Nathan Karns (7-5, 3.44 ERA) and Ervin Santana (2-4, 5.53 ERA) start in the first of a three-game series between the Tampa Bay Rays (62-62) and the Minnesota Twins (63-61) at Tropicana Field. Action begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and can be seen on SUN, FSN and MLBN.
Karns pitched 6.0 innings in his last outing, surrendering one run, striking out eight and walking one in a 3-2 defeat to the Astros. Steven Souza Jr. (.214, 47 Rs, 15 HRs, 34 RBIs, 10 SBs) went 1 for 2 Sunday with two runs. Santana went 7.2 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out six and walking two in a 4-3 defeat to the Yankees in his most recent start. Trevor Plouffe (.251, 59 Rs, 18 HRs, 69 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been successful at the plate, going 2 for 4 Sunday with one RBI.
The odds for Tampa Bay and Minnesota are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Rays are the fifth-best team in the league at limiting hits and walks to their opponents, recording a WHIP of 1.20 so far this season. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Rays, who lead the AL in strikeouts per home game with 8.9.
When it comes to issuing walks, the Twins have the fewest in the AL with only 2.5 walks allowed per game.
The Twins lead the season series, 2-1. The Rays have a 41-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Santana takes the mound. Karns (RHP) will be on the hill against the Twins, who have a 41-41 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – TB
Notes
Tampa Bay recorded at least two errors for the 14th time this season.
The Rays are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Twins have a 28-42 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Twins are 11-53. The Rays have a 13-39 record when opponents outhit them.
Both Tampa Bay and Minnesota are tied at 16th in home runs, hitting 115 this season.
Tampa Bay and Minnesota both rank in the top half of the league in hits. Tampa Bay sits at 13th with 8.26 hits per game and Minnesota ranks 11th with 8.35.
Ranking 21st, Minnesota is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.702). Tampa Bay ranks in the bottom half at 20th with an OPS of .702.
The Twins are 33-49 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Rays are 29-46 when they allow at least one homer.
