Tampa Bay Rays (55-73) at Houston Astros (68-61), August 28, 2016 at 1:10 PM CT
TV: Root Sports SW
Online: MLB.TV
Radio: KBME 790 AM, La Nueva 94.1 FM
Rays SB Nation Site: DRays Bay
Pitching Matchup
RHP Doug Fister (12-8, 3.59 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) vs. RHP Chris Archer (7-17, 4.11 ERA, 1.28 WHIP)
Preview
The Astros have played their way back into the playoff hunt with wins in seven of their last eight games. The Astros are just two games out in the wild-card race.
The Astros turn to Doug Fister to complete the sweep of the Rays. Fister hasn't been the flashest pitcher for the Astros but he's done the job needed. He is 2-1 with a 3.00 ERA in five August starts -- including seven scoreless innings in his last outing on Aug. 22 against Pittsburgh.
Fister is 2-4 with a 3.63 ERA in 7 games (six starts) against the Rays. Current Rays are batting .308 (12x39) against Fister with a .462 BABIP, 0.64 FIP, 32.5 K%, and a 2.5 BB%.
Evan Longoria has had the most consistent success against Fister -- going 4-for-13 with a walk. Corey Dickerson has struggled against Fister, he 1-for-6 with three strikeouts.
Chris Archer is having a season to forget after signing his big deal with the Rays. He is 2-3 with a 2.84 ERA over his last five starts. Archer allowed one earned run over five innings on five hits against the Red Sox.
Archer is 0-1 with a 3.52 ERA in one career start against Houston -- he is making his first start in Houston.
Current Astros are batting .218 (12x55) against Archer with a .286 BABIP, 1.92 FIP, 24.2 K%, and a 6.5 BB%. Marwin Gonzalez is 4-for-8 with a double. Jose Altuve is batting .267 (4x15) with a walk and a strikeout against Archer.