Rays-Rangers weekend series preview

The Rays will have their first major test this weekend as they take on the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. These two clubs have had some history between each other as they've faced off in some important postseason games over the years.

In 2013, these two teams had to play in a tie-breaker game to see who would claim the last Wild Card spot. The Rays would defeat them in that all-or-nothing game, as ace left-hander David Price tossed a remarkable complete game. However, the Rangers bested Tampa Bay most recently in the 2023 ALDS and went on to win their first ever World Series. This series has a lot less at stake, but both teams want to get this season off on the right foot as they seek a division title.

To lead off this AL series, Zack Littell will take the mound against veteran starting pitcher Tyler Mahle. The 30-year old right hander has struggled with injuries over the last few seasons, but he's healthy and ready to serve as a key back-end starter for the Rangers this year.

Mahle started the rubber match against the Red Sox, but exited after only 1.2 innings of one-run baseball. The California native had trouble with his command, as only about half of his pitches were called strikes. He walked four opponents in his shortened start and was lifted after giving up the forbidden bases-loaded free pass to a struggling Rafael Devers.

On the flip side, Littell displayed fantastic pitching in his only start, as he gave up one run in six innings against the Colorado Rockies. The 2024 team WAR leader walked nobody in his outing which has been a consistent theme for Rays starters, as they've accumulated a total of four walks in six games, all of which given up by Opening Day starter Ryan Pepiot.

On the offensive side, the Rays actually have the egde over the former juggernaut in this young season. Tampa Bay hitters are slashing .269/.342/.378, while Rangers sluggers are hitting a disappointing .192/.256/.327. Texas has hit four more home runs than the Rays to this point, but overall their offense has struggled. Hopefully, Rays pitchers can continue their dominance and take advantage of a Rangers club that is slow out of the gates.