Gamethread 8/24: Rays at Phillies

Having arguably the best team in the American League come to Philadelphia isn’t a World Series preview. It’s a test that the Phillies must pass to make some ground up in their journey towards a playoff spot. These next two games against Tampa Bay are important since the team they’re chasing is playing an equally tough opponent, meaning wins can help make up much needed ground in the division chase. Tonight, they’ll begin that quest. Here are the lineups.

For the Phillies:

Ranger Suarez is on the bump for the Phillies. As automatic as he was as a closer, he has been equally as inconsistent as a starter. He must get deep into the game tonight without a high pitch count. He needs to get that control back that he had early in the season.

For the Rays:

How will they fare without the DH and having to eventually send the pitcher up to the plate? It’s something the Phillies need to take advantage of.

Let’s talk about it.