Rays’ Longoria targets big effort vs. D-backs
Evan Longoria had been regressing for a while. Now, though, the Tampa Bay third baseman is partying like it’s 2013.
Kevin Cash’s rejuvenated No. 3 hitter hopes to carry the squad to its fourth consecutive victory tonight, with a 9:40 p.m. ET first pitch vs. the host Diamondbacks. Online sports book BetDSI favors the hot team here. Arizona, conversely, receives odds of +111 to spring the upset. The over/under run figure sits at 8.5.
Bet on This Evening’s MLB Action
Since May 28, Longoria totes a .457 average with 14 RBIs. The Long Beach State product belted his fourth and fifth homers in the past four contests in yesterday’s 7-5 triumph against Minnesota. Longoria’s power surge is a huge reason why the Rays lead the majors in dingers (83).
If only ace Chris Archer (3-7, 4.75 ERA) could rediscover his All-Star form. The righty took the defeat in his previous start at Kansas City and carries a 2-4 record with a 7.13 ERA on the road. He’s surrendered at least four runs in five of his seven appearances away from Tropicana Field.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
On the other side, Robbie Ray (2-4, 4.74) draws the unenviable task of neutralizing Longoria and company. The Arizona (25-34) southpaw allowed three runs across five innings of last week’s 5-4 loss at Houston. Facing Tampa Bay for the first time, Ray lets righties bat .294 off him.
It all must sound very enticing to Longoria, whose numbers make him an ideal candidate for a Midsummer Classic roster spot. The event used to be a regular occurrence for the 30-year-old. At the however, though, he’ll settle for guiding the Rays (25-30) ever closer to the .500 mark.
MONDAY MLB FREE PICK: RAYS/DIAMONDBACKS UNDER 8.5
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From The Spread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!