Description: Fernando Rodney's nightmare season continued Saturday against New York.
Insight: Saturday was Rodney's fifth blown save of the season. He's now blown three out of his last five save opportunities with a miserable 13.50 ERA over that span. Manager Joe Maddon may want to consider using Joel Peralta in the ninth inning if Rodney's struggles continue.
Description: Rays manager Joe Maddon said the team has not even had discussions about removing Fernando Rodney from the closer role, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: After putting together one of the best seasons by a relief pitcher in major league history last year with 48 saves and a 0.60 ERA, Rodney already has blown four saves, allowed 11 earned runs and walked 17 batters in 18 1/3 innings. He blew two saves, allowed five earned runs and walked 15 batters in 74 2/3 innings last year. However, he remains the ninth-inning guy for the Rays.
Description: Tampa Bay closer Fernando Rodney blew his fourth save Wednesday in a loss to the Blue Jays.
Insight: The wheels are coming off for Rodney. The 36-year-old has posted a 5.40 ERA in 19 relief appearances and has now given up a run in three of his last four outings. It seemed impossible a year ago but Rodney could be close to losing his closer's job.
Description: Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson threw his first quality start since April 20 Wednesday against the Blue Jays, but Fernando Rodney blew a save in the ninth.
Insight: Hellickson had a 7.71 ERA over his previous five starts, but he went eight innings and gave up two runs on four hits Wednesday. Hellickson has posted a strand rate above of at least 80 percent in both of his two full big league seasons, but this year has stranded just 63.9 percent.
Description: Rays right-hander Jake Odorizzi's next start has been pushed back to Monday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. That means he'll get the Marlins instead of the Yankees.
Insight: Odorizzi was called up from Triple-A to take David Price's spot in the rotation while Price is on the DL with a triceps strain. In his first start of the season Odorizzi, who was acquired from the Royals in the James Shields trade, allowed five hits and three runs in his first two innings but finished up by retiring nine of 10 from innings 3-5. He should be owned in all 12-team mixed leagues.
Description: Rays closer Fernando Rodney already has allowed 10 runs in 18 innings this season after giving up five in 74 2/3 last year.
Insight: Rodney already has walked one more batter than he did all of last year too. The right-hander set a new record for lowest ERA by a reliever with a 0.60 mark, but this year he has a 5.00 ERA.
Description: Astros first baseman Carlos Pena is 9-for-26 (.346) with a 1.038 OPS versus Royals hurler Jeremy Guthrie.
Insight: For a guy who has averaged .234 for his career and .208 over the past four seasons, that's a huge jump in production and makes him a fantasy-worthy starter for one day.
Description: Tampa Bay catcher Jose Molina is hitless in eight at-bats versus Toronto knuckleballer R.A. Dickey.
Insight: Molina isn't much of an offensive threat to begin with (.221, .590 OPS) so his lack of success against Dickey shouldn't change many lineups. He's representative of the Rays' team lack of success against Dickey. Only one player on the roster has a batting average above .200 against Dickey (Kelly Johnson - .286).
Description: Rays IF/OF Ben Zobrist has a career .167 average is 21 at-bats against Orioles starter Chris Tillman.
Insight: Zobrist does have two homers against Tillman, but just three hits overall. The utilityman has struggled at the plate this year, hitting line drives at a rate of 16.7 percent, down from 21.8 percent last year, and batting .253. He also has just three homers, but he has salvaged some of his value with 11 doubles, 27 RBI and 21 walks.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has crushed Orioles starter Chris Tillman, going 7-for-15 with three homers against the right-hander.
Insight: Longoria is raking this season, batting .329 with nine homers, 27 RBI and a .979 OPS, and Sunday should be another strong day for the third baseman.
Description: The Rays officially announced that prospect Jake Odorizzi will make a start Monday against the Blue Jays in place of David Price (triceps). SOURCE: Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times
Insight: Odorizzi is 4-0 with a 3.83 ERA and a 47/15 K/BB in 44 2/3 innings with Triple-A Durham this season. The other choices were Chris Archer and Alex Colome, but Odorizzi was expected to be the guy all along. He should be added in deeper mixed leagues.
Description: Rays second baseman Kelly Johnson has homered in two straight games.
Insight: Johnson is batting .273 with seven homers, 24 RBI and four steals. However, he has been incredibly lucky, putting up a .317 BABIP despite hitting line drives at a rate of just 14.3 percent.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce hit his first homer since May 1 Saturday against the Orioles.
Insight: Joyce went 3-for-5 with five RBI in the game. He'll have an outburst from time to time, but he doesn't sustain his success long enough to satisfy fantasy owners.
Description: Rays closer Fernando Rodney had a meltdown Thursday against Boston. Despite Rodney's struggles, manager Joe Maddon says he's "not really concerned." SOURCE: Tampa Bay Times
Insight: Rodney gave up three runs and four walks in just two thirds of an inning. His season ERA is up to 5.28, his highest since 2003. It's only May and Rodney has already blown more saves (three) than he did all of last season (just two in 50 save chances).
Description: Rays pitching prospect Chris Archer made his scheduled start for Durham Thursday afternoon, making it likely that the team will go with Jake Odorizzi Monday to replace David Price (triceps).
Insight: Odorizzi and Archer are ranked by MLB.com as the No. 42 and 43 prospects, respectively, in baseball this season. Archer brought a 3.97 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 34 innings into Thursday's start and is someone to keep an eye on, but Odorizzi is likely the guy the team will choose to fill in for Price Monday and beyond.
Description: Rays pitching prospect Jake Odorizzi is the likely choice to replace David Price in the rotation Monday. Price was placed on the 15-day DL Thursday with a strained left triceps.
Insight: Odorizzi is 4-0 with a 3.83 ERA and a 47/15 K/BB in 44 2/3 innings with Triple-A Durham this season, while Chris Archer is on a limited pitch count after some abbreviated starts at Triple-A, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. If Archer makes his scheduled start Thursday afternoon with Durham, we'll know the team has chosen Odorizzi. Odorizzi should be added in most formats given Tampa Bay's past success with pitching prospects.
Description: Rays starter David Price has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left triceps muscle.
Insight: The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner left Wednesday's start with the injury and has a 5.24 ERA in 55 innings. His fastball velocity is down a couple ticks, so it would make sense if this injury has been lingering unbeknownst to Price or the Rays. Jake Odorizzi or Chris Archer likely will be called up to take the spot in the rotation, and both would make for good fantasy options given the Rays' past success cultivating pitching prospects.
Description: Rays manager Joe Maddon said the MRI on David Price's left triceps showed "nothing serious," according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune, but the left-hander is unlikely to make his next start Monday. He'll be reevaluated Thursday.
Insight: Price hasn't ruled himself out of Monday's start. He said he'll know more Thursday when he comes to Tropicana Field and tries to play catch. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner left Wednesday's start with the injury and has a 5.24 ERA in 55 innings. His fastball velocity is down a couple ticks, so it would make sense if this injury has been lingering unbeknownst to Price or the Rays.
