The Tampa Bay Rays return from their day off a much better team. Evan Longoria, out since April 2nd with an oblique strain, will make his return tonight. Widely considered one of the league's best third basemen, Longoria will bring with him not only his stellar defense, but intimidating hitting. In his three Double-A rehab starts, Longoria collect a nifty sum of statistics, going 3 for 11 with 2 home runs and a walk.
Starting on the mound for the Rays tonight will be righty Wade Davis (3-2, 2.73 ERA, 3.55 FIP) who has pitched into the 7th inning in 4 of his 5 starts. Advanced statistics like left on base percentage and expected FIP seem to indicate Davis has been somewhat lucky in the early going this year, but he still seems to be improving and is well on his way to becoming an elite third starter.
Opposing the Rays will be pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes (0-2, 5.48 ERA, 3.58 FIP) who faced the Rays on the 22nd and went 7 innings, allowing 4 runs. The Rays hope to face much better against Reyes this time around, considering Reyes has not reached the 5th inning 3 times already this season and is coming off a performance against Texas where he lasted only 2 and 2/3rds innings.
Game time: 5:40 p.m. ET at Tropican Field
Radio: WDAE 620, WGES 680
TV: Sun Sports HD
Tickets: via DRaysBay