Toronto Blue Jays vs Tampa Bay Rays Picks and Predictions July 24th 2024

Rays bid to pick up steam in rematch vs. Blue Jays

The Tampa Bay Rays are determined to go two games above .500 for the first time since May 20, as they prepare to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the second game of their three-game series on Wednesday night. Following a crucial 4-2 victory in the opener, the Rays are focused on maintaining their winning momentum.

Tampa Bay Rays’ Season Performance

The Rays have experienced a season of ups and downs, reaching the .500 mark for the 23rd time after a challenging 9-1 loss to the New York Yankees. Their resilience is evident as they aim to secure a strong position in the league and surpass their previous record of 22 times at .500 set in 2017.

Highlights from the Series Opener

Tuesday’s game saw Brandon Lowe hitting a pivotal two-run homer, contributing significantly to the Rays’ 4-2 win. This victory not only gave Tampa Bay a 5-3 lead in the season series against Toronto but also set a positive tone for the upcoming games.

Road Trip Performance

On their current seven-game road trip, the Rays have shown commendable performance with a 3-2 record. In contrast, the Blue Jays have struggled at home, starting their nine-game homestand with a 1-3 record.

Wednesday’s Pitching Matchup

The Rays are set to start right-hander Zach Eflin, who has a 5-7 record and a 4.14 ERA. Eflin’s past performances against the Blue Jays have been mixed, and he will be looking to deliver a solid outing to support Tampa Bay’s quest to go above .500.

The Blue Jays will counter with right-hander Yariel Rodriguez, who has a 1-3 record and a 3.78 ERA. Rodriguez will play a crucial role in Toronto’s effort to even the series.

Zach Eflin’s History Against Toronto

Eflin has faced the Blue Jays twice this season with varied results. On May 18, he allowed four runs and nine hits over six innings, but did not factor into the decision. Earlier, on March 28, he struggled, yielding six runs in 5 2/3 innings.

Injury Updates

Right-hander Ryan Pepiot, initially slated to start on Tuesday, is on the injured list due to a knee infection. Pepiot, who was hospitalized in New York, is recovering and expected to resume throwing soon. His absence required the Rays to adjust their pitching strategy.

There is still no update on Yandy Diaz, who is away for personal reasons, adding another challenge for the Rays as they continue their road trip.

Tuesday’s Game Recap

In place of Pepiot, the Rays utilized a combined pitching effort from Shawn Armstrong and Tyler Alexander, who collectively limited the Blue Jays to four hits over five scoreless innings. Alexander’s recall from Triple-A Durham and subsequent strong performance were pivotal in the Rays’ victory.

Blue Jays’ Offensive Highlights

Despite the loss, the Blue Jays showcased their offensive potential with home runs from Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Justin Turner. Guerrero’s recent form has been impressive, with four home runs in his last six games and a .340 batting average over his past 24 games.

Guerrero and Turner’s Impact

Guerrero and Turner continue to be key contributors to the Blue Jays’ lineup. Guerrero’s consistency and power make him a constant threat, while Turner’s ability to perform against AL East rivals adds depth to the team’s offense.

Injuries and Recoveries

Infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa is making strides in his recovery from a sprained left knee, having taken batting practice on Tuesday. His return is anticipated to bolster the Blue Jays’ lineup in the near future.

Conclusion

As the Tampa Bay Rays prepare for the second game of the series against the Toronto Blue Jays, their focus remains on achieving a winning record. With key players stepping up and crucial pitching matchups ahead, the Rays are determined to continue their upward trajectory in the standings.

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