After a tough road trip coming out of the All-Star Break, the Rays returned home on Friday for a three-game set against the Cleveland Guardians. While their 50-48 would have the Guardians behind the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Rays in the AL East, they sat just 2.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins for first place in the AL Central to start the weekend.
The Rays sent lefty reliever-turned-starter Jeffrey Springs to the mound for his 13th start of the season. He entered Friday’s contest with 68.1 innings pitched, and a stellar 2.50 ERA (3.58 FIP, 3.26 xFIP).
Yandy Díaz and Randy Arozarena returned to the starting lineup, and Yu Chang provided some respite for Taylor Walls at shortstop.