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The Tampa Bay Rays are looking to complete a three-game series sweep of the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rays (77-78) have secured a winning home record for the 2024 season and will seek to continue their momentum as they push through the final stretch of the regular season.
Rays Riding High After Series Win
The Rays clinched a series win on Saturday with a 3-2 victory, thanks to Jonathan Aranda’s two-run homer and a standout pitching performance from starter Taj Bradley. Aranda’s timely hit gave Tampa Bay the edge they needed, while Drew Rasmussen, returning from Tommy John surgery, locked down his first save of the season, showcasing his elite velocity with a 100 mph fastball.
“It’s truly a blessing to be back,” Rasmussen said after his return. “There’s so much excitement.”
Tampa Bay will turn to right-hander Shane Baz (3-3, 3.21 ERA) to close out the series on Sunday. Baz has been impressive since returning to the rotation, delivering a strong seven-inning performance in his last outing against the Boston Red Sox, where he allowed just two runs. Baz has also found success against the Blue Jays, boasting a 2-0 record with a 2.45 ERA in two career starts against Toronto. He’s struck out 12 batters across 11 innings in those matchups, proving to be a thorn in Toronto’s side.
The Rays’ pitching staff received more positive news as ace Shane McClanahan, who underwent Tommy John surgery in August, is making a steady recovery. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed that McClanahan is on track to be ready for spring training in 2025, providing a glimmer of hope for the team’s future rotation.
Blue Jays’ Struggles Continue
For the Toronto Blue Jays (73-82), Saturday’s defeat marked their fifth loss in six games, continuing a disappointing stretch in their season. The Blue Jays have faltered in close games, particularly in one-run contests where they hold a 19-28 record, and they’ve struggled against American League East rivals, posting a 4-8 record against the Rays this season.
The Blue Jays have lost seven consecutive season series to Tampa Bay, with their last series win coming in 2017. Despite a strong effort from starting pitcher Jose Berrios on Friday, who had been on a seven-game winning streak, the Blue Jays couldn’t overcome Jonathan Aranda’s solo homer, preventing Berrios from tying Roger Clemens’ franchise record for consecutive wins by a Toronto pitcher.
Toronto will use a bullpen game on Sunday, as manager John Schneider’s squad looks to salvage the series finale and head back home on a high note.
Players to Watch
- Shane Baz: The Rays’ young right-hander has been sharp lately, and his track record against the Blue Jays makes him a key player to watch as he aims to complete the sweep.
- Jonathan Aranda: With his two-run homer in Saturday’s game, Aranda continues to provide timely hitting for the Rays, helping to propel them toward a potential sweep.
- Drew Rasmussen: After returning from Tommy John surgery and hitting triple digits on the radar, Rasmussen will be an important late-game option for the Rays.
Outlook
With Tampa Bay building momentum toward the end of the season and the Blue Jays struggling to find consistency, Sunday’s series finale could be pivotal for both teams. The Rays are pushing to finish strong, while the Blue Jays will look to end their road trip on a positive note. A victory for Tampa Bay would cap off a successful series and keep their hopes alive as they head toward the final games of the regular season.
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Key Matchup
- Shane Baz vs. Blue Jays’ Bullpen: Baz’s dominance against Toronto could be the deciding factor in this game, while the Blue Jays’ bullpen will need to rise to the occasion to avoid a sweep.
