Cubs vs Rays — The Tampa Bay Rays are four games under water, 15.0 games out of first place, with a -65 run differential and a 17-22 record at home, where this series will be played. They’re also starting three guys with a combined ERA of 14.82 and have just lost four games in a row. In other words, there’s been worse times to face the Tampa Bay Rays.
Of course, the Cubs are in a precarious spot of their own. Having lost six of their last ten games, the Cubs are still two games under .500 and 7.0 games out of first place. They’re also facing the possibility of losing Nico Hoerner (fractured hand) for another week.
Plus, Jameson Taillon, scheduled to start tonight, hasn’t really been so sharp lately. After a nice (but late) start to his season with just five earned runs in his first 28.0 IP (1.61 ERA), Taillon has allowed 14 earned runs over his last 21.1 IP (5.91 ERA). And those 21.1 IP weren’t coming against the best teams in baseball – Pirates, Cardinals (without Contreras), Brewers, White Sox. He’ll have to be better.
Fortunately, the Rays haven’t been particularly good against right-handed pitching this season (90 wRC+, 24th in MLB).
Generally speaking, the Cubs haven’t been much better (98 wRC+, 17th in MLB), but they have started to show some serious signs of life lately.
Bottom-line here: If the Cubs manage to win this series (i.e. going at least 2-1), they’ll be back to .500. And that seems like the first hurdle to cross before we worry about the trade deadline or whatever.
Speaking of what comes next, the schedule remains manageable throughout June, with this three game set against the Rays followed by an extended homestand against …
Before it’s back on the road to take on the Giants (4 games) and Brewers (3 games). The opportunity to win some games is now. Because after these 19 games, the Cubs will face the Phillies and Orioles — plus a four-game series (with a double-header in the middle) against the Cardinals — before the All-Star break. That’s a tough stretch.
Cubs vs Rays – Pitching Probables:
Game 1: Tuesday, June 11 at 5:50 CT at Tropicana Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Game 2: Wednesday, June 12 at 5:50 CT at Tropicana Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, 670 The Score
Game 3: Thursday, June 13 at 5:50 CT at Tropicana Field
Broadcast Info: Marquee Sports Network, MLBN, 670 The Score
Cubs vs Rays – Key Injuries:
![](https://www.bleachernation.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Cubs-rays.jpg)