The Rays will invite the Kansas City Royals into The Trop for a 4 game series beginning Friday July 4th. The Rays will look to extend their lead in the AL East by beating up on the 39-47 Royals. While the Rays face the 4th place (AL Central) Royals, the Red Sox and Yankees will spend the next few days beating up on each other in the Bronx.
Here are the scheduled pitching matchups:
July 4 – Edwin Jackson (4-6, 4.33) vs. Brian Bannister (7-7, 4.88)
July 5 – Andy Sonnanstine (9-3, 4.60) vs. Zack Greinke (7-4, 3.65)
July 6 – James Shields (6-5, 3.70) vs. Luke Hochevar (5-6, 4.91)
July 7 – Matt Garza (7-4, 3.47) vs. Gil Meche (6-9, 4.74)
The Rays have had to make several roster moves on the off day. Jason Bartlett was placed on the 15 day DL with a keen sprain. IN his absence the Rays have called up both Ben Zobrist and Reid Brignac. Zobrist was last called up to fill in while Bartlett was away for the birth of his son. Zobrist, although he committed several errors at shortstop, hit consecutive HR while facing the Florida Marlins. Reid Brignac is also being called up as Zobrist has been dealing with a sore shoulder and Joe Maddon is unsure if he will be able to play every game. This will be Brignac’s first call up to the major league club. Brignac, 22, was named to the International League All Star team hitting .265, 7HR and 38 RBIs in 78 games with the Durham Bulls. Mitch Talbot was optioned back to Durham.
My prediction for this home stand is ANOTHER SWEEP! It’ll be a 7-0 home stand!
GO RAYS!!