Description: Rays starter David Price left Wednesday's start against Boston with left triceps tightness, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Price, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, allowed four runs on five hits in 2 1/3 innings and hasn't looked right all year. He has a 5.24 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP, and it wouldn't be surprising if an injury has been the cause of his struggles.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott is hitless in 11 at-bats versus Boston left-hander Jon Lester.
Insight: Although Scott came back from injury with a hot bat, hitting .353 with a pair of home runs in his first seven games, he's cooled down and this matchup is extremely unfavorable.
Description: Astros first baseman Carlos Pena is hitless in eight at-bats versus Detroit right-hander Max Scherzer.
Insight: Pena is .231 batting average this year which is a significant improvement from what he hit in 2012 (.197 in 160 games for Tampa Bay). Even so, this matchup should be avoided.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings is in Tuesday's starting lineup against Boston. He's been with a groin injury which had kept him out of the lineup since Friday
Insight: Jennings is in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak to raise his average to .244. If he can stay healthy the rest of the way he could end up being a 20-20 guy.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings is questionable for Tuesday's game against Boston with a groin injury which has kept him out of the lineup since Friday
Insight: Jennings is in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak. Sam Fuld and Matt Joyce have covered the outfield spot for him in his absence.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman James Loney swatted his third home run of the season Sunday against San Diego.
Insight: Loney (.376, 3 HR, 20 RBI) is on quite a tear right now. Over his last nine games, he's hitting .412 with two homers, nine runs and seven RBI. Somehow Loney is only owned in 26 percent of ESPN leagues, though that's an 18 percent increase from last week.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings will miss another day with his groin injury.
Insight: Jennings is in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak. Sam Fuld will start in the outfield and Matt Joyce will take the leadoff spot in the batting order.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb struck out 13 batters in just 4 2/3 innings Friday against the Padres. He took a no decision after allowing five hits and three runs.
Insight: All those strikeouts caused Cobb to throw 117 pitches. The right-hander has a 46/10 K/BB and a 3.09 ERA in 46 2/3 innings this season.
Description: Although in the middle of a seven-game hitting streak, Rays center fielder Desmond Jennings is getting Friday night off.
Insight: He has raised his average from .218 to .244 during the streak. Sam Fuld (.184, no homers, 1 RBI 3 runs) should get the start, but he's done nothing to make fantasy owners put him in their starting lineup.
Description: Tampa Bay catcher Jose Molina has three extra base hits, including a pair of home runs, in six at-bats versus Padres starter Edinson Volquez.
Insight: Molina has been struggling at the plate, going hitless in his last six games, so it would take a leap of faith to put him in a fantasy lineup for Friday based on such a small sample size.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is 22-for-51(.431) with seven doubles, a triple, three homers, 12 RBI and a 7/6 K/BB over his last 12 games.
Insight: Longoria's average is now .331, and he has 18 extra-base hits. As usual, the only thing that can prevent Longoria from having a monster season is an injury.
Description: Rays starter David Price fired eight innings and allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits (1 BB, 8 K) Thursday against the Blue Jays.
Insight: Price, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, opposed R.A. Dickey, who won the NL Cy Young last year. Neither pitcher has lived up to expectations. Price (1-3, 5.64 ERA, 1.41 WHIP) has given up 61 hits (8 HR) and 33 earned runs in 52 2/3 innings.
Description: Astros first baseman Carlos Pena has been dreadful against Los Angeles starter Jason Vargas (.091 in 11 at bats).
Insight: The sad thing is that Pena's .230 batting average this year is a significant improvement from what he hit in 2012 (.197 in 160 games for Tampa Bay). Even when he's hitting home runs (he only has three this season), Pena's too risky to own in any fantasy leagues.
Description: Rays second baseman Kelly Johnson swatted his fifth home run of the year Wednesday in a 10-4 victory over Toronto.
Insight: Johnson (3-for-4) has gone 8-for-14 in his last four games with three RBI. He's batting .423 in May after hitting a disappointing .227 in the opening month.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays minor league starting pitching, Alex Torres is pitching very well of late, yielding zero runs and just four hits in his last two outings, while striking out 11 and walking one batter.
Insight: Torres has a 1.69 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in six minor league starts this season. The most likely spot would be for 32-year-old Roberto Hernandez who is struggling having yielded four or more runs in four of six outings.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott is a career .059 hitter (1-for-17) against Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero.
Insight: Although Scott came back from injury with a hot bat, hitting .353 with a pair of home runs in his first seven games, this matchup is extremely unfavorable and should be avoided.
Description: Rays starter Roberto Hernandez limited Toronto to five hits and one earned run, walked one and struck out seven in six innings Tuesday.
Insight: Hernandez is 1-4 with a 4.66 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP through six starts. He has 37 strikeouts in 36 2/3 innings, but he's too risky to use outside AL-only formats.
Description: Houston first baseman Carlos Pena is rarely a good value when facing a left-hander and his matchup history with Angels southpaw C.J. Wilson is no exception. He's just 1-for-10 with four strikeouts in their matchups.
Insight: Pena is a career .207 hitter against lefties with an OPS 134 points lower than against right-handers. Sit him on Tuesday.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (hand) is not expected back until Wednesday at the earliest due to a left hand contusion, according to beat writer Marc Topkin.
Insight: Escobar was hit in the left hand and had to leave Saturday's game. X-rays came back negative. He hasn't been very good this season, batting just .174 with a pair of homers and seven RBI.
Description: Rays IF/OF Ben Zobrist is not in Sunday's lineup against the Rockies due to the death of his grandmother. SOURCE: Roger Mooney, Tampa Tribune
Insight: Zobrist has not been placed on the disabled list, but he could miss Monday's game as well.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar had to leave Saturday's game after being hit in the left wrist by a pitch from Rockies starter Jon Garland.
Insight: Escobar was "in obvious pain" and slammed his helmet to the ground, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune. Escobar is only batting .174 with two homers, so fantasy owners won't miss him if he has to miss an extended amount of time.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott is a career .462 hitter (6-for-13) against Rockies starter Jon Garland with a pair of homers and a 1.533 OPS.
Insight: He missed most of the first month because of a calf strain. Scott should be in the lineup most days for Tampa Bay. He could be a nice add if your team needs power.
Description: Rays pitching prospect Jake Odorizzi is second in the International League with 36 strikeouts in 27 innings. He also has a 3.33 ERA.
Insight: Odorizzi has been traded twice for frontline starters, going from Milwaukee to Kansas City for Zack Greinke and from Kansas City to Tampa Bay for James Shields. Chris Archer, who has a 4.06 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 31 innings, will likely get the callup before Odorizzi if the Rays need a starter.
Description: Rays first baseman James Loney's bat has come to life -- .524 over his last 42 at-bats -- but Rockies starter Jeff Francis has limited him to one hit in 17 at-bats.
