The Tampa Bay Rays play host to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday night in the series opener between AL East rivals from Tropicana Field. There isn't much to separate these two sides, with the Blue Jays sitting three games ahead of the Rays in the standings, especially when it comes to the Wild Card race. The two teams have met eight times already this season, with Tampa Bay having won five of those meetings, needing to continue to find wins to keep pace. Toronto won't make it easy though, even as they take to the road in Tuesday's opener.
The Blue Jays haven't had much buzz surrounding them this season, yet they come into this one at the top of the Wild Card standings and have been one of the best teams in baseball over the last few weeks. Toronto has gone 8-2 over their last ten games, though the struggles haven't slowed down for them on the road. They come into this one a game under .500 on the road and while also adding in their issues against the Rays specifically, it seems like it could be a challenge on Tuesday night. The last two months promise to be a battle between these two sides and grabbing wins against fellow Wild Card contenders is the next step for the Blue Jays in finding success.
The injuries have started to mount for this team, though George Springer (elbow) remains questionable as a key piece in the lineup. Beyond him, three relievers remain out as well, as do some key starters. The concern surrounding the arms is understood , though, with an off-day on Monday, they should be well-rested.
?? @mattchap6 hit .325 with NINE #TBJHomers in July! pic.twitter.com/m4qFp8LaQl
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 31, 2022
According to MLB.com, Kevin Gausman will take the mound for the Blue Jays as he aims to set the tone in this one. His record only sits at 7-8, though his 3.30 ERA shows that the record doesn't tell the entire story. He has struggled slightly more of late, allowing five runs in his last start and three in the start before that. The last time he faced the Rays though, he only went two innings but did pitch a shutout.
Toronto has one of baseball's best offenses and that could be crucial as they hit the road on Tuesday night. They rank in the top five of baseball in runs scored per nine innings, batting average, OPS, and home runs. Their worst category is their strikeout rate, though even that is sixth-best in baseball. Alejandro Kirk (.311 average, .388 OBP) has surprised many in his ability to lead the way, while Vlad Guerrero Jr. (21 HRs, 63 RBI) provides power in the middle of the lineup. Over the last week, a handful of hitters are batting over .300 and that could be perfect timing as they take on the Rays.