Game # 21 Preview: Ryu vs Patiño/Fleming

After a tough (typical Trop) loss last night, the Blue Jays wrap up their series against the Rays this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 ET.

Blue Jays’ Starter

Hyun Jin Ryu will get the call in the rubber match, trying to give the Jays the series victory. Ryu enters the game with a 1-2 record and an even 3.00 ERA. Through 4 starts and 24 innings, Ryu has allowed 23 hits against just 2 walks, striking out 21. He had a bit of a rough outing his last time out in Boston, when he gave up 4 runs in 5 innings, thanks to a big 3-run home run from Xander Bogaerts. Outside of that bad inning, he has been fantastic again this year.

Rays’ Pitchers

For the second game in a row, the Rays are going with an opener. Today it will be Luis Patiño followed by Josh Fleming. Patiño will be making his first appearance of the season and first appearance as a Ray after coming over as the key piece in the Blake Snell trade. Fangraphs has Patiño as the 12th best prospect in baseball, while MLB.com has him at 16th.

The young righty throws an upper 90s fastball, which he couples with what should be a great slider, and a changeup to help him keep lefties a bit more on edge. He has had his struggles so far with walks, issuing 14 in his 17.1 innings last year. But his raw stuff will definitely be on display in the first couple innings today.

Following Patiño will be Josh Fleming, making his 3rd appearance of the season. Fleming is pretty much the exact opposite from Patiño, which probably will make for a tough time for the Jays. The lefty Fleming throws a 91 mph sinker, which he complements with a cutter and changeup. As a Major Leaguer, he has walked just 9 batters in 41.2 innings, but has also struck out just 30.

Blue Jays’ Lineup

Biggio back to RF, better defense on the left side with Semien at SS and Espinal at 3B. Bichette gets a DH day.

Rays’ Lineup

Yesterday’s Heroes

Rhys Hoskins went 2-4 with a pair of home runs, driving in 5 runs to pick up the Monster Bat award. Both of his home runs gave the Phillies the lead, helping him to accumulate a WPA King total of .447 WPA on the day. His output helped the Phillies take down the home town Rockies 7-5.

Kent Emanuel, making his Major League debut at 28, went 8.2 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and no walks, striking out 5. He allowed early home runs to Albert Pujols and Shohei Ohtani, but managed to right the ship as his Astros lit up the scoreboard with 16 runs. He came into the game as a reliever in the first inning, after starter Jake Odorizzi was taken out due to tightness in his forearm. So for Emanuel to do what he did in an emergency situation of his MLB debut, he very much deserves this Pitcher of the Day award.

Find the Link

Find the link between Luis Patiño, Ryan Weathers and Luis García.

Stats retrieved from Fangraphs and Baseball Savant