The Nats have been playing good baseball lately, but they have a tough test this weekend. As usual, the Rays have been punching above their weight this year. They do not have a ton of power, but they make a ton of contact and have great pitching, which will be a test for the Nats.
Blake Butera has a lefty heavy lineup today due to the splits of Rays starter Griffin Jax. Jose Tena is at DH and hitting third. Jorbit Vivas is also in the lineup at third, meaning former Ray Curtis Mead is not in the lineup. The only true righty in the lineup is Jacob Young, who is hitting 9th. Cade Cavalli was a late scratch, so PJ Poulin will open and Miles Mikolas, who is on normal rest, will follow.
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The Rays have three big power bats in the lineup. Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda and Yandy Diaz are the big threats in this lineup. Outside of that, there are plenty of high contact bats like Chandler Simpson. For most of his career, Griffin Jax has been a reliever. However, in late April, the Rays converted him into a starter, and he has been solid. Jax has filthy stuff, and we will see it tonight.
Rays 6/19
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Y. Díaz DH
J. Aranda 1B
J. DeLuca RF
J. Caminero 3B
C. Mullins CF
C. Simpson LF
R. Palacios 2B
T. Walls SS
H. Feduccia C
G. Jax SP
Game Info:
Stadium: Tropicana Field
Time: 7:10 PM EST
TV: Nationals.TV
Radio: 106.7 The Fan
The Nats have been a series winning machine lately, but this will be a tough one. Cavalli being scratched only makes it tougher, though the off day makes it easier to stomach. Hopefully the Nats can start strong this Fathers Day weekend. Follow along in the comments down below and let’s go Nats!