Tampa Bay @ Baltimore preview

Last Meeting ( Jul 24, 2012 ) Tampa Bay 3, Baltimore 1

The Baltimore Orioles are still getting strong starting pitching, they’ve just fallen off in the offensive department. The Tampa Bay Rays are in the same boat, squeezing out close games with a lineup that just doesn’t seem to produce consistently. The Rays made more efficient use of their few hits en route to a 3-1 win in the series opener on Tuesday, marking the eighth time in 11 games since the All-Star break that they have scored four runs or less.

The Orioles have gotten seven consecutive quality starts from their rotation, but after winning the first five, they have had the offense stumble to one run in each of the last two games. Both Tampa Bay and Baltimore are fighting for wild card positioning in the American League and each team is trying to add pieces before the trade deadline at the end of the month. The Rays are hoping their improvements come internally. Sam Fuld made his season debut on Tuesday while Evan Longoria and Luke Scott are getting closer to rehab assignments. Baltimore is thought to be dipping its toe into the starting pitching and corner infield markets.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, SUN (Tampa Bay), MASN (Baltimore)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays LH David Price (13-4, 2.64 ERA) vs. Orioles RH Miguel Gonzalez (2-1, 2.61)

Price leads the American League in wins and has been at his best over the last six weeks, going 5-0 with a 1.91 ERA and a .189 batting average against in his previous six starts. The left-hander has gone at least seven innings and posted at least seven strikeouts in each of those six turns. Price dominated Baltimore on June 1, surrendering four hits in seven scoreless innings to earn a win. He is 5-2 with a 2.58 ERA in 10 career starts against the Orioles.

Gonzalez has been strong since moving into the rotation on July 6, allowing three runs or less in each of his three outings. The 28-year-old rookie has struggled with his command, allowing four home runs and issuing nine walks in 19 1/3 innings as a starter. Gonzalez’s worst start came at home on July 15, when he was reached for three runs and six hits over 5 2/3 innings to absorb his lone loss.

WALK-OFFS

1. Longoria (hamstring) worked out on the field Tuesday. He’ll have another on-field workout before a decision is made about a rehab assignment.

2. Orioles RHP Matt Lindstrom has not been used since taking a line drive off the left knee on July 20.

3. Tampa Bay has reportedly been engaged in trade talks with the Los Angeles Angels.