A four-game matchup in the American League kicks off on Thursday as the Tampa Bay Rays (71-74, 4th AL East) face off against the Cleveland Guardians (83-62, 1st AL Central). The Rays will wrap up a challenging three-game series in Philadelphia on Wednesday, where they have struggled, while the Guardians are in Chicago, aiming to extend their winning streak against the White Sox (Note: This article was written before Wednesday’s results). In their previous meeting in mid-July, Tampa Bay managed to take two of three games at home. The Rays will send Ryan Pepiot (3.66 ERA) to the mound, while Cleveland counters with Gavin Williams (5.25 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 PM at Progressive Field in Cleveland, and the game will be broadcast regionally on FOX.
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Rays Face Challenges in Philadelphia
The Tampa Bay Rays are concluding a difficult trip to Philadelphia, where they have struggled significantly. They allowed a walk-off RBI-single to Kody Clemens in the first game and faced a record-breaking leadoff homer by Kyle Schwarber in the second game. Currently, Tampa Bay finds themselves six games behind the final Wild Card spot, with three competing teams in between. Although they are just two games shy of Boston, who occupies third place in the AL East, the postseason remains a far-off dream. They suffered a loss to the Phillies on Tuesday, despite two hits, including an RBI-triple from Christopher Morel.
Morel joined the Rays through a trade deadline deal from the Chicago Cubs. Originally a third baseman, he has taken on roles at second base and left field during the series against Philadelphia. Batting leadoff, he boasts 21 home runs and 57 RBIs this season, but his average sits at a low .197. The Rays are not known for their power-hitting; Morel’s 21 home runs include 18 from his time with the Cubs, and the next closest players are Brandon Lowe and Jose Siri with 17 each. Lowe did hit a pinch-hit home run in the first game against Philadelphia but is currently day-to-day after missing the second game. Centerfielder Jose Siri has 43 RBIs but is struggling with a batting average of just .183. The standout for Tampa Bay is Yandy Diaz, who has a .280 average, has served as the designated hitter, and has accumulated 14 home runs and 65 RBIs this season.
Ryan Pepiot is set to make his 23rd start of the season for the Rays. The 27-year-old right-hander leads the team with eight wins and holds an 8-6 record. However, Tampa Bay has lost two of his last three starts. His ERA stands at 3.66, complemented by 118 strikeouts against 40 walks, and he has surrendered 16 home runs this season. In his previous outing, Pepiot pitched 5.1 innings, allowing just one run in a victory over the Orioles.
Guardians Set for Playoff Push
While no Major League Baseball teams have secured a playoff spot yet, the Cleveland Guardians are in a strong position. They have maintained their lead in the AL Central for most of the season, currently holding a 3.5-game advantage over the Kansas City Royals, who sit in second place. Even if the Guardians lose their grip on first place, they are likely to secure at least a Wild Card spot, as their division rivals are also competing for postseason opportunities. In their recent game against the White Sox, Lane Thomas contributed significantly with a three-run homer in the sixth inning, leading the team to victory.
Thomas, acquired midseason from the Washington Nationals, had a slow start but is finding his rhythm in September, boasting a .364 batting average with three home runs. After the game, he reflected on his season, stating, “You just work day in and day out, and eventually you find something that kind of helps. I feel like the game kicks you in the teeth quite a bit, and you just got to work through those little stretches.” Currently, Thomas has 11 home runs and 52 RBIs, batting fifth in the lineup. Leading the Guardians is Jose Ramirez, who has an impressive 34 home runs, 106 RBIs, and leads the team in hits (151) and stolen bases (37), batting third as the team’s third baseman.
Gavin Williams will make his 14th start for the Guardians in this matchup. The 25-year-old right-hander holds a record of 3-8, and the team has lost four of his last five starts. His ERA is currently 5.25, with 64 strikeouts and 26 walks, having allowed six home runs this season. In his last outing, Williams didn’t last past the first inning, giving up five earned runs and three walks to the Dodgers.
Top Predictions for Rays vs. Guardians
Tampa Bay has a favorable matchup against Gavin Williams, who has struggled significantly on the mound recently for Cleveland. In his last outing against the Dodgers, Williams was hit hard, conceding five runs and three walks, officially pitching just 0.2 innings. This rough outing may impact his confidence heading into this game. The Guardians have lost five of his last seven starts, which raises concerns for a team that has held the top spot in their division for most of the season. Ryan Pepiot, pitching for the Rays, previously faced the Guardians with great success, throwing six scoreless innings and allowing just two hits. Tampa Bay won two of three in their last series against Cleveland, and they are positioned to achieve another victory with a significant pitching advantage in this opening game.
