The Houston Astros (12-11) are in for a challenge against Drew Rasmussen at Tropicana Field on Tuesday when the impressive right-hander takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays (20-3).
The Rays took Monday’s series opener 8-3, their sixth straight victory overall. Taj Bradley went five innings to get the win, allowing three runs on four hits and striking out six.
Wander Franco went 4 for 5 with two doubles, two runs, and one RBI in the win. Randy Arozarena added a triple and a double. He scored two runs and had two RBIs. Alex Bregman was 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double for the Astros, stretching his on-base streak to 16 games.
ON THE MOUND
Luis Garcia (1-2, 5.14 ERA) is set for the start for Houston. The righty threw seven scoreless innings in his last start, an 8-1 road win over the Blue Jays on Wednesday. He got the win, scattering two hits while striking out nine and walking one.
Garcia is making his first appearance against the Rays this season. Over two starts against the Rays in 2022, Garcia was 2-0 with a 0.82 ERA over 11 innings. He had eight strikeouts and five walks. For Tampa Bay, RHP Rasmussen (3-1, 2.01 ERA) gets the start.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Astros. Rasmussen made two appearances against the Astros in 2022, both starts, striking out six and walking one over 13 innings (1-1, 4.15).
In his last start on Wednesday, Rasmussen got the win on the road against the Reds. He threw five scoreless innings and gave up three hits, striking out seven and walking three in the 8-0 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Houston has averaged 5.6 runs a game, a small gain compared to their season average of 5.0. Against righties like Rasmussen this season, the ‘Stros have a .706 OPS. Bregman has the team’s best on-base percentage against right-handers at .430 over 53 at-bats.
Tampa Bay is averaging only 6.4 runs per game in the last five, down slightly from 6.8 for the season. The Rays have ann .892 OPS against right-handers in 2023, highest in the league. With a .457 OBP over 52 at-bats, Yandy Diaz has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Houston is 6-4 in away games in 2023, scoring 5.2 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Tampa Bay has won 14 in a row at home. The Rays are 14-0 at home this season, averaging 7.3 runs per game while surrendering 2.4. The teams have split their last 10 games at Tropicana Field, though Houston has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.8-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Astros are second in the AL West, two games behind the division-leading Rangers. The Rays lead the AL East by four games over the Orioles.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
TB Rays (-185)
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