Series preview: Rays at Guardians

The Guardians and Rays meet in Cleveland for a four-game series starting tonight.

The Rays are 71-75 with a run differential of -62, setting up a rare fewer-loss season for a Tampa Bay franchise that has had a very successful decade. They rank 21st in team wRC+ at 96, 6th in baserunning runs above average at 8.6, 12th in defensive fWAR at -11.6, 19th in starting pitching FIP at 4.19 and 25th in bullpen FIP at 4.28.

The Guardians are 84-62 with a +79 run differential and are currently first in the AL Central and the AL after sweeping perhaps the worst team in MLB history. They are 14th in team wRC+ at 100 wRC+, 18th in baserunning runs above average at -1.7, 3rd in defensive fWAR at 14.8, 26th in starting pitching FIP at 4.66 and first in bullpen FIP at 3.34.

Pairings:

Game 1: Ryan Pepiot, RHP (4.18 FIP) vs. Gavin Williams, RHP (3.79 FIP), Thursday, 7:15 p.m. EST

Game Two: Zack Littell, RHP (4.16 FIP) vs. Tanner Bibee, RHP (3.62 FIP), Friday, 7:10 p.m. EST

Game Three: TBD (Tyler Alexander, LHP, 5.52 FIP) vs. Joey Cantillo, LHP (5.32 FIP), Saturday, 6:10 p.m. EST

Game Four: Taj Bradley, RHP (4.33 FIP) vs. Ben Lively, RHP (4.78 FIP), Sunday, 1:40 p.m. EST

analysis: Every series feels so big now, but handling the Rays series would put a lot less pressure on the upcoming Twins series. We'll see what Yandy Diaz, Richie Palacios and Junior Caminero can do in terms of revenge tours OR will Kyle Manzardo get his revenge? The Guardians will have to handle Brandon Lowe 128, Diaz 119, Palacios 104 wRC+ and Caminero 104 wRC+ in an underpowered Rays offense. Getting into the Rays bullpen early will also be crucial AND having Williams and Bibee give the team some length since the Guardians relief corps is so thin right now.

Hopefully Guardians fans will come out to support this division leader and the team will reward them with a winning weekend series!