The Tampa Bay Rays enter the final game of their Minnesota series on Sunday with their postseason hopes on the line, seeking to reverse the momentum after two straight defeats. Their success depends largely on ace pitcher Drew Rasmussen pitching duel performance as he faces off against the Minnesota Twins’ Joe Ryan, who previously played for the Rays. This pitching matchup is central to the Rays’ chance to claim victory at Target Field and regain ground in the standings.
Comparing Two Leading Right-Handers
Drew Rasmussen has proven to be a reliable starter throughout this season, holding a 7-5 record with an earned run average (ERA) of 2.78 and a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 1.00. His opponent, Joe Ryan, holds a slightly stronger statistical profile with an 8-4 record, a 2.75 ERA, and an impressive 0.87 WHIP—the second-best in Major League Baseball behind Detroit’s Tarik Skubal. The dynamic between Rasmussen and Ryan carries added significance, as Ryan was originally drafted by the Rays in 2018 before being traded to Minnesota in 2021 as part of a deal involving Nelson Cruz coming to Tampa Bay.
Their recent head-to-head performances have intensified this rivalry. Rasmussen produced a standout outing on May 28 at home, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing just two hits in a 5-1 win over the Twins. One day earlier, Joe Ryan faced the Rays and earned a 4-2 victory by conceding only a single run through six innings, showcasing the tight competition between the two pitchers.
Game Timing and Broadcast Information
The game will take place on Sunday, July 6, at 2:10 p.m. Eastern Time at Target Field, Minneapolis. Fans can listen to the matchup on WDAE 95.3 FM/620 AM in English or on WQBN 106.7/1300 AM for Spanish-language commentary. Betting lines favor the Twins slightly with a money line of -130, while the Rays are listed at +110. On the run line, the Twins are preferred at -1.5 with odds of +160. The Rays take +1.5 runs at -210, and the over/under is set at 8.5 runs.
Brandon Lowe Pursues Franchise Record on Birthday
Second baseman Brandon Lowe is a key offensive figure for the Rays, currently on a 20-game hitting streak, tying the longest in team history held by teammate Yandy Díaz. Lowe has found success specifically against Joe Ryan, going 3-for-8 in career matchups. Adding to the day’s importance, Lowe will celebrate his 31st birthday during the game, creating added motivation for his performance.
History of Close Games at Target Field
The Rays have experienced an intense run of close games at the Twins’ home ballpark. Their last six matches at Target Field have been decided by the final at-bat, dating back to a 5-4 win on September 13, 2023. This streak represents the longest run of such tight finishes in franchise history across all venues. During these contests, the Rays hold a 3-3 record, with four of their last five games determined in the last moments. This recent pattern highlights the fierce competitiveness between the Rays and Twins in Minneapolis, where they have now played seven consecutive one-run games, matching a record previously set at Tropicana Field.
Drew Rasmussen’s Strength in Day Games
Drew Rasmussen’s effectiveness during daytime starts stands out in his career, boasting a 2.07 ERA that ranks him third among active pitchers with over 125 innings pitched. In the current season, his daytime ERA of 2.37 ranks eighth among American League pitchers who have pitched at least 35 innings during the day. His daytime performance significantly surpasses his nighttime numbers by a 1.28 run ERA difference, underlining his particular strength in afternoon outings.
Recent Roster Changes Affecting the Rays
The Rays have updated their roster by recalling right-hander Joe Boyle from Triple-A Durham. Boyle has been impressive in the minors with a 1.85 ERA and previously pitched five no-hit innings during a major league start this season. Shortstop Ha-Seong Kim also returned from a shoulder injury but unfortunately had his debut cut short due to an incident in the seventh inning of the first game in the series against the Twins, limiting his immediate impact.
A Pivotal Duel Leading into the Future
As the Rays and Twins prepare for their final series game, the stakes feel especially high. Both teams are vying to secure better positions in the standings, and with top-tier pitching matched on the mound, fans should expect a gripping, closely contested game. The outcome of this duel between Drew Rasmussen and Joe Ryan could influence momentum heading into the next phase of the season, making it a defining moment for Tampa Bay’s aspirations of redemption on the road.