Tampa Bay Rays v. Boston Red Sox
Coming off a split with the Baltimore Orioles, the Red Sox are back home to host the Tampa Bay Rays in a three game set. The Red currently are in first place in the AL East. Tampa Bay (26-32, .448%) is currently in fifth place, 17 games behind the Sox.
Tampa Bay is playing well of late, having won four games in a row. They rank fourth in the AL in batting (.273) and 7th in runs scored (269). Their pitching staff is led once again by Scott Kazmir (5-1, 2.51), an early contender for Cy Young. Overall, their staff has compiled a 4.71 ERA (10th best) while allowing 287 runs (10th).
Matt Albers, claimed off waivers from the Orioles last week, is expected to make his Red sox debut this week in place of Josh Beckett.
The Red Sox and Rays have split their six match-ups this season, with the Rays having won two of three last month at Fenway.
Projected Matchups:
6/3: Jon Lester (6-1, 4.35 ERA) v. Scott Kazmir (5-1, 2.51)
6/4: Clay Buchholz (4-2, 5.37) v. James Shields (2-8, 5.70)
6/5: Matt Albers (2-3, 5.36 w/ Norfolk) v. Matt Garza (5-5, 4.10)