Boston Red Sox vs. Tampa Bay Rays: Preview, Predictions and Picks for May 20, 2024

Published on:
May 20, 2024 6:17 AM
The Tampa Bay Rays, holding a 3-1 lead in the regular season series, look to extend their advantage when they host the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field on Monday, May 20. The Rays, with a 14-12 home record, aim to capitalize on their familiar surroundings, while the Red Sox, 13-11 on the road, seek to bounce back from a subpar season start.
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Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Rays

Red Sox vs Rays starting pitchers

  • Taj Bradley for Tampa Bay Rays
  • Tanner Houck for Boston Red Sox

Red Sox vs Rays game preview

Tonight's clash between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays promises an exciting pitching duel as Tanner Houck takes the mound for Boston against Tampa Bay's Taj Bradley. Houck has been a standout this season, maintaining a sharp ERA of 2.17 with 57 strikeouts and only one home run allowed across a healthy span of 58 full innings. Bradley, on the other hand, brings a fresh arm but has proven effective in his limited innings with a 2.45 ERA and just eight hits allowed over 11 innings. This pitching matchup sets the stage for a tight contest, with both teams looking to leverage their starters' current form to gain the upper hand.

Turning our focus to the Boston Red Sox, they've displayed a mix of offensive prowess and areas needing improvement. Their striking out rank at third indicates they're prone to missing swings, but on the flip side, they're relatively strong in other offensive stats like runs scored and hits, placing in the upper segments of the league. With players like Rafael Devers and Tyler O'Neill adding significant firepower—Devers hitting at an average of .285 and O'Neill leading with 11 homers—the team certainly has the potential to rev up their performance. Consistency at the plate could be a game changer for the Sox in this matchup.

As for the Tampa Bay Rays, they've shown some spark but also areas that could use some bolstering. Isaac Paredes has been a bright spot, leading the team with a .309 batting average and topping the charts in both home runs and RBIs for the Rays. However, the team's overall performance, specifically their 21st ranking in runs scored, highlights a struggle to consistently drive in runs. With their better performance in stolen bases, ranked fifth, adding an aggressive base-running strategy might just be the twist needed against the Red Sox. As they face a sturdy opponent in Houck tonight, the Rays' ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities will be critical.

Tampa Bay Rays injuries

  • Osleivis Basabe (SS): Day-To-Day
  • Brandon Lowe (2B): 10-Day-IL
  • Ryan Pepiot (SP): 15-Day-IL
  • Chris Devenski (RP): 15-Day-IL
  • Colin Poche (RP): 15-Day-IL

Boston Red Sox injuries

  • Chih-Jung Liu (SP): Day-To-Day
  • Cutter Coffey (3B): Day-To-Day
  • Andrew Politi (RP): Day-To-Day
  • Mikey Romero (SS): Day-To-Day
  • Isaiah Campbell (RP): 15-Day-IL

How to Watch the Red Sox vs Rays

The Red Sox vs. Rays game will be televised on NESN and is scheduled for Mon 6:50 PM.

Red Sox vs Rays predictions

Here we go! The Red Sox are rolling into Tropicana Field, looking to take down the Rays in what promises to be a crucial matchup. Now, I've got my eyes on a few Sox players who I think are gonna make some noise. Rafael Devers is due for a big game - I'm talking 2-3 hits, an RBI, and at least one extra-base knock. That guy's a stud. And don't even get me started on Tyler O'Neill; he's been on a tear lately, and I wouldn't be shocked if he goes deep tonight. Those two alone could be the difference-maker for Boston.

On the other side, the Rays have some serious firepower themselves. Isaac Paredes is scorching hot right now, and I fully expect him to keep it going with at least two hits and an RBI. And let's not sleep on Randy Arozarena - that dude's a game-changer, and I think he'll come through with a clutch hit or two. The Rays' offense is no joke, and they'll definitely keep the Sox pitching staff on their toes.

So, who's gonna take this one? Listen, I think the Rays' momentum and home-field advantage will ultimately give them the edge. I'm gonna take Tampa Bay to win this one 5-4, with Paredes and Arozarena leading the charge. The Red Sox will keep it close, but in the end, the Rays' strong bullpen will shut the door. That's my prediction - let's see how it all plays out!

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