Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays:
Despite making a number of moves at the trade deadline without being buyers, the Tampa Bay find themselves in the thick of the American League Wild Card hunt entering Tuesday’s game at home against the Houston Astros.
The Astros’ big trade deadline acquisition was pitcher Yusei Kikuchi. He will get the start on Tuesday as he looks to get his 2024 season back on track.
Top MLB Resources:
Kikuchi has allowed at least four runs in six of his past eight starts and overall this season has a 4.62 ERA despite racking up 10.6 strikeouts per nine innings. He is also allowing 1.4 home runs per nine innings.
Countering for the Rays on the bump is Shane Baz, who is searching for his first win of the season after missing the first half of the 2024 season due to injury.
In six starts this season, Baz has a 4.30 ERA with eight strikeouts and 3.7 walks per nine innings, but he has also allowed only two home runs across his 29 1/3 innings, giving him a 3.62 fielding independent.
While the Rays offense is only 26th in home runs and 28th in total scoring with 3.9 runs per game, the bullpen and overall pitching has kept the team in playoff contention. The bullpen has the lowest ERA in the American League since July 1 entering Monday with a 2.83 ERA in this span.
With Kikuchi amassing a 6.75 ERA across his past 10 starts, the Rays will be able to generate enough offense to support the pitching and get a win on Tuesday.
MLB Pick: Tampa Bay Rays +115
