theathleticuk
The Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago White Sox are set to decide their weekend series in a decisive rubber match on Sunday afternoon. With the series currently knotted at one win apiece, both teams will look to claim the upper hand when they take the field at Tropicana Field, with the opening pitch slated for 1:40 p.m. ET.
On the mound for the Rays, right-hander Griffin Jax will make the start, bringing a 6-8 record and a 3.74 ERA into the contest. Tampa Bay, boasting a 65-45 overall record, currently sits atop the American League East standings. The White Sox will counter with left-hander Anthony Kay, who holds a 7-5 mark and a 4.34 ERA. Chicago enters the game with a 58-52 record and leads the American League Central division.
Viewing and Betting Information
Fans can watch the game live on Rays.TV or CHSN, with streaming options available through Fubo. Those interested in attending the game in person can purchase tickets via StubHub. According to the latest odds, the Rays are listed as the favorites at -155 on the moneyline, while the White Sox are the underdogs at +125. The over/under total is set at 8 runs, with the over priced at +100 and the under at -120.
Injury Report
The Rays have several players on the injured list, including Jake Fraley (10-day, groin), Cole Sulser (15-day, back), Shane McClanahan (15-day, back), Manuel Rodriguez (60-day, elbow), Steven Wilson (60-day, back), Ryan Pepiot (60-day, hip), Gavin Lux (60-day, shoulder), Jon Heasley (60-day, elbow), and Edwin Uceta (60-day, shoulder). The White Sox are also dealing with injuries, with Kyle Teel (10-day, ankle), Tyler Gilbert (15-day, shoulder), Tanner Murray (60-day, shoulder), Prelander Berroa (60-day, elbow), Ky Bush (60-day, elbow), Mike Vasil (60-day, elbow), Jordan Leasure (60-day, flexor), Austin Hays (60-day, calf), Brooks Baldwin (60-day, elbow), and Drew Thorpe (60-day, elbow) all sidelined.
Key Player Stats
Junior Caminero has been a standout for Tampa Bay this season, slashing .280/.372/.545 with 30 home runs, which ranks fifth in Major League Baseball, and 66 RBIs, good for 20th in the league. His OPS stands at .916, placing him ninth in MLB. In 479 plate appearances, Caminero has posted an 18.4% strikeout rate and a 12.5% walk rate, while scoring 66 runs. Yandy Diaz has also been productive, slashing .304/.378/.465 across 465 plate appearances, with 15 home runs, 63 RBIs, a 14.6% strikeout rate, and a 9% walk rate, scoring 59 times.
For the White Sox, Miguel Vargas has impressed with a .238 batting average, .343 on-base percentage, and .475 slugging percentage, along with a .818 OPS. He has hit 23 home runs, ranking 15th in MLB, and driven in 64 runs, while scoring 73. Vargas has also been active on the basepaths, recording 11 steals in 13 attempts. Munetaka Murakami has shown power as well, with 24 home runs (11th in MLB) and 51 RBIs, while slashing .244/.380/.549 in 326 plate appearances, though he has a high 32.8% strikeout rate and a 17.8% walk rate.
This preview was compiled with data assistance from Data Skrive.
Originally reported by theathleticuk.