Insight: The Rays briefly resurrected the career of another light-hitting first baseman Casey Kotchman in 2011, and they are doing it with Loney this year. Loney's average is up to .375 after he went 5-for-30 (.167) over his first 13 games. While he has never hit Francis or lefties in general very well, he's a solid short-term add for this weekend with right-handers Jon Garland and Tyler Chatwood starting the next two games at Coors Field.
Description: Hopefully Kelly Johnson isn't your only option at second base today. He only has one hit in 11 at bats against Royals starter Ervin Santana.
Insight: Johnson (.229, 3 HR, 9 RBI) has struck out twice or more in three out of his last four games. Oddly enough, he has also contributed at least one RBI in three of his past four outings. Do what you feel is right but this isn't a good matchup for Johnson.
Description: Rays utility man Ben Zobrist should be avoided in fantasy leagues Thursday against Kansas City. He's never fared well against Royals starter Ervin Santana (.154 lifetime average).
Insight: To make matters worse, Santana enters Thursday's game on a four-game unbeaten streak. Save Zobrist (.262, 3 HR, 20 RBI) for another day.
Description: Need a shortstop for Thursday? How about Yunel Escobar? The Tampa Bay infielder is a .412 career hitter against Royals starter Ervin Santana.
Insight: The 30-year-old is available in 99 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. If you're looking for a one-day rental, Escobar (.173, 2 HR, 7 RBI) should be a nice pickup.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott clubbed three hits including his first home run of the season Wednesday against Kansas City.
Insight: He missed most of the first month because of a calf strain. Scott should be in the lineup most days for Tampa Bay. He could be a nice add if your team needs power.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott (calf) has been activated from the DL and is starting on Tuesday.
Insight: Scott has missed all of April with a strained right calf. He has played less than 100 games and hit below .230 in each of the last two seasons.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (hamstring) will return to the lineup Tuesday night.
Insight: Escobar hasn't played since April 24. He's only batting .164 this season, but is 5-for-14 with two homers and four RBIs in his last four games.
Description: Houston first baseman Carlos Pena is a .326 hitter (14-for-43) against Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte with six home runs and a 1.257 OPS.
Insight: Those numbers are completely out of character for Pena who is a career .206 hitter against lefties with an OPS 136 points lower. He collected two hits on Sunday to break up a five-game hitless streak and this matchup makes him a nice play on Monday.
Description: Rays starter David Price won his first game of the 2013 season Sunday against the White Sox with seven innings of three-run ball.
Insight: Price (1-2, 5.21 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) won 20 games the AL Cy Young Award last year but has been hit hard in 2013, allowing 43 hits in 38 innings. He has a 20/2 K/BB over his last three starts.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar will miss his third game in a row because of hamstring tightness.
Insight: We wouldn't expect to see Escobar in the lineup on Sunday, either. Escobar could find himself on the DL soon if his hamstring doesn't improve quickly.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Ben Zobrist is a career .313 hitter (5-for-16) with three homers against White Sox starter Gavin Floyd.
Insight: Zobrist is hitless in his last two games and struggling so far this season, but this matchup could get him going. He is an excellent fantasy value who contributes across the board. Get him back in your lineup.
Description: Tampa Bay shortstop Yunel Escobar will have to watch Friday's game from the sidelines.
Insight: Escobar (.164, 2 HR, 7 RBI) has been bothered by hamstring tightness. For now we'll consider him day-to-day. Ben Zobrist will start at shortstop in Escobar's place.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (right hamstring) was not in Thursday's starting lineup and is doubtful for Friday's game against the Chicago White Sox.
Insight: Escobar left Wednesday's game with hamstring tightness. The shortstop is just 1-for-9 against Friday's starter Jake Peavy, so another day of rest would appear to be the best option for Tampa Bay and fantasy owners.
Description: Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is just 1-for-9, a single, in his matchups with White Sox starter Jake Peavy.
Insight: Longoria has exactly one hit in 11 of the last 12 games, but at least he's starting to hit for power after not hitting a home run over his first 11 games. In this unfavorable matchup, however, fantasy owners should be happy if he gets one hit.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar (hamstring) is not in Thursday's starting lineup.
Insight: Escobar left Wednesday's game with hamstring tightness and is day-to-day. The shortstop went 1-for-3 in the game and is 5-for-14 with two homers over his last four games. However, he's still hitting just .164.
Description: Houston first baseman Carlos Pena is a .182 hitter (6-for-33) against Boston starter Clay Buchholz.
Insight: Pena mostly faced Buchholz when he was a member of the Rays. This season, Pena has produced his usual low batting average (.208) and high strikeout total (21), but has only two homers.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott (calf) is expected to be activated Tuesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Scott has missed all of April with a strained right calf. He has played less than 100 games and hit below .230 in each of the last two seasons.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb breezed through the Yankees with 8 1/3 scoreless innings Wednesday night. He allowed just three hits, walked one and struck out seven to improve to 3-1.
Insight: Cobb's tremendous spring has carried over to the regular season, as he has a 1.82 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar left Wednesday's game with right hamstring tightness, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Escobar is day-to-day. The shortstop went 1-for-3 in the game and is 5-for-14 with two homers over his last four games. However, he's still hitting just .164.
Description: If the Tampa Bay Rays ever need to go to the minors for starting pitching, Alex Torres is doing good things for the Durham Bulls. In 16 innings, he's yielded just five hits, walked five and struck out 19 batters (1.69 ERA, 0.625 WHIP).
Insight: Unfortunately for 25-year-old left-handered Torres the Rays' starting rotation is strong and currently healthy. Barring injury he's likely to spend the entire season with the Bulls.
Description: Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria has been frustrated for most of his career by Yankees starter Andy Pettitte. In 18 career at-bats, Longoria has managed just two hits and struck out 10 times.
Insight: After not hitting a home run over his first 11 games, Longoria (.282, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 0.879 OPS) has rebounded with five in the last nine contests, but this is an unfavorable matchup.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Ben Zobrist is a career .368 hitter (7-for-19) with a pair of long balls against Yankees left-hander Andy Pettitte.
Insight: As expected Zobrist had a tough night on Tuesday (he's still hitless against Phil Hughes), but should rebound against Pettitte. He is an excellent fantasy value who contributes across the board. Get him back in your lineup.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Ben Zobrist is hitless in 12 career at-bats against Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes and should be avoided on Tuesday.
Insight: Zobrist is an across the board producer, but if you can afford to, this would be a great day to leave Zobrist on the bench.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce is a career .455 hitter with a pair of home runs and a 1.844 OPS against Yankees right-hander Phil Hughes.
Insight: Joyce figured to get Monday night off with Yankees starter CC Sabathia on the hill and he did, but Tuesday is a much better matchup. He's on a five-game hitting streak and worth a shot.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scot is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Tuesday, according to a Tampa Tribune report. He's been on the disabled list with a strained calf.
Insight: At this stage of his career, Scott is only a bench player in fantasy.
Description: Houston first baseman Carlos Pena, a career .234 hitter, has a lifetime .118 batting average (2-for-17) against Seattle right-hander Felix Hernandez.
