, they actually have more wins on the road than at home, and even despite their 4-6 record over their last ten games, know that they have the talent and depth to take down Tampa Bay and continue to cling to the top Wild Card spot.
For the Red Sox, the injuries have continued to mount of late, which will cast some doubt over their lineup and available arms for Monday. Positionally, Kike Hernandez (hip flexor) and Christian Arroyo (groin) both remain out, while the status of Rafael Devers (back) remains in question after missing Sunday’s start. Beyond that, they continue to be without seven starters and three relievers, which is far from ideal as well.
According to MLB.com, Brayan Bello will get the start for the Red Sox, as the youngster looks to impress against a divisional opponent. As one of the top players in Boston’s farm system, the righty struggled somewhat in the first start of his career the last time out against Tampa Bay. In that appearance last week, he went four innings, allowing four runs, and will need to be far sharper in the rematch if he wants to give his side a chance.
One piece of good news continues to be Boston’s lineup which is one of the best and most dangerous in the American League. They come into Monday night ranking in the top ten of baseball in runs scored, OPS, and strikeout rate, while ranking first in batting average. Rafael Devers (.327 average, 19 HRs) continues to put together an impressive season but the depth of this lineup is what should help most on Monday night. Trevor Story (55 RBI) and Xander Bogaerts (.386 OBP) add some more danger to the middle of the order and if the Rays don’t stop those three, they could be in for a long night.
Rays Eyeing Home Advantage
After being able to take down Boston two of three times just last week at Fenway Park, the Rays have their eyes set on replicating that success as they return home on Monday Night. The Rays haven’t been able to play at home for weeks and after losing their series over the weekend against the Reds, they’ll be happy to be back home to try to get things going back in the winning direction. The Rays have only gone 5-5 over their last ten games and continue to sit in the second Wild Card spot. Beyond that though, they do have the third-most home wins in the American League, and considering their success against the Red Sox over the last few years, they’ll like their chances on Monday night.
Much like Boston’s injury report getting longer and longer, the Rays have found themselves battling similar issues. Positionally, they continue to be without Mike Zunino (shoulder), Manuel Margot (knee), Brandon Lowe (back), Wander Franco (wrist), and Kevin Kiermaier (hip). Adding to that six relievers are being ruled out as well and the Rays might be looking for some unknown commodities to make a name for themselves in this one.
Tampa Bay’s starter for Monday night remains undecided, though whoever it is should feel confident taking the mound. As a team, the Rays rank sixth in baseball in runs against and OPS for opponents, while ranking fifth in opponent batting average. With the injuries to the staff of late though, it could be a challenge to find someone durable enough to hang on for the win on Monday.
Starters have only been feeling more and more pressure of late for Tampa Bay given the lack of run support that the offense has provided. They rank in the bottom third of baseball in nearly every category, while the injuries to starters have continued to make things difficult. Yandy Diaz (.299 average) leads the way, while Randy Arozarena (40 RBI) remains dangerous.
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The last few days have been massive to Boston’s confidence and they’ll be able to keep that going against the Rays. It helps that they have a little more structure on the mound and for Bello, the learning curve expects to be quick. Boston’s lineup is one of the best in baseball and their ability to score runs and put pressure on opponents to keep pace, are both likely to make things tough for Tampa Bay. Additionally, according to covers.com, the Rays are 0-5 in their last five Monday games.
Prediction: Boston (-1.5)
