After today’s getaway game with the Angels, the Tampa Bay Rays embark on a nine-game road trip.
For the first time this season, the Rays will face the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, and Seattle Mariners. The nine-game road trip will allow the club a chance to equal the total number (9) of road-wins they have this season.
Through April, Tampa Bay did not enjoy much success (3-10) away from Tropicana Field. However, the team has recently seen their fortunes change, posting a 4-2 record on their most recent trip to Boston and Cleveland.
Here’s a look at their opponents for the next nine games.
Twin City Smiles
The first-place Twins are arguably the biggest surprise-team this season. Certainly the folks in Colorado, Milwaukee, and Arizona may disagree. But the fact is, when the season started very few people, if any, gave the Twins any credit. Much less any chance to win the division.
Not myself, and clearly not anyone from Sports Illustrated, ESPN, or USA Today.
Entering today’s action, the Twins (25-18) hold a two-game lead over the defending AL Champion Cleveland Indians. An Indians team that most people predicted to win the AL Central – myself included.
There’s still plenty of season to be played, and the Twins may not keep this pace. But right now, it’s not just the fans that are smiling in Minnesota.
The #MNTwins are back in Minnesota and ready to start a homestand tomorrow! The Rays and Astros will be coming to Target Field. pic.twitter.com/1AYSJIhJn4
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) May 25, 2017
Home on the Rangers
No team in the American League has more home wins (16) than the Texas Rangers. Unfortunately for them, the first-place Houston Astros also have 16 home-wins. And seven more road victories.
A healthy Yu Darvish has been a welcome addition in 2017. Last year, Darvish did not make his first start until May 28. He only made four starts before the all-star break. The Rangers were great offensively and received great contributions from Cole Hamels (15-5; 3.32) and Sam Dyson (38 saves), helping them to the AL West title.
This season, Darvish sports a 2.83 ERA and has a team-high five wins. Strikeouts have never been an issue for him and this season the right-hander has 68 punch-outs in 63.2 innings.
Dyson, much like Darvish, is having a very different season this year.
He has four blown saves already and last night in Boston was one of the worst outings of his career. His most recent blown-save came when he allowed four hits and five earned runs without recording an out. His ERA this season has ballooned to 11.93.
Forecast Not Great in Seattle
Not much is going right in the pacific northwest. The Mariners find themselves in last place in the AL West and the next month doesn’t look very promising. Injuries have hit them hard this season.
- Felix Hernandez (shoulder inflammation): 10-day DL, may return in June
- James Paxton (forearm strain): 10-day DL, hoping to make start on May 31
- Hisashi Iwakuma (shoulder inflammation): 10-day DL, possible late-June return
- Drew Smyly (flexor strain): 60-day DL, late-July return at the earliest
With names like Ariel Miranda, Christian Bergman, and Sam Gaviglio, don’t worry if you don’t know who they are.
Many fans in Seattle don’t either.
Miranda has just 21 career appearances, including his nine starts this year. Bergman is a converted relief-pitcher acquired as a free agent. Prior to this season he made 15 starts over three seasons with the Rockies.
Gaviglio is a former 5th round pick by the Cardinals. As a rookie this season he has a 1.38 ERA over 13 innings pitched.
Perhaps the lone bright-spot for the club this year has been the play of slugger Nelson Cruz. The Mariners designated-hitter is tied with Minnesota’s Miguel Sano for the league-lead with 37 RBI. His 11 home runs and .930 OPS have him in a battle with Rays DH Corey Dickerson for all-star consideration.
