Tampa Bay Rays vs Cincinnati Reds Picks and Predictions July 26th 2024

Rays, Minus Randy Arozarena, Open Series with Reds

With the major league exchange cutoff time quick drawing closer, there is an unmistakable need to keep moving encompassing the interleague series between the meeting Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays this end of the week. In front of the three-game set that starts Friday night, the Rays were venders in a deal late Thursday night despite the fact that they are only four games out of a season finisher position.

Rays Trade Arozarena

Tampa Bay dealt former All-Star outfielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for two minor league prospects, right-hander Brody Hopkins and outfielder Aidan Smith, and a player to be announced.

Reds’ Playoff Position

Cincinnati, meanwhile, is 4 1/2 games behind the final National League wild-card spot. The Reds bounced back after losing three straight to the Washington Nationals to win both games of a shortened series against the Atlanta Braves this week, including a 9-4 victory on Wednesday.

Impact of the Series

The series against Tampa Bay could decide if the Reds will be purchasers or dealers in front of the Tuesday exchange cutoff time.

“We must string together a few decent games here and remain steady,” Cincinnati outfielder Spencer Steer said. “I don’t believe a mystery now is the right time to win a ballgames and attempt to get hot here and continue a tad of a streak.”

Reds starting pitcher Frankie Montas said the group needs to stay zeroed in toward the end of the week series.

“Whatever happens will occur (at the cutoff time) regardless of whether you consider it,” Montas said. “So the less you consider it, the better it will be.”

Rays’ New Presentation

Tampa Bay sent out Arozarena regardless of winning 18 of its beyond 30 games and in spite of the way that he was batting .284 since June 1 in the wake of hitting .158 through the finish of May.

Brandon Lowe went 4-for-4 with a homer and three RBIs, and Amed Rosario had three hits in the Rays’ 13-0 street prevail upon the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday. The 13 runs denoted a season high for Tampa Bay.

“Great certainty support for our folks,” Lowe said. “Hitting is infectious, similar to we always say. This is really going to help everyone here going into the following series.”

Pitching Matchup: Baz versus Lodolo

In the opener against the Reds, Tampa Bay right-hander Shane Baz (0-1, 3.95 ERA) is set to make his fourth start since getting back from Tommy John medical procedure. Baz, 25, allowed four hits and a career-high five walks more than 3 1/3 scoreless innings against the New York Yankees on Sunday. Baz assumed the misfortune in his solitary career start against Cincinnati, allowing seven runs on eight hits – – including three home runs – – more than 2 1/3 innings on July 10, 2022. That was his final trip before the elbow illness essentially cost him two seasons.

Cincinnati will counter with left-hander Nick Lodolo (8-3, 3.51 ERA), who has posted a 6.06 ERA over his last four starts. The 26-year-old allowed four runs over 6 1/3 innings in a no-decision against the Washington Nationals on Saturday. Taylor Walls is 3-for-6 with a triple and a home run against Lodolo, who is 1-1 with a 10.24 ERA in two career starts vs. Tampa Bay.

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Rays’ Roster Updates

The Rays are checking the situation with first baseman Yandy Diaz, who has been away from the group since the All-Star break because of a family matter. Tampa Bay administrator Kevin Money said there is no plan for Diaz’s return. The authoritative American League batting champion is hitting .273 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs this season.

“We’re proceeding to speak with him here everyday,” Money said.

Standard third baseman Isaac Paredes has started at a respectable starting point instead of Diaz. Paredes had two hits and four RBIs on Thursday, snapping a 0-for-15 rut.

Conclusion

As the Rays open their series with the Reds, the two teams are keenly mindful of the stakes in question. With the exchange cutoff time approaching, Tampa Bay’s new exchange of Randy Arozarena signals a shift notwithstanding their cutthroat position. In the interim, the Reds are battling to decide their direction until the end of the time. With solid late exhibitions and pivotal pitching matchups, this series will be crucial for the two teams as they explore the final part of the time.