The New York Mets (20-21) will host the Tampa Bay Rays (31-11) in the opening game of the three-game series on Tuesday. The Rays were off on Monday after completing a three-game series against the Yankees. The Mets faced the Nationals on Monday, but that game was not complete at the time of this preview.
The Tampa Bay Rays have not yet dropped more than two games in a row and avoided doing so again after an 8-7 victory over the Yankees on Sunday. The win didn't come without a scare as the final out came on an Aaron Judge deep fly ball that died at the warning track.
The Rays' offense has been tremendous. They are 19-3 at home this season, but their bats have especially been strong on the road, where they are 12-8. Away from Tropicana Field, the Rays are batting .289, with 41 home runs, and scoring 6.3 runs per game which all lead the big leagues. Wandy Franco (.301 AVG, 7 HR, 23 RBI) and a team-best 2.5 WAR. Randy Arozarena (.320 AVG, 10 HR, 35 RBI) leads the team in RBI and is tied with Yandy Diaz (.321, 10 HR, 24 RBI) for the home run lead.
Split the series in the Bronx. #RaysUp
— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 14, 2023
The Rays are scheduled to start Yonny Chirnio (1-1, 2.22 ERA) on Tuesday. Chirino has only made on start this season but has gone at least five innings in each of his last two innings. The Rays starters are 20-5 with a 2.94 ERA, and the relievers are 10-6 with a 3.41 ERA.