Rays vs Red Sox starting pitchers
- Cooper Criswell for Boston Red Sox
- Zack Littell for Tampa Bay Rays
Rays vs Red Sox game preview
As the Tampa Bay Rays prepare to face off against the Boston Red Sox, the pitching matchup presents an intriguing comparison of styles and statistics. The Rays will send Zack Littell to the mound, boasting a respectable ERA of 3.02 and a 1.28 WHIP over 44 and 2/3 innings pitched this season. His ability to control the game with a solid strikeout-to-walk ratio will be key. On the other side, the Red Sox counter with Cooper Criswell, who has impressed with a stellar 2.10 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP across 25 and 2/3 innings. Criswell’s lower home run susceptibility and higher efficiency could pose a significant challenge for the Rays’ hitters.
The Tampa Bay Rays enter the game with a mixed bag of offensive statistics. They are positioned 7th in strikeouts and 19th in runs scored, reflecting some challenges in capitalizing on scoring opportunities. The team’s batting average sits at .242, ranking them 13th, indicating a need for more consistent on-base performances. Key players like Isaac Paredes, batting .302, and Randy Arozarena, with 8 home runs, need to ignite the lineup for the Rays to enhance their run production. They’ll need to leverage their speed as well, being 5th in stolen bases, to pressure the Red Sox defense and create scoring opportunities from minimal hits.
Conversely, the Boston Red Sox show a slightly better offensive cohesion, though they share a similar batting average with the Rays. Ranking 2nd in strikeouts suggests a propensity for making contact, but it hasn’t fully translated into productive outcomes, seen in their 16th rank in runs scored. Players like Rafael Devers and Tyler O'Neill, who lead the team in batting and home runs respectively, will be pivotal in sparking the Red Sox's lineup. Consistency will be key for the Red Sox as they attempt to better exploit their contact-heavy approach, reducing stranded runners and converting hits into more significant scoring threats.
Boston Red Sox injuries
- Andrew Politi (RP): Day-To-Day
- Cutter Coffey (3B): Day-To-Day
- Mikey Romero (SS): Day-To-Day
- Tyler Heineman (C): 10-Day-IL
- Chih-Jung Liu (SP): Day-To-Day
Tampa Bay Rays injuries
- Osleivis Basabe (SS): Day-To-Day
- Brandon Lowe (2B): 10-Day-IL
- Ryan Pepiot (SP): 15-Day-IL
- Jacob Waguespack (RP): 15-Day-IL
- Colin Poche (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 Thu 7:10 PM.
Rays vs Red Sox predictions
Here we go, the Rays are rolling into Fenway, and I've got my eyes on a few guys who are gonna make a big impact. I'm telling you, Randy Arozarena is due for a monster game - this guy's been on a tear lately, and I see him going yard at least once tonight. And don't even get me started on Isaac Paredes, the dude's been raking all season, I've got him down for at least two hits and an RBI. And let's not forget about Yandy Diaz, this guy's been a silent assassin all year, quietly putting up numbers and getting the job done - I've got him on base at least twice tonight.
On the other side, the Red Sox are looking to bounce back from a tough stretch, and I think Rafael Devers is the key to it all. This guy's been their best hitter all year, and I see him coming through with a big hit or two tonight. And don't sleep on Tyler O'Neill, this guy's got pop, and I wouldn't be shocked if he takes Zack Littell deep at some point. And let's not forget about Jarren Duran, this guy's been a sparkplug for the Sox all year, I've got him getting on base a couple times and making some things happen.
So, when it's all said and done, I've got the Rays taking this one. Littell's been solid all year, and I think he can keep the Sox bats in check. The Rays' lineup, on the other hand, is just too deep, and I see them scratching out a few runs against Cooper Criswell. Rays take it 5-3, and I'm sticking to it.
