ARLINGTON, Texas — RHP Nathan Karns was the only one of the Rays’ three starting pitchers to turn a lead over to the bullpen during the weekend series against the Rangers.
Karns walked five and hit a batter in 41⁄3 innings in Friday’s loss. RHP Chris Archer had his second-worst outing of the year Saturday, and the Rangers completed the three-game sweep Sunday with a 5-3 win against LHP Drew Smyly during the left-hander’s anticipated return from a shoulder injury.
For a team that stakes its success on starting pitching, those three starts are not acceptable. It’s also preventing the Rays from making a real run at the top of the wild-card standings.