The Arizona desert will be literally and figuratively the hottest spot in Major League Baseball this week as the MLB-best Rays visit the NL West-leading Diamondbacks for a three-game series. If you're attracted to this battle between two of the sport's best offenses in the light Phoenix air, then stay tuned to learn about some special Rays-Diamondbacks betting promos & bonuses on tap for the series.
The series opens Tuesday with Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen (9-2, 2.84 ERA) trying to tame Tampa Bay's lineup that ranks second in MLB in runs per game. To be fair, the Rays' hitters has been merely strong lately – as opposed to otherworldly like they were during the first month of the season.
Because Gallen's a righthander, Rays manager Kevin Cash will stack his lineup with lefties and switch-hitters. Outfielder Luke Raley is a perfect example of how the Rays profit from their platoons. Ninety percent of Raley's at-bats come against righties – and he has raked against them.
On Wednesday, the Rays send Cy Young candidate Shane McClanahan (11-1, 2.23) to the mound – provided his back issues have calmed down. Thursday's series finale is a battle of the Zachs: Eflin and Davies. Eflin was a great free-agent signing by the Rays, but beware: he owns a 5.08 ERA on the road.