Red Sox Look for Sweep Against Rays on Sunday

On Sunday the American League East features a showdown between the visiting Tampa Bay Rays and the host Boston Red Sox in the final game prior to the annual All-Star break. The current line has Boston favored at -226, Tampa Bay at +205 and the over/under run total on 9.5.

Entering this game, Tampa Bay is 34-53 overall and 16-25 on the road. The Rays are 1-9 over their past 10 games played. Boston entering this game has a record of 48-38 overall and 29-20 at home. The Red Sox are 7-3 over their past 10 games played.

Tampa Bay will send Jake Odorizzi to the mound on Sunday. The Rays right-hander is 3-4 with an ERA of 4.33. Boston will counter with David Price. The Red Sox veteran southpaw is 8-6 with an ERA of 4.64 on the season.

Last Tuesday, was the first loss by Odorizzi in over a month. He has allowed five runs or more in three of his past five appearances.

Price pitched eight innings in his last start. The left-hander has pitched at least eight innings in four of his past six starts. Price has struggled against his former club allowing 17 hits and 12 runs in 10 innings across two starts this season.

The Red Sox are going through a tough period of player injuries but are playing just the team to ease into the All-Star break. On Sunday, Boston will attempt to sweep the Rays in this three-game series. Boston lost Craig Kimbrel its closer for up to six weeks and acquired Brad Ziegler as a replacement.

Brock Holt a utility player for the Red Sox is out with an ankle injury while Junichi Tazawa a reliever will not be able play due to a shoulder problem. However, Boston has won 5 of its past 6 games overall, including Saturday’s 4-1 win. Tampa Bay has now lost 21 of its past 24 games overall.

The only bright spot thus far in the series for Tampa Bay is Evan Longoria. The veteran has 6 hits in 9 at bats thus far.

Boston right fielder Mookie Betts has a 10-game hitting streaking and has a hit in 15 of his past 16.

Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier has not played since late May but begins a rehab assignment on Monday.

Prediction: Tampa Bay is reeling having lost 21 of 24 games. Boston is continuing to battle Baltimore and Toronto for first place in the AL East. Lean on the Fenway Park club here.