Three. That’s the only number that matters right now. Not just because it’s the Red Sox’s Magic Number, but it’s also on Ceddanne Rafaela’s back, and it’s Ranger Suarez’s rock-solid ERA. We just wrapped up a series with the Texas Rangers that, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, even if it did finish on a high note. Sure, Willson Contreras took one to the hand, and we’re all holding our breath even with initial x-rays negative, but the big picture is clear: the Rangers are scrapping to get into October, and we’re looking to put them away.
Suarez on the Mound and the Rays’ Wild Card Arms
Tonight, it’s all about Ranger Suarez stepping up. The dude hasn’t faced the Rays this year, but Boston signed him for these exact moments. His postseason stats are absolutely stellar, rocking a 1.48 ERA and a 3.02 FIP when the lights are brightest. A win tonight drops that Magic Number down to two, minimum, and you know he’s going to be dialed in. Trying to stop him? The Rays are sending out Ian Seymour, a lefty who’s seen the Red Sox twice this season. He gave up 3 runs in 3.0 innings once and 1 run in 4.0 innings another time. Batters have been hitting nearly an .800 OPS against him since August, so the opportunity is there.
Looking ahead, Saturday’s starter is still TBD, but Payton Tolle is a strong contender, maybe even Sunday to sneak in some extra rest before Monday’s off day. The Red Sox might be waiting to see if they can get that Magic Number to 1 after tonight. The Rays, meanwhile, are rolling out Freddy Peralta, a Mets castoff who’s found new life in Tampa. He had a nearly 5.00 ERA in New York but it’s under 4.00 with the Rays. Toss out his rough first start, and he’s got a 2.66 ERA and 3.78 FIP with 30 Ks in 40.2 innings. Sunday is also up in the air for Boston, with Bello or Sandoval possible depending on where that Magic Number sits. We’ve also got Griffin Jax for the Rays, who’s converting to a starter after missing a month. He got hammered for 6 runs in 2.2 innings in his first start back, but then he tossed 10 innings allowing just one run over his next two. We crushed him for 7 runs in 5.0 innings back in July during our sweep. Let’s make that happen again.
Bats Hot and Cold, While Rays Keep Raking
While Suarez is a non-issue, the bats, on the other hand, have been a problem. Trevor Story, since coming off the IL, has been tearing it up with a .349 average, .359 OBP, and .508 slugging. But Roman Anthony’s been struggling, only hitting .233 with a .300 OBP and .411 slugging. We need those bats to fire for all nine innings. The good news is the Rays have already clinched their spot, which might make them ever so slightly less pedal to the metal. However, they’ve still got some serious firepower. Junior Caminero is leading the entire league with 41 homers. Chandler Simpson is tied for the batting title at .311, and he’s a menace on the bases with 44 steals. And let’s not forget Liam Hicks, the catcher acquired from the Marlins, who’s hitting .297/.390/.465. What a steal for them!
Tonight is a crucial step towards making October a reality. We’ve got Suarez on the bump, looking to drive that Magic Number down to 2. Tomorrow’s pitching is still up in the air, but the focus is all on tonight. Let’s get it done.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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