7:15 PM EDT, MLB.TV, Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Griffin Jax, the Rays’ 8‑10 guy with a 3.62 ERA and 115 strikeouts, is about to take on the Phillies’ home‑grown fireworks squad that’s already hit 180 homers this season. With the Rays’ pitching staff averaging a tidy 3.73 ERA versus Philadelphia’s 4.01, Jax has the upper hand, but the Phillies’ line will try to chew his pitches like a kid at a candy store. “If Jax can keep the Phillies from blowing his bullpen, he’ll be the star of the night; if not, we’ll be watching a comedy of errors,” I’m thinking.
The Rays are a little lean, missing Manuel Rodriguez and Garrett Cleavinger on the 15‑day IL, but Jax’s 1.19 WHIP and a .258 team batting average give Tampa Bay a sliver of advantage. Philly’s .240 average will test the Rays’ offense, but the pitcher’s recent 115 K haul suggests he could keep the batters honest. Make your pick or follow the discussion on StreakChat.