Insight: The left-handed slugger has a career average 41 points higher against right-handers, but not this right-hander. Avoid this matchup.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce figures to get the night off with Yankees starter CC Sabathia on the hill as he's faced the left-hander six times in his career and struck out on five occasions.
Insight: Joyce has a five-game hitting streak, yet still is batting just .204. Manager Joe Maddon usually follows the numbers, therefore expect Joyce to sit for Sam Fuld.
Description: Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria is one of the few hitters who is consistently successful when facing Yankees left-hander CC Sabathia. In 39 career at-bats, Longoria is hitting .359 with five homers, nine RBI and a 1.321 OPS.
Insight: After not hitting a home run over his first 11 games, Longoria (.281, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 0.856 OPS) hit four last week and is a must start in this favorable matchup with Sabathia.
Description: Rays shortstop Hak-Ju Lee suffered torn ligaments in his left knee Saturday in a Triple-A game and is likely out for the season. SOURCE: Joe Smith, Tampa Bay Times
Insight: Lee was included in the trade that sent Matt Garza from the Rays to the Cubs. The South Korean grades as a tremendous defensive shortstop, and he was hitting .422 with a 9/11 K/BB and six steals in 15 games at Triple-A this season.
Description: Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson dominated the Athletics over seven innings Saturday. He gave up three hits, one walk and zero runs while striking out six.
Insight: Hellickson gave up eight runs, 13 hits and four walks while striking out three over his first 11 1/3 innings this year, but he has allowed six hits, two walks and two runs while fanning 15 batters over his last 14 innings. Hellickson doesn't put up great strikeout numbers, but he has consistently been one of the top pitchers in the league with runners on base.
Description: Rays center fielder Desmond Jennings has two homers over his last three games.
Insight: He went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and a home run Thursday against the Orioles to raise his average to .254, but he was caught stealing for the first time this season.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman James Loney is 6-for-8 with two doubles, a homer and four RBIs over his last two games.
Insight: Loney was hitting .167 prior to yesterday's game against Baltimore but he has put together two strong games in a row to raise his average to .289.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman James Loney snapped out of a 1-for-16 slump by providing three hits Wednesday in a win over Baltimore.
Insight: Loney had some fantasy intrigue a couple years ago when he played for the Dodgers but we're not counting on him to have a big year for the Rays. Since entering the league in 2006, Loney has only hit over .290 on one occasion (.331 AVG in 2007).
Description: Tampa Bay 3B Evan Longoria "owns" Baltimore right-hander Chris Tillman with three homers and a .500 batting average in 12 at-bats
Insight: After not hitting a home run over his first 11 games, Longoria has one in each of his last two and now enjoys an extremely favorable matchup. He's a must start.
Description: Houston first baseman Carlos Pena, a career .234 hitter, has a lifetime .303 batting average against Oakland right-hander Bartolo Colon with three home runs and a .927 OPS. of course he's also struck out 15 of 33 times, so as always he's an all-or-nothing option.
Insight: The left-handed slugger has a career average 41 point higher against right-handers and is a viable fantasy option for Wednesday.
Description: Rays starter Roberto Hernandez is 0-3 with a 5.79 ERA and 1.39 WHIP after three starts.
Insight: He allowed five runs (three earned) on five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings Tuesday against Baltimore. His only positive is his 18 strikeouts in 18 2/3 innings. It shouldn't be long before we see Chris Archer.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce is a career .417 hitter with a homer and a 1.217 OPS in a dozen at-bats against Baltimore right-hander Jake Arrieta.
Insight: Joyce is struggling coming into the game, batting just .147 this season and one for his last 14 at-bats, but he did have a respectable .810 OPS against right-handers in 2012. If he's going to break out of his slump, Tuesday might be the matchup to get him started.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman James Loney is an ugly 2-for-15 (both singles) against Boston right-hander Ryan Dempster.
Insight: Loney isn't known as a home run hitter (career best of 15) so when he's not hitting for a high average, he's currently batting .192, he's got very little fantasy value. Sit him.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Kelly Johnson is just 1-for-11 (.091) with five strikeouts against Boston starter Ryan Dempster. He has walked six times.
Insight: Johnson is off to an extremely slow start batting just .182 with a home run and two RBI. He wasn't very good last season (.225, 61 runs, 16 HR, 55 RBI, .678 OPS), but has the potential to be a 20-HR, 15-SB guy.
Description: Rays shortstop Yunel Escobar has just four hits in 38 at-bats this season (.105).
Insight: Escobar went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and has 11 strikeouts on the year. Since he doesn't hit homers or steal bases, Escobar is worthless to fantasy owners when he isn't hitting for a high average, and he hasn't done that since 2011.
Description: Ben Zobrist doesn't have a very impressive resume when it comes to hitting against Red Sox righthander Clay Buchholz.
Insight: Zobrist is hitting a puny .125 against Buchholz in 32 previous at bats. If you can afford to, this would be a great day to leave Zobrist on the bench.
Description: Rays left-hander Matt Moore walked six batters in 5 1/3 innings Wednesday versus Texas but he only allowed one hit and struck out five in a 2-0 win.
Insight: Moore has started out 2-0 with a spotless ERA. He had some trouble with walks last season but trimmed those down as the season went on. Moore has some of the best swing-and-miss stuff in the big leagues and we expect him to break out in 2013.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann had shoulder surgery on Wednesday. SOURCE: Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times
Insight: The Rays haven't given a timetable for when Niemann could return but it's very possible that he won't throw again this season. Niemann was just an insurance policy for the back of the rotation anyway so this shouldn't impact many fantasy rosters.
Description: Rays' third baseman Evan Longoria enjoys facing Texas left-hander Derek Holland off whom he's batting .409 with three homers in 22 career at-bats.
Insight: Longoria has missed 117 games over the past two seasons, but so far has played in every game this season, and is batting .370. He's yet to put up an extra base hit, however, but that could come today in this favorable matchup.
Description: According to Marc Topkin from the Tampa Bay Times, Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann will undergo surgery on his right shoulder.
Insight: Niemann will probably need the rest of the season to recover. That leaves promising youngster Chris Archer as the first starter up if Roberto Hernandez falters.
Description: According to Marc Topkin from the Tampa Bay Times, Rays pitcher Jeff Niemann is likely headed for right shoulder surgery.
Insight: If that's the case, Niemann would probably need the rest of the season to recover. He wasn't much of a fantasy option anyway and this should be good for the development of Alex Cobb and Chris Archer (currently in Triple-A) at the back end of the Rays' starting rotation.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb shut down the Indians over 7 1/3 scoreless innings Saturday. He gave up just four hits, walked three and fanned six.
Insight: Cobb had a 28/5 K/BB in 25 2/3 spring innings. The righty has struck out more than a batter per inning in his last three minor league seasons but came into 2013 with a 6.8 K/9 in 189 major league innings. Still, given the Rays' history of developing pitching prospects, we wouldn't be surprised if Cobb was a viable fantasy starter in 2013.
