Tampa Bay Rays vs Washington Nationals Picks and Predictions June 29th 2024

Jose Siri, Rays Take on Skidding Nats Again

With their offense seemingly revitalized, the Tampa Bay Rays started the season’s second half on a high note on Friday.

Recent Performance

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays won the series opener against the Washington Nationals 3-1 and are looking to secure their fourth straight series victory when they face off again on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida. The triumph showcased the traditional Rays style with well-timed hits and solid pitching from both the starting pitcher and relievers. This victory helped the Rays reach a .500 record and increased the Nationals’ losing streak to four games.

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Key Players

• Jose Siri struck two solo home runs, reaching a combined distance of 833 feet. In the last three weeks, he has been performing exceptionally well, batting .327 with five home runs, seven RBIs, and scoring 15 runs in his last 15 games. Rays manager Kevin Cash stated that they are impressed with the way he has effectively restarted his season. “His stats this year are pretty consistent with his performance from last year.” He has put in a lot of effort on perfecting the mechanics of his swing.
• Zach Eflin: The Rays’ No. 1 starter tossed six scoreless innings, securing his first win since May 13.
• Yandy Diaz: Diaz set a franchise record with a hit in his 20th consecutive game.

Pitching Matchup

Tampa Bay Rays

• Aaron Civale (2-5, 5.20 ERA): Civale will start for the Rays, marking his 17th start of the season and his first-ever against Washington.

Washington Nationals

• Jake Irvin (5-6, 3.13 ERA): Irvin will also make his 17th start of the season and his first against the Rays.

Washington Nationals’ Struggles

Recent Performance

The Nationals mustered just five hits in their loss on Friday, with Jacob Young contributing two doubles, a stolen base, and scoring an unearned run on a throwing error by Rays catcher Alex Jackson. The team also lost left fielder Jesse Winker to a bruised knee after he made a catch against the wall and fell.

Future opportunities

Even with the defeat, the Nationals can anticipate the promotion of top prospect James Wood. The 21-year-old outfielder, who is rated as the third best prospect by MLB Pipeline, has been performing exceptionally well at Triple-A Rochester, hitting .353 with 67 hits, 37 RBIs, 10 home runs, and 10 stolen bases in 190 at-bats.

Nationals manager Dave Martinez said he doesn’t want to be a fan, but is excited for when he comes up here. “It will be enjoyable.”

Wood, who came over from the San Diego Padres in the trade involving Juan Soto in 2022, has been referred to by Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams as “the real deal.”

Summary

As the Rays try to keep winning and the Nationals aim to stop losing, Saturday’s game should be an interesting matchup. Both teams will count on their starting pitchers to establish the mood, as fans eagerly look forward to the possible first appearance of James Wood for the Nationals coming soon.