Getting this line at 3.5 runs instead of 4.5 makes a difference with the Rays projecting over four runs but not quite to five. I don't mind taking the plus money shot that they score five but with 3.5 available for the away team, I'll take the over. Trevor Williams hasn't been great in MLB level and opens the game for Kumar Rocker, who has allowed a .282 average to lefties with 12 homers in 71 innings. He's allowed far too many baserunners and tends to use the strikeout to wiggle out of trouble. Tonight, against a lineup of seven lefties that don't strike out much, I'm taking the Rays to get enough men on base (and drive them in) to get over this total.
Here's a wild stat for you: Nick Martinez has started 12 games on the road for Tampa Bay. The Rays are 10-2 in those games, with losses only to the Pirates in April and the Dodgers in June. His ERA away from home is an impressive 1.96. Tampa has won 10 of his last 12 starts overall. No offense to Kumar Rocker and the Rangers, but I can't help but back Martinez and his first place team on Friday night.
Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told reporters that Quantrill was working through back tightness during his start in Sunday's 7-6 win over the Diamondbacks, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
Mesa went 3-for-5 with a double, a triple, two RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 14-4 win over the Astros.
Palacios went 2-for-4 with a home run, three RBI and two runs scored in Sunday's 14-4 win over the Astros.
The Rangers optioned Cauley to Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.
The Rangers recalled Osuna from Triple-A Round Rock on Sunday.
Peralta (9-11) earned the win against the Astros on Sunday, allowing no hits and three walks with four strikeouts over five scoreless innings.
Aranda went 2-for-4 with two home runs, a walk and three RBI in Sunday's 14-4 win over the Astros.
Mullins is not in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Hicks is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Astros, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Pederson had X-rays on his hand come back negative after being hit by a pitch during Saturday's game against the Diamondbacks, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.