Description: Houston first baseman Carlos Pena is an all-or-nothing option on Saturday against Oakland starter Bartolo Colon. They have faced each other 30 times and Pena is batting .300 off of him with three homers, but he's also struck out 15 times.
Insight: The left-handed slugger has an ugly .234 career batting average, but has hit 28 or more homers in five of the last six seasons. If you can deal with the low average and high strikeouts he can help deliver the long ball and knock in runs.
Description: Rays lefty Matt Moore tossed six shutout innings Friday in a win over the Indians.
Insight: He struck out eight while allowing only two hits. Moore didn't live up to the hype as a rookie last year but he still has a lot of potential. He could be a fantasy dark horse this year.
Description: Rays righthander Jeff Niemann has been moved to the disabled list.
Insight: The injury is being described as "right shoulder soreness." Roberto Hernandez and Alex Cobb have both climbed ahead of Niemann on the pitching depth chart, rendering him useless in fantasy leagues even when healthy.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce sent a 3-1 Tommy Hunter offering into the seats Wednesday for his first career walk-off home run.
Insight: Joyce entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Jose Labaton in the seventh and replaced Sean Rodriguez in left field the following inning. Joyce does have an All-Star nod on his resume (2011) so he's certainly worth keeping an eye on in fantasy leagues.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Desmond Jennings is hitless in 12 at-bats against Orioles starter Wei-Yin Chen.
Insight: Jennings had two hits (one double), one RBI and a steal in four at-bats Tuesday in the season opener. He has a bright future, but Wednesday is an unfavorable matchup to be avoided.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist is a career .467 hitter (7-for-15) versus Baltimore starter Wei-Yin Chen.
Insight: Zobrist got off to a good start in the opener, blasting a two-run homer off Orioles starter Jason Hammel in the fourth inning. Despite a mediocre career batting average (.260), the multi-position Zobrist has produced very good fantasy numbers. He's averaged 88 runs, 19 HR, 82 RBI and 18 steals over the past four seasons.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist blasted a two-run homer off Orioles starter Jason Hammel in the fourth inning of Tuesday's Opening Day matchup.
Insight: Zobrist has walked 90-plus times and hit 20-plus homers in three of the past four seasons. The 2010 season, when he hit .238 with 10 homers, seems to be an outlier. Zobrist also steals 15-20 bases and a season, scores 90-plus runs and offers eligibility at second base, shortstop and outfield, which makes him an incredibly well-rounded fantasy option.
Description: Tampa Bay CF Desmond Jennings had two hits (one double), one RBI and a steal in four at-bats Tuesday in the season opener.
Insight: After hitting .259 with 10 homers and 20 steals in 63 games as a rookie, Jennings batted just .246 with 13 homers, 31 steals and a .702 OPS in 132 games last season. He only hit .231 with a .651 OPS in the first half so getting off to a good start will help him get back to his 2011 production.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman James Loney isn't known as a home run hitter, but he has hit three off of Baltimore starter Jason Hammel and owns a lifetime .310 batting average against him.
Insight: Loney batted just .228 this spring, but it appears the Rays are committed to him for a while. He's a lifetime .282 hitter, but his fantasy value has never been very high because of his lack of power (.758 OPS). He might be worth a flier in the opener based on his past success against Hammel.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott's timetable for recovery could be five weeks. The Rays placed Scott on the DL earlier this weekend because of a strained calf. SOURCE: Tampa Bay Times
Insight: It originally looked like Scott would only be sidelined for two or three weeks but now that time frame seems a bit optimistic. At this stage of his career, Scott is only a bench player in fantasy.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott has been placed on the 15-day DL after straining his right calf earlier in the week. SOURCE: Roger Mooney, Tampa Tribune
Insight: Tampa Bay will be without Scott for the first 2-to-3 weeks of the season according to skipper Joe Maddon. With Scott out, Matt Joyce will move to DH with Sam Fuld taking over in left field.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott (calf) could begin the season on the DL, according to the Tampa Tribune.
Insight: Scott left a minor league game after just one at-bat Friday due to ongoing tightness in his right calf. He's not someone to target in drafts but usually provides one or two useful hot streaks during the season.
Description: Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times has confirmed that the Rays have chosen righty Roberto Hernandez to be the team's No. 5 starter, over Jeff Niemann.
Insight: Hernandez posted a 5.33 ERA and 1.22 WHIP this spring which wasn't as good Niemann (2.92 ERA, 1.09 WHIP), but the team made the decision for Hernandez.
Description: Rays top prospect Wil Myers has been reassigned to minor league camp.
Insight: Myers hit .286 in 17 games for the big club this spring. A consensus top five prospect, the 22-year-old should make his major league debut sometime in 2013.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb has 18 strikeouts, one walk and a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings this spring.
Insight: Cobb has struck out more than a batter per inning in his last three minor league seasons but has a 6.8 K/9 in 189 major league innings. Still, he's expected to have a spot in Tampa Bay's rotation and should be owned in all leagues.
Description: Rays righty Roberto Hernandez "looks like the strong favorite" to land a spot in Tampa Bay's starting five, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Topkin cites the Rays need for an innings-eater to replace James Shields as the reason to go with Hernandez over the injury-prone Jeff Niemann. Hernandez posted a 5.25 ERA and 1.40 WHIP in 2011, his last full season. He had a 7.53 ERA in 14 1/3 innings last season after settling his age and identity fraud case.
Description: DH Luke Scott has been dealing with a hamstring issue, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Scott has hit between 23-27 homers in every season in which he's seen at least 447 at-bats. Unfortunately, he's been injury prone lately and has only gotten 236 and 344 at-bats in the last two years. Starting off spring training this way is a red flag, but he could be a viable late-round option.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Kelly Johnson is starting Wednesday's game in left field, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Manager Joe Maddon likes multi-position players and fantasy owners like the flexibility too. Johnson wasn't very good last season (.225, 61 runs, 16 HR, 55 RBI, .678 OPS) but does have potential. Johnson's arrival in Tampa Bay may leave multi-positional Ben Zobrist (OF/2B/SS) with less flexibility.
Description: Rays outfielder Wil Myers, who was acquired from the Royals for James Shields, won't be rushed to the majors. The Rays like to delay the arbitration/free agent block on all their young players and manager Joe Maddon thinks it's easier for those players to join the team while the season is in progress. SOURCE: Tampa Tribune
Insight: "I've always felt that it should be easier for a young player to make the team when the season in progress as opposed to out of spring training," Maddon said. "When they make the team out of spring training expectations get raised even higher, and I think if you're really looking for a young man to apply pressure to himself it's then, when he makes it out of camp and Opening Day comes." While the wait for Myers' debut will be just a little bit longer, we expect him to be called up sometime in April.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) is expected to make his debut on Tuesday, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Longoria has missed 117 games over the past two seasons and could be getting the "injury-prone" tag if he comes up with another shortened season. He's still a great hitter, but don't expect him to run anymore, those days are long gone.
Description: The Rockies are interested in making a trade for Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann according to ESPN's Buster Olney.
