Jul 25, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Amed Rosario (10) hits a single towards the Toronto Blue Jays within the second inning at Rogers Centre. Obligatory Credit score: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports activities With the main league commerce deadline quick approaching, there’s a clear sense of urgency surrounding the interleague sequence between the visiting Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays this weekend.
Forward of the three-game set that begins Friday night time, the Rays have been sellers in a deal late Thursday night time though they’re simply 4 video games out of a playoff place.
Tampa Bay dealt former All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners in alternate for 2 minor league prospects, right-hander Brody Hopkins and outfielder Aidan Smith, and a participant to be introduced.
Cincinnati, in the meantime, is 4 1/2 video games behind the ultimate Nationwide League wild-card spot.
The Reds bounced again after shedding three straight to the Washington Nationals to win each video games of a shortened sequence towards the Atlanta Braves this week, together with a 9-4 victory on Wednesday.
The sequence towards Tampa Bay might decide whether or not the Reds will likely be patrons or sellers forward of the Tuesday commerce deadline.
“We have got to string collectively some good video games right here and keep constant,” Cincinnati outfielder Spencer Steer stated. “I do not assume it is a secret that it is time to win some ballgames and attempt to get sizzling right here and go on just a little little bit of a streak.”
Reds beginning pitcher Frankie Montas stated the staff wants to stay targeted on the weekend sequence.
“No matter occurs goes to occur (on the deadline) whether or not you consider it or not,” Montas stated. “So the much less you consider it, the higher it may be.”
Tampa Bay shipped out Arozarena regardless of successful 18 of its previous 30 video games and even if he was batting .284 since June 1 after hitting .158 via the tip of Could.
Brandon Lowe went 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs and Amed Rosario had three hits within the Rays’ 13-0 highway win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. The 13 runs marked a season excessive for Tampa Bay.
“Actually good confidence enhance for our guys,” Lowe stated. “Hitting is contagious, like we at all times say. That is actually going to spice up everyone right here going into the following sequence.”
Within the opener towards the Reds, Tampa Bay right-hander Shane Baz (0-1, 3.95 ERA) is about to make his fourth begin since coming back from Tommy John surgical procedure.
Baz, 25, allowed 4 hits and a career-high 5 walks over 3 1/3 scoreless innings towards the New York Yankees on Sunday.
Baz took the loss in his lone profession begin towards Cincinnati, permitting seven runs on eight hits — together with three house runs — over 2 1/3 innings on July 10, 2022. That was his last outing earlier than the elbow ailment basically price him two seasons.
Cincinnati will counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-3, 3.51), who has posted a 6.06 ERA over his final 4 begins. The 26-year-old allowed 4 runs over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision towards the Washington Nationals on Saturday.
Taylor Partitions is 3-for-6 with a triple and a house run towards Lodolo, who’s 1-1 with a ten.24 ERA in two profession begins vs. Tampa Bay.
The Rays are monitoring the standing of first baseman Yandy Diaz, who has been away from the staff because the All-Star break because of a household matter.
Tampa Bay supervisor Kevin Money stated there isn’t a timetable for Diaz’s return. The reigning American League batting champion is hitting .273 with eight house runs and 46 RBIs this season.
“We’re persevering with to speak with him right here day by day,” Money stated.
Common third baseman Isaac Paredes has began at first base rather than Diaz. Paredes had two hits and 4 RBIs on Thursday, snapping an 0-for-15 stoop.
–Subject Stage Media