Rays Vs. Blue Jays Preview: Evan Longoria To Be Activated For Series Opener

The Tampa Bay Rays are struggling to stay in the playoff hunt, the activation of one of their best players should help that. Third baseman Evan Longoria will be activated for the first time since April on Tuesday night as the Rays open a three-game series with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The activation comes at a time where the Rays are seven games out of first place in the AL East and two games back of the Los Angeles Angels for the final wild card spot. The Rays will send pitcher James Shields (9-7, 4.24 ERA) to the mound, coming off a complete game three-hit shut out against the Oakland Athletics on July 31. Shields also threw 11 strikeouts in that game.

The Toronto Blue Jays will counter with pitcher J.A. Happ (7-9, 4.85) making his first start still searching for his first win after being traded from the Houston Astros. In his last appearance on August 2, also against Oakland, Happ pitched two innings in relief, allowing one run on three hits.

The game is scheduled for a first pitch at 7:05 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Television coverage will be provided by Sunshine Sports with radio coverage provided by WDAE 620 AM and WGES 680 AM.

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