Insight: Niemann (2-3, 3.08 ERA in eight starts last season) could become expendable if newcomer Roberto Hernandez continues to impress. From a fantasy perspective, Tampa Bay is obviously a much more desirable setting than Colorado where balls tend to fly out of the park because of the thin mountain air.
Description: ESPN's Buster Olney reports that the Rays are impressed with what they've seen of Roberto Hernandez so far this spring training.
Insight: Olney hears that Hernandez (aka Fausto Carmona) could be in the mix for the fourth or fifth spot in Tampa Bay's starting rotation. Hernandez looked washed up in the three starts he made for Cleveland at the end of last season (0-3, 7.53 ERA) but maybe he still has a little left in the tank.
Description: DH Luke Scott has returned to the Rays on a one-year, $2.75 million contract.
Insight: A typical low-risk high-reward signing by the Rays. Scott could be a threat to hit 20 homers if he can stay healthy. Just don't expect much in the batting average department (.229 last season).
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria told the Tampa Bay Times that his injured hamstring, which limited him to 74 games last season, "is ready."
Insight: Longoria has missed 117 games over the past two seasons and could be getting the "injury-prone" tag if he comes up with another shortened season. He's still a great hitter, but don't expect him to run anymore, those days are long gone.
Description: Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays have signed former Toronto second baseman Kelly Johnson to a one-year deal.
Insight: Johnson wasn't very good last season (.225, 61 runs, 16 HR, 55 RBI, .678 OPS) but does have potential. More significantly, his arrival in Tampa Bay may leave multi-positional Ben Zobrist (OF/2B/SS) with less flexibility.
Description: Jerry Crasnick from ESPN reports that the Rays have re-signed reliever Kyle Farnsworth.
Insight: It's a one-year pact worth $1.5 millions. Farnsworth (1-6, 4.00 ERA, 25 holds) is fine to own in leagues where holds count but other than that he won't be worth having on your roster unless closer Fernando Rodney gets injured.
Description: Rays starting pitcher David Price has signed a one-year contract to avoid arbitration. SOURCE: ESPN.com
Insight: Price went 20-5 with a 2.56 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 205 strikeouts in 211 innings to win the AL Cy Young Award in 2012. He'll be one of the top arms off the board in 2013 drafts.
Description: Former Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui has announced his retirement.
Insight: Matsui last played for the Rays, appearing in 34 games at the big league level in 2012. He'll end his career with 175 HR, 760 RBI and a .282 batting average in 1,236 major league games. His only All-Star appearances came in 2003 and 2004 as a member of the Yankees.
Description: Rays outfielder Wil Myers, who was acquired from the Royals for James Shields, won't be rushed to the majors. The Rays like to delay the arbitration/free agent block on all their young players and manager Joe Maddon thinks it's easier for those players to join the team while the season is in progress. SOURCE: Tampa Tribune
Insight: "I've always felt that it should be easier for a young player to make the team when the season in progress as opposed to out of spring training," Maddon said. "When they make the team out of spring training expectations get raised even higher, and I think if you're really looking for a young man to apply pressure to himself it's then, when he makes it out of camp and Opening Day comes." While the wait for Myers' debut will be just a little bit longer, we expect him to be called up sometime in April.
Description: The Rays have signed right-hander Roberto Hernandez to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. SOURCE: Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times
Insight: Hernandez only started three games (7.53 ERA) after being detained by authorities in the Dominican Republic for using a fraudulent name (Fausto Carmona). While he's a long shot to have fantasy value in 2013, it's not as long as you might think now that he's with the Tampa Bay organization (right, Fernando Rodney owners?).
Description: First baseman Carlos Pena is apparently signing to play with the Houston Astros for 2013.
Insight: The left-handed slugger has an ugly .234 career batting average, but has hit 28 or more homers in five of the last six seasons. If you can deal with the low average and high strikeouts he can help deliver the long ball and knock in runs.
Description: The Royals have dealt top prospect Wil Myers to the Tampa Bay Rays in a blockbuster deal for James Shields and Wade Davis.
Insight: Myers is regarded as the No. 1 hitting prospect in baseball after hitting .314 and slugging .600 with 37 homers and 109 RBIs between Double-A and Triple-A last season. He'll likely be in Tampa Bay's lineup on Opening Day.
Description: Yunel Escobar's time in Miami has quickly come to an end. The shortstop has been traded to the Rays for minor league infielder Derek Dietrich.
Insight: Escobar (.253, 9 HR, 51 RBI) will take over as the team's everyday shortstop. He's spent the past three seasons in Toronto so Escobar is already plenty familiar with the American League East.
Description: First baseman James Loney has agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal with Tampa Bay.
Insight: The Rays grew frustrated with Carlos Pena's inconsistency at the plate last season and apparently, they've decided to move on without him. Loney isn't an offensive stud by any means (he hit .241 with six homers last season) but for just one year and a couple million bucks, there's not much risk here.
Description: The Rangers have been involved in trade talks for Rays starter James Shields according to a report from Fox Sports.
Insight: Shields is in the final year of his contract and unlikely to re-sign with Tampa Bay now that the team has already sunk an extra $100 million into Evan Longoria this offseason. Shields is 3-3 with a 3.64 ERA in six career starts at Rangers Ballpark.
Description: The Rays inked third baseman Evan Longoria to a six-year, $100 million contract extension through 2022.
Insight: Tampa Bay has been proactive in locking up Longoria to team friendly deals. The Rays signed the star third baseman to a six-year, $17.5 million deal within a few days of his major league debut in 2008 with team options for 2014, 2015 and 2016. They have decided to forego the three option years by extending him through 2022. Coming off a season in which he played just 74 games due to a torn hamstring, Longoria could see his fantasy draft stock fall in 2013.
Description: Free agent outfielder B.J. Upton met with the Phillies this week according to Ken Rosenthal from Fox Sports.
Insight: Upton also sat down with the Braves on Thursday. Upton is only hitting .100 in his career at Citizens Bank Park, though that came in just 10 at bats.
Description: The Atlanta Braves are in hot pursuit of free agent outfielder B.J. Upton according to Mark Bowman from MLB.com.
Insight: Upton is also thought to be on Philadelphia, Texas and Washington's wish lists this offseason. The 28-year-old hit .246 this past season in Tampa Bay with 28 HR and 78 RBI.
Description: Rays starting pitcher David Price has won the 2012 AL Cy Young Award.
Insight: He beat out last year's winner Justin Verlander in one of the closest Cy Young votes ever. This is the first time Price has won the award. He led the American League in wins (20) and ERA (2.56 ERA) this season while finishing sixth in strikeouts (205).
Description: Center fielder B.J. Upton rejected Tampa Bay's one-year qualifying offer on Friday.
Insight: Upton could be the biggest player on the market this winter not named Josh Hamilton. He smashed a career-high 28 HR for the Rays last season while also contributing 31 stolen bases.
Description: Jon Heyman from CBS Sports has reported that several teams are interested in trading for Rays starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson.
