The Tampa Bay Rays prepare to host the Chicago White Sox for a pivotal three-game series beginning Monday night at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Right-hander Shane Baz, the Rays’ 26-year-old ace, is scheduled to start, bringing renewed energy and determination after a productive first half of the season aimed at boosting Tampa Bay’s playoff position.
Baz’s Progress and Season Milestones
This season marks a significant step in Shane Baz’s career, as he has already pitched 110 innings before the All-Star break—a personal best since his major league debut in 2021. Previously, Baz had never gone beyond 79 innings in a campaign. Despite facing some obstacles early on, he currently holds an 8-5 record and has shown resilience.
After a challenging period in late April and mid-May, Baz rebounded strongly. Since May 24, he has limited opponents to more than three runs only once and registered seven starts with one run or fewer allowed. His latest outing against the Boston Red Sox on July 12 highlighted his skill, conceding just a single run in a tightly contested 1-0 loss.
Rest and Renewal During the All-Star Break
The break provided Baz with a crucial chance to recover physically and mentally. Reflecting on his downtime in Tampa spent with his girlfriend and their dog, he shared,
“I took two days and just did nothing, and then it was right back to it. But I feel refreshed and my body feels good.”
—Shane Baz, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
This refreshed state arrives at a strategic moment, as Baz faces the unfamiliar challenge of pitching against the White Sox for the first time.
Refinement of Baz’s Pitching Arsenal
Baz’s success this year has largely stemmed from his effective use of his fastball and curveball, which remain his primary weapons. Additionally, his cutter has developed into a critical part of his pitching strategy. He remarked,
“I feel like I have the weapons back and I’m using them right, with pitch execution.”
—Shane Baz, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher
This confidence in his array of pitches underpins Baz’s optimism for both his own performance and the team‘s prospects.
Fresh Matchup Against the White Sox
Interestingly, neither Shane Baz nor Chicago’s starting pitcher Sean Burke have previously faced each other’s teams, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown. Sean Burke, a 25-year-old right-hander from Sutton, Massachusetts, enters this contest with a 4-8 record and a 4.36 ERA across 16 prior starts. Burke has some notable scoreless outings against teams like the Angels, Milwaukee, and Baltimore but has struggled on the road with an 0-5 record and a 5.18 ERA away from home.
Baz, now making his 20th start of the season, holds an 8-5 record with a 4.17 ERA. Despite enduring some tough results in July, he has delivered five quality starts in his last six appearances. He has faced difficulties against AL Central teams, recording a 2-3 record and an elevated 6.59 ERA against them, but the White Sox rank near the bottom of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB in home runs allowed, offering Baz a potential edge.
Projected Lineups and Key Players for the Opener
The White Sox lineup is anchored by Mike Tauchman in right field, Chase Meidroth at shortstop, and Andrew Benintendi as the designated hitter. Other starters include Miquel Vargas at first base, Kyle Teel catching, and Luis Robert Jr. patrolling center field. Infield roles feature Colson Montgomery at third base and Lenyn Sosa at second, while Brooks Baldwin covers left field.
Tampa Bay will counter with Chandler Simpson in center field, Yandy Diaz as DH, Jonathan Aranda at first base, and Junior Caminero at third base. Josh Lowe and Christopher Morel will cover right field, with Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop, Danny Jansen catching, and Taylor Walls at second base.
Details of the Series Opener
The Chicago White Sox (35-65) visit the Tampa Bay Rays (52-48) on Monday, July 21, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Fans can watch the game live on FanDuel Sports Sun or listen via radio on WDAE 95.3 FM/620 AM and WQBN 106.7/1300 AM in Spanish.
Looking Ahead: Baz’s Role in the Rays’ Playoff Push
As Tampa Bay continues its fight to climb the standings and secure a playoff berth, Shane Baz’s refreshed form will be critical. His ability to control the game and utilize his full pitching arsenal against a White Sox lineup struggling to find offensive power could provide the Rays with a vital advantage. The series opener could set the tone for both teams as they navigate the stretch run of the season.