Game 14: Rays vs Boston Red Sox — Pregame News and Notes
Updated 4:45 p.m. After their first off day of the season, the Rays begin a nine-game home stand with a three-game series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. It’s the first time Tampa Bay (7–6) will meet Boston (6–7) in the 2022 regular season.
The Rays are coming off a 3–3 road trip, although Tampa Bay did win three of the final four games, scoring at least six runs in each victory. Tampa Bay (4.62) is fourth in the American League in runs per game.
The Rays have made a roster move, recalling Colin Poche from Triple-A Durham, with Chris Mazza (lower back spasms) moving to the IL retroactive to April 18th. Here’s the Rays lineup for tonight:
B Lowe 2B
Franco SS
Arozarena LF
Choi 1B
Diaz 3B
J Lowe DH
Margot RF
Kiermaier CF
Zunino C
Boston lost 3–2 yesterday at home to Toronto, and played without Manager Alex Cora, who tested positive for COVID before the game. Kevin Plawecki and Jonathan Arauz are currently on the COVID-related IL for the Red Sox.
Corey Kluber (0–0 1.86) will make his third start. Kluber gave up two runs in five innings his last time out against the White Sox, with both runs coming on a Jose Abreu homer. Here’s the Red Sox lineup:
Story 2B
Devers 3B
Bogaerts SS
Verdugo LF
Hernandez CF
Bradley RF
Dalbec 1B
Shaw DH
Vazquez C
Michael Wacha (0–0 0.96) will get the ball for Boston. Wacha has allowed one run in his first two starts, and has given up just three hits in 9.1 innings, but has walked five.
Let’s take a look at the Rays minor league affiliates.
Durham (5–10): downed Orioles affiliate Norfolk 11–6. Vidal Brujan had two hits, two walks and scored three times, while Jonathan Aranda had three hits, scored twice and drove in a pair of runs.
Montgomery (5–6): was shut out by Pensacola 7–0. Top pitching prospect Taj Bradley threw five shutout innings, allowing two hits while striking out five. Austin Shenton had two hits.
Bowling Green (9–3): dropped a 4–2 game to Braves affiliate Rome. Heriberto Hernandez hit his team-leading fourth homer.
Charleston (7–5): defeated Salem, 5–4 in 10 innings. Dru Baker had two hits, two steals and two RBI, and is now hitting .472, while Carson Williams doubled and tripled.
Coverage on the Rays Radio Network begins at 6:30 p.m. and Dave and Andy will have the call with first pitch at 7:10.