Insight: We figured James Shields would be the primary trade target this winter but apparently teams have set their sights on another member of the Tampa Bay pitching staff instead. Hellickson hasn't had a bad season yet and was the keeper of a stunning 3.10 ERA last season. The 25-year-old righthander earned $489,000 with the Rays in 2012.
Description: The Twins have inquired about Tampa Bay righthander James Shields.
Insight: Minnesota's pitching was a bit of a mess last season (4.77 team ERA) so adding Shields would definitely fill a a need. The Rays are likely to field plenty more offers for Shields so we'd be surprised if a deal got done right away.
Description: Tampa Bay will not pick up designated hitter Luke Scott's option for next season.
Insight: It wasn't an impressive year for Scott, who hit just .229 in 96 games. He shouldn't warrant much fantasy consideration heading into the 2013 season.
Description: Tampa Bay has picked up closer Fernando Rodney's option for next year.
Insight: Rodney produced an outstanding 0.60 ERA this season while collecting a career-high 48 saves. Look for him to have another strong season in 2013.
Description: Tampa Bay has picked up starter James Shields' option for next season.
Insight: Shields' name has been mentioned in trade talks for months now and it wouldn't be surprising if the Rays finally dealt him during the offseason. After getting off to a rough start in 2012 (4.81 ERA in the first half) Shields was much better after the All-Star break (2.81).
Description: Rays closer Fernando Rodney has won the American League's Comeback Player of the Year award.
Insight: After struggling to a 4.50 ERA in 39 appearances out of the pen for the Angels in 2011, Rodney was magnificent for Tampa Bay this year, compiling a career-high 48 saves in 74 2/3 innings. His 0.60 ERA this season was by far the lowest of his 10-year major league career.
Description: Tampa Bay lefthander David Price led the American League in wins (20) and ERA (2.56) during the 2012 season.
Insight: Price also finished sixth in strikeouts (205) and fourth in WHIP (1.10). The only thing missing from his Cy Young resume is a Rays playoff appearance.
Description: Tampa Bay closer Fernando Rodney set a major league record this season by finishing with the lowest ERA ever by a reliever who pitched at least 60 innings.
Insight: Who knew Rodney would have his best season at age 35. In 74 2/3 innings, Rodney allowed just five earned runs all year That's an ERA of 0.60. Simply remarkable. Rodney converted 48 of 50 save opportunities in 2012 and figures to be among the first relievers drafted in fantasy leagues next season.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria crushed three homers Wednesday in his final game of the season.
Insight: Longoria missed more than half the year because of a hamstring injury but he was still able to finish the season with 17 homers and 55 RBI. If he's healthy going into next season, Longoria could be a threat to hit 30 homers in 2013.
Description: In his final start of the season, James Shields dominated the Orioles but came up on the losing side a 1-0 game.
Insight: Shields went the distance, striking out 15 batters with zero walks and allowing just two hits, including a solo homer to Chris Davis. The right-hander finishes 15-10 with a 3.52 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 223 strikeouts in 227 2/3 innings. Shields went 7-3 with a miniscule 1.99 ERA and a 0.73 WHIP in 90 1/3 innings over his final 12 starts.
Description: Tampa Bay center fielder B.J. Upton annihilated the White Sox for two homers and three RBI on Sunday.
Insight: September was easily Upton's most productive month of the season with 12 homers and 18 RBI in 108 at bats. Upton is at 78 RBI for the season, four shy of his career-high set back in 2007.
Description: Tampa Bay right fielder Matt Joyce clobbered two homers Saturday in a win versus the White Sox.
Insight: That breaks a 21-game homerless drought for Joyce. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay fans, the Orioles and Athletics both won on Saturday, so the Rays were unable to gain any ground in the Wild Card race. They'll need a small miracle if they hope to erase their three game deficit by the end of the regular season.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton has faced White Sox ace Chris Sale four times in his career and has yet to put the ball in play, striking out all four times.
Insight: Upton brings a low average with him to fantasy teams, but he's still very productive with 74 runs, 26 HR, 74 RBI and 30 stolen bases. Just don't use him against Sale.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce will sit out Wednesday night's game in Boston.
Insight: Joyce (.245, 15 HR, 55 RBI) is hitting just .202 against lefties this season so manager Joe Maddon will give him the night off with Jon Lester pitching for the Red Sox. Desmond Jennings (.253, 13 HR, 47 RBI) will slide over to right field Wednesday with Ben Francisco (.243, 3 HR, 12 RBI) taking Jennings' place in left.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena is a career .282 hitter with six homers and 14 RBI against Boston lefty Jon Lester.
Insight: The batting average against the lefty Lester is unusually high for Pena who is a lifetime .206 hitter versus left-handers. Take advantage of this rare lefty-lefty favorable matchup and start Pena despite his ugly numbers this season.
Description: Tampa Bay starter David Price kept himself in contention for his first 20-win season by beating Boston with a complete game effort Tuesday. Price whiffed 13 Red Sox batters and held them to two runs on seven hits.
Insight: Price (19-5, 2.56 ERA) won 19 games with a 2.72 ERA in 2009 but slipped to 12-13 last year despite a 3.49 ERA and 1.14 WHIP. He has been in the win column much more frequently this season.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist is just a .103 hitter (3-for-29) against Boston starter Clay Buchholz.
Insight: Zobrist is an excellent fantasy option on most days as he contributes to all categories, but Tuesday is not likely to be one of those days. For the season, Zobrist is batting .268 with 82 runs, 18 HR, 71 RBI and 14 SB.
Description: Tampa Bay's Alex Cobb will start Wednesday before being shut down for the season, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Cobb has gone 9-9 with a 4.27 ERA this season, but he's already thrown 124 1/3 innings at the big league level after starting in the minors for the first month and a half of the season.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist has topped B.J. Upton in his futility against Brandon Morrow. Zobrist is 4-for-29 (.138) with 11 strikeouts against Morrow.
Insight: One of Zobrist's four hits left the yard, but that's not enough to inspire much confidence in the second baseman for Saturday's game.
Description: It might be difficult to sit Rays outfielder B.J. Upton Saturday considering how hot he has been in September, but he's struggled mightily against Toronto starter Brandon Morrow.
Insight: Upton has eight homers in September and 17 in the second half, but Morrow has tamed his bat -- Upton is 4-for-22 with 12 strikeouts and zero RBIs against the Blue Jays right-hander.
Description: Tampa Bay left fielder Desmond Jennings has slumped again in September, but Saturday's matchup with Toronto starter Brandon Morrow could be what he needs to wake his bat up.
Insight: Jennings is 5-for-11 with three homers and three walks against Morrow, which should help offset his .258 average and .688 OPS this month.
Description: Rays starter James Shields reached 15 wins for the second straight year with seven scoreless innings (6 H, 1 BB, 9 K) Friday against Toronto.
Insight: Shields had a brutal 4.52 ERA after his start on July 26. Since then he's been excellent, going 7-2 with a 2.04 ERA and a 68/10 K/BB in 75 innings over 10 starts.
