Rays vs Red Sox starting pitchers
- Tanner Houck for Boston Red Sox
- Taj Bradley for Tampa Bay Rays
Rays vs Red Sox game preview
As the Tampa Bay Rays prepare to face off against the Boston Red Sox this Wednesday, the spotlight falls on the potential pitchers from both teams. Taj Bradley will take the mound for the Rays, boasting a solid ERA of 1.50 and a WHIP of 1.00, despite having only pitched 6 full innings this season. On the opposing side, Tanner Houck represents Boston with more robust numbers: a 2.24 ERA and 0.97 WHIP over 52.1 innings pitched, along with an impressive tally of 50 strikeouts. This matchup sets the stage for a compelling pitcher's duel with each team relying on their starters to set the tone for the game.
For the Tampa Bay Rays, the team's performance is somewhat inconsistent as demonstrated by their near .500 record, placing them fourth in the AL East. Bradley's limited innings this season implies reliance on Tampa Bay's bullpen, which could be a crucial factor in this game. Offensively, the Rays need to step up, with Isaac Paredes leading with a batting average of .303 and Randy Arozarena adding power with 8 home runs. However, overall team hitting places them in the lower rungs league-wide, ranking tied-10th in hits and a batting average of .243. Success for the Rays will likely hinge on their ability to convert at-bats into runs more efficiently, while capitalizing on their strength in stolen bases where they rank 5th in MLB.
On the other side, the Boston Red Sox present a well-rounded team that ranks notably higher in terms of strikeouts and hits compared to the Rays, though their batting average mirrors Tampa's at .242. Much of Boston's offensive strategy revolves around Rafael Devers and Tyler O'Neill, who have shown strong performances with a .282 batting average and 10 home runs, respectively. This game will be pivotal for Boston's middling offense to ignite and push beyond their 17th placement in runs scored. For the Red Sox, maintaining strong pitching from Houck and harnessing strategic hitting against Bradley’s temporary stint may just tilt the scales in their favor during this AL East clash.
Boston Red Sox injuries
- Roberto Perez (C): Day-To-Day
- Mikey Romero (SS): Day-To-Day
- Andrew Politi (RP): Day-To-Day
- Cutter Coffey (3B): Day-To-Day
- Tyler Heineman (C): 10-Day-IL
Tampa Bay Rays injuries
- Osleivis Basabe (SS): Day-To-Day
- Brandon Lowe (2B): 10-Day-IL
- Chris Devenski (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Ryan Pepiot (SP): 15-Day-IL
- Jacob Waguespack (RP): 15-Day-IL
How to Watch the Rays vs Red Sox
The Rays vs. Red Sox game will be televised on NESN and is scheduled for Wed 7:10 PM.
Rays vs Red Sox predictions
Here we go, another AL East showdown between the Rays and Sox. I'm telling you, the Rays are gonna get a big game from Randy Arozarena - I'm thinking 2 for 4 with a homer and a couple RBIs. And don't sleep on Isaac Paredes, this guy's been on fire lately, I've got him going 3 for 5 with a double and a run scored. And let's not forget about Jose Siri, this speedster's gonna cause some chaos on the basepaths, I've got him swiping two bags and scoring a run.
On the other side, the Sox are gonna need some big performances to take down the Rays. I think Rafael Devers is due for a breakout game, I've got him going 2 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBIs. And don't count out Tyler O'Neill, this guy's got power for days, I think he goes deep and drives in a couple runs. And keep an eye on Wilyer Abreu, this rookie's got some spark, I've got him reaching base twice and scoring a run.
So, who's gonna take it? I think the Sox have the edge in this one. Their bats are too hot right now, and with Tanner Houck on the mound, I think they can contain the Rays' offense. Give me the Sox 6-4, with Devers and O'Neill leading the charge.
