Tampa Bay Rays (9-8) v Houston Astros (11-5)
Alex Cobb (1-1; 4.50) v Mike Fiers (0-1; 5.40)
Rays Pregame:
The Rays are honoring Jackie Robinson with a Breaking Barriers celebration tonight, honoring 70 years since he broke the color barrier in 1947.
That’s not all!
Former Fox Sports Sun reporter Todd Kalas returns to Tropicana Field as a visitor. Kalas, now the play-by-play man for Astros TV, will receive a video tribute after the second inning.
The Rays are coming off of their first three-game sweep (Detroit Tigers) since they took three straight from Aug 15 – Aug 17, 2016 against the San Diego Padres.
With the right-handed Mike Fiers on the mound, the Rays employ a lefty-heavy (five) lineup.
Tonight’s Lineup: #Rays #Astros pic.twitter.com/pTMc4W6o1g
— The Scrum Sports (@TheScrumSports) April 21, 2017
Astros Pregame:
Tropicana > Minute Maid
On the road this season, the Astros have posted an AL-best (.800) winning percentage. However, they have not faired well at Tropicana Field in recent years – losers in seven of their last eight contests. Since joining the American League, the Astros have not had great success (15-24) in the Juice Box series.
The 11-5 record is the teams’ best start since 2006. It’s also good for the second-best record in the majors.
Entering tonight’s game, outfielder George Springer (7) sits second in the league in home runs. In addition, Springer has played in an MLB-best 203 straight games. Despite his obvious durability, the Astros would like for his .221 BA to improve.
Double-Play
Fellow outfielder, Carlos Beltran needs one double to tie Dave Winfield and Joe Medwick for 35th all-time. In his career against the Rays, Beltran has accumulated 58 hits in 282 at-bats. Yesterday he hit his 422nd career dinger, which ranks him fourth all-time among switch-hitters.
Misc. Pregame
Colby Rasmus (hip) is scheduled to play LF for Double-A Montgomery on Saturday.
Mallex Smith (hamstring) will go through a full workout today before being re-evaluated and then placed on a rehab assignment.
