The Cincinnati Reds and Tampa Bay Rays will face off in a crucial rubber game as trade rumors continue to swirl around both teams. Both teams are currently struggling to stay in playoff contention and are expected to be sellers before the upcoming trade deadline.
The Rays managed to even the series with a 4-0 victory in the last game, thanks to back-to-back homers from Alex Jackson and Yandy Diaz. Rays manager Kevin Cash has shown patience with Jackson, who has been on a hot streak lately despite a slow start to the season.
Tampa Bay, currently four games back of the final AL wild-card spot, has made some significant trades this week involving key players like Randy Arozarena and Zach Eflin. Despite these moves, the Rays are focused on winning games this season while also building for the future.
On the other hand, the Cincinnati Reds had their three-game win streak snapped in the last game and are now five games behind the final National League wild-card spot. Second baseman Jonathan India and other players on the team are prepared for the possibility of being traded.
In the upcoming game, All-Star right-hander Hunter Greene will be on the mound for the Reds. Greene has been in excellent form recently, allowing just one run in his last three starts. He will look to continue his impressive performance against the Rays.
The Rays are expected to start left-hander Tyler Alexander as a bulk reliever, following opener Shawn Armstrong. Alexander was recalled from Triple-A Durham and had a strong outing in his last appearance, earning a win against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Both teams are gearing up for a competitive matchup in the rubber game of the series, with pitchers Greene and Alexander set to lead their respective teams on the mound. As the trade deadline approaches, the focus remains on winning games in the present while also planning for the future.