Tampa Bay will play the second game of its doubleheader in Toronto on Tuesday night. The Rays lost the final two games of their series against the Yankees over the weekend, while Toronto lost the final game of its series in Texas on Sunday. This story was published prior to Monday night’s series opener between these teams.
Tampa Bay got off to a rough start to the second half of the season, losing 12 of its first 18 games after the All-Star break. The Rays have been in excellent form since then, winning 20 games in a 25-game stretch. They have lost their two games since then, falling in the final two games of their series against the Yankees over the weekend. Tampa Bay’s pitching did not hold up, allowing 20 combined runs in those two games. The Rays are on an eight-game road trip that will wrap up on Thursday afternoon. They are currently tied with Seattle for the top American League Wild Card spot, sitting a half-game clear of Toronto for the final playoff spot and six games ahead of Baltimore.
The Rays have optioned RH Calvin Faucher and RH Luis Patino to Durham, placed LH Brooks Raley on the Restricted List, added RH Cooper Criswell to the active roster and selected RH Javy Guerra and RH Kevin Herget to the active roster.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) September 12, 2022
The Rays have been a decent offensive team this season, ranked No. 15 with a batting average of .243. Left fielder Randy Arozarena leads the way with 137 hits, including 19 home runs. Third baseman Yandy Diaz has 127 hits, while designated hitter Harold Ramirez has 105 base knocks. They are facing a Toronto pitching staff that ranks No. 11 in the majors with an ERA of 3.89. Rookie right-hander Kevin Herget is listed as a probable starter for Tampa Bay on Tuesday night, according to CBS Sports. He was called up from Triple-A Durham on Monday after Brooks Raley (personal) landed on the restricted list and Ryan Yarbrough pitching five innings on Sunday. Herget has primarily been a starter in Durham this season, posting a 2.55 ERA and 1.16 WHIP across 91.2 innings.