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The Tampa Bay Rays start up a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics at home, in a series that has playoff implications. Both teams are tied for the top Wild Card position, and are trying to hold off three other teams within 3.5 games of earning a playoff spot. This series will provide a little bit of breathing room for whoever takes it.
The A's were expecting to have Bartolo Colon start against the Rays, but he was slapped with a 50-game suspension for failing Major League Baseball's drug test.
Taking Colon's spot against the Rays will be Tyson Ross, who was promoted from Triple-A Sacramento and has struggled during his time in the majors this year with a 2-8 record and an ERA over six. The Rays will be countering with a slightly better option with Alex Cobb, who is 7-8 and looking to get back to .500 this year.
Date/Time: Thursday, Aug. 23, 7:10 p.m. ET
Location: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Fla.
TV: Sun Sports, MLB Network
Radio: WDAE 620 AM
Probable Starters: Alex Cobb (7-8, 4.74 ERA) vs. Tyson Ross (2-8, 6.35 ERA)
For more on the Rays go visit DRaysBay as well as SB Nation Tampa Bay, and go check out Athletics Nation and SB Nation Bay Area for everything on the A's. Also check out Baseball Nation for even more news and notes from around the Majors.