The Tampa Bay Rays (57-49 RL, 49-57 RL, 49-50-7 O/U) take on the Detroit Tigers (42-66, 48-60 RL, 39-62-7 O/U) as the AL foes conclude a four-game series on Sunday afternoon. The Rays will give the nod to Drew Rasmussen. The Tigers send out Matt Manning. The Rays lead the season series by a 4-1 count.
The Rays will have Drew Rasmussen on the hill for the 19th time of the season. Rasmussen was not at his best last time out, conceding three runs (two earned) in 4.2 innings, leading to the no-decision in a game the Rays won. The veteran right-hander is reliable, conceding two or fewer runs in three consecutive outings, and features a 3.07 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP accompanied by a 6-4 record in 88.1 innings of action. Rasmussen tossed five shutout innings in a 6-1 win against the Tigers earlier this season, marking his lone career meeting against the foes.
Tampa Bay is in need of wins as they hold onto the second Wildcard spot. They lost two of three home games against the Guardians last week and earned one win in two games against the Blue Jays this week. The injuries have definitely affected the offense while the pitching continues to shine. Key hitters in Wander Franco and Manuel Margot remain out of action.
Randy Arozarena has been kept in check at the dish recently, and the Rays need more from the slugger. The 27-year-old has just two RBIs in his last eight games and has 49 RBIs accompanied by a .738 OPS on the season. Arozarena is 7 for 19 with five RBIs vs. the Tigers this season.
The Rays are scoring an average of 4.10 runs, landing them 22nd in MLB. The pitching staff has filed a 3.40 team ERA, good for fifth overall.