Series Preview: SF Giants vs. Rays - series details and how to watch
The SF Giants continued a rough month of August with a dispiriting series loss against former skipper Bruce Bochy and his AL West-leading Texas Rangers. The Giants' lackluster offense was only able to record five runs in regulation over the three game series, but star prospect Patrick Bailey saved The City with a two-out, walkoff home run against former Giant Will Smith. Now, the Giants will host another interleague set against the 71-49 Tampa Bay Rays, who offer another stiff challenge.
San Francisco is looking at a full bullpen series against Tampa Bay, as starters Logan Webb and Alex Cobb both took the hill this weekend. Thankfully, those pitchers - along with Alex Wood, who appeared in relief for Cobb - combined for 51 of the 57 total outs recorded by Giants pitching this weekend. That should give them full go to mix and match their bulk guys as needed: Sean Manaea, Ross Stripling, Jakob Junis, and Tristan Beck will all likely be expected to cover innings against the Rays this week.
Taking the mound against Tampa Bay will be no tall task. The Rays arrive in San Francisco with seven hitters claiming at least 15 home runs, led by 3B Isaac Paredes and RF Jose Siri, who both have 23. And even if you keep them in the yard, five different Rays have double digit steals on the year, including 2020 ALCS MVP Randy Arozarena and RF Josh Lowe. Though the Rays' offense has taken a bit of a tumble post-All Star Break (.725 OPS, 16th in MLB), they're still capable of scoring runs and shutting down opposing lineups with a bulk-pitcher approach that heavily mirrors the Giants'.
Lastly, Rays outfielder Wander Franco was removed from Tampa's lineup on Sunday after allegations of an inappropriate relationship surfaced on social media. Per an MLB statement, the Rays are investigating the issue and there is no word as to whether or not Franco will be present during the series at this point.
Series Details
Who: SF Giants vs. Tampa Bay Rays
Where: Oracle Park, San Francisco, California
When: August 14-16, Monday (6:45 PM), Tuesday (6:45 PM), and Wednesday (12:45 PM). All times Pacific.
Giants' current streak: W1, 4-6 in last 10. 63-55 overall, 2nd place in NL West (8.5 GB)
Rays' current streak: L1, 5-5 in last 10. 71-49 overall, 2nd place in AL East (3.0 GB)
Projected starters
Monday: Ryan Walker** (4-1, 2.40 ERA) vs. Tyler Glasnow (5-3, 3.15 ERA)
Tuesday: TBD** vs. TBD
Wednesday: TBD** vs. TBD
*Indicates LHP
**Indicates opener
How to watch, listen
- SF Giants broadcast: NBC Sports Bay Area, KNBR 680/1510 AM
- Opposing broadcast: Bally Sports Sun, WDAE 620/1300 AM, 95.3 FM
- National broadcasts: -
- Live stream: fuboTV (start your free trial)
