A three-game set between AL East rivals will kick off this Friday when the Tampa Bay Rays head to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays. The Rays find themselves, in the thick of a five-team battle for just two AL Wild Card spots as they get set to face Toronto. After dropping seven of eight games, the Rays sit 10 games back of the division-leading New York Yankees, and are tied with the Boston Red Sox, who both sit two games back of the final Wild Card spot. They’ll turn their sights to Toronto in hopes of turning things around in this critical stretch of play.
Tampa will hand the ball to one of their more reliable starters for the opening game on Friday. Ryan Yarbrough has provided two consecutive quality starts, surrendering just four hits and one earned run over 12.1 innings in those games. The Rays are hoping he’ll continue his winning ways, as the next week could determine the Rays’ trade deadline strategy.
Things are clearer for the Jays. They’re committed to the rebuilding process, and are reveling in opportunities to upset their rivals. As part of rebuilding, young pitchers like Jacob Waguespack get opportunities to showcase themselves. Waguespack will get his third-straight start on Friday as he attempts to prove that he belongs at the Big-League level. Game time is scheduled for 7:07 PM ET.