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist has faced Toronto right-hander Carlos Villanueva eight official times, but he's produced four hits, including three homers. He's also walked four times for a .667 on-base percentage.
Insight: Zobrist (.265, 79 runs, 17 HR, 70 RBI, 14 SB) doesn't hit for a high average, but makes solid contributions to all fantasy categories. He's amust start on Friday.
Description: Don't expect Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist to carry your fantasy team Thursday against Boston. He's hitting just .115 for his career against Clay Buchholz.
Insight: Zobrist (.267, 17 HR, 69 RBI) has seven RBI in his last four games but don't count on him to make much of an impact Thursday with Buchholz on the hill.
Description: Tampa Bay right fielder Matt Joyce has been money against Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz. In 12 previous at bats, Joyce is hitting .417 versus the Boston righthander.
Insight: Joyce (.249, 15 HR, 54 RBI) broke out of a 2-for-19 slump with a pair of hits Wednesday in the Rays' 13-3 blowout win. Expect him to make even more noise with his bat Thursday against Buchholz (11-6, 4.33 ERA).
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria is getting the night off Monday against Boston.
Insight: Longoria (.280, 12 HR, 43 RBI) has struggled mightily against the Red Sox in 2012 (1-for-16 with four strikeouts). Utilty player Jeff Keppinger (.320, 6 HR, 32 RBI) will get the start at third base.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce is a career .067 hitter (1-for-15) against Yankees right-hander Ivan Nova.
Insight: Joyce is normally a much better hitter against right-handers than lefties, in fact, 67 points higher for his career, but he struggles against Nova and should not be started.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is a career .378 hitter (14-for-37) versus Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia with five homers and a 1.376 OPS.
Insight: After a slow start follow a long injury, Longoria has begun to hit as we have come to expect. He's raised his average to .286 with 11 HR, 40 RBI and a .861 OPS in 56 games.
Description: Rays right fielder Matt Joyce is getting the afternoon off Thursday against Baltimore.
Insight: He is hitting a mere .218 since the All-Star break. Joyce has underachieved this season (.253, 15 HR, 52 RBI) after being named an American League All-Star in 2011 (.277, 19 HR, 75 RBI).
Description: Tampa Bay left fielder Desmond Jennings isn't in the lineup Wednesday but he'll be back Thursday, Rooger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune reports.
Insight: Jennings has been out since Friday. He said he could play Wednesday but he's being held out as a precaution. The Rays are as good as any team in the league at overcoming injuries to key players so they obviously see no need to rush the outfielder.
Description: Tampa Bay starter David Price will start Friday night's series opener versus New York. Price was skipped the last time through the rotation because of left shoulder soreness.
Insight: Price is 2-1 against the Yankees this season with a 3.20 ERA. Overall, he is 17-5 with a 2.54 ERA in 27 starts in 2012.
Description: Rays ace James Shields was named one of two American League players of the week.
Insight: Shields (14-8, 3.71 ERA) earned the honor after firing a two-hit shutout Sunday against Texas. Shields also won an eight-inning start versus the Yankees earlier in the week.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton was named an American League Player of the Week for September 3-9.
Insight: Upton (.256, 21 HR, 66 RBI, 29 SB) shares the distinction with teammate James Shields. The 28-year-old cracked five homers last week and drove in six runs. Three of those homers came in a 6-0 win versus Texas on Sunday.
Description: Tampa Bay center fielder B.J. Upton crushed Texas for three homers Sunday in a 6-0 win.
Insight: Upton now has five long balls in his past six games and 21 round-trippers for the season. He is three home runs shy of his career-high set back in 2007.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings is once again out of the lineup due to back stiffness.
Insight: Jennings (.252, 12 HR, 41 RBI) is hitting .277 with seven homers, 18 RBIs, 10 steals, 38 runs scored and an .800 OPS in 50 second-half games. He'll likely return Tuesday after Tampa Bay's off day Monday.
Description: Tampa Bay infielder Jeff Keppinger has a decent track record against Texas righthander Roy Oswalt. He's hitting .400 for his career versus the former Astros and Phillies ace.
Insight: Keppinger (.326, 6 HR, 31 RBI) is quietly having a very good year and is certainly deserving of a start Sunday against Oswalt, who has struggled with consistency during his time with the Rangers (4-2, 5.85 ERA in 12 appearances).
Description: Tampa Bay righthander Chris Archer pitched well filling in for David Price Saturday night against Texas. In seven innings, he let in two runs on four hits, striking out a career-high 11 batters, while walking just two.
Insight: Opponents are only hitting .182 versus Archer this season. It looks like the 23-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings is unavailable for Saturday's game against Texas. He has been suffering with back stiffness.
Insight: Jennings (.252, 12 HR, 41 RBI) certainly hasn't reached his full potential this season, though his 25 steals in 113 contests ranks seventh in the American League. For now, think of him as day-to-day.
Description: Rays righty Chris Archer will start Saturday against the Rangers in place of David Price (shoulder).
Insight: Archer has posted a 3.66 ERA and a 139/62 K/BB in 128 innings with Triple-A Durham and he fanned 14 in 11 2/3 innings over two starts at the big league level in late June. With Jeff Niemann out with a shoulder injury and Alex Cobb getting shut down after three more starts, Archer could pick up a couple more turns over the final few weeks of the season.
Description: Rays VP Andrew Friedman said he doesn't expect lefty David Price (shoulder) to miss an extended period of time.
Insight: Price will miss his start Saturday with "general soreness" in his left shoulder, but he's expected to face the Yankees next weekend. According to the Tampa Bay Times, Friedman and Price both said the move is precautionary. "We feel confident it is not a major situation," Friedman said.
Description: Tampa Bay lefty David Price will miss his scheduled start Saturday because of shoulder soreness.
Insight: The Rays are hoping Price (17-5, 2.54 ERA) will be able to start again next Friday versus the Yankees. Chris Archer (0-2, 3.86 ERA) will start in Price's place Saturday against Texas.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is a career .421 hitter (8-for-19) versus Texas left-hander Derek Holland with a pair of homers and a 1.424 OPS.
Insight: After a slow start follow a long injury, Longoria has begun to hit as we have come to expect. He batted .353 over the past week with a 1.097 OPS. He's a must start on Friday night.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Desmond Jennings is batting .302 with five homers, 10 RBIs and six steals in his last 30 games.
Insight: It took him awhile but Jennings has come around and started producing in the second half. A player with his type of tools could have a big impact on the fantasy playoffs this month.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria is in the starting lineup Tuesday.
Insight: Longoria left Monday's game but his exit had nothing to do with the hamstring injury that kept him out for most of the season. The third baseman was dealing with mild fatigue. He'll DH Tuesday.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist has an unfavorable matchup Tuesday against Yankees starter Freddy Garcia, with just one hit in nine career at-bats.
Insight: Zobrist is hitting .333 in his last 25 games with a solid .937 OPS, but Tuesday's matchup is unfavorable.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena has struck out 26 of the 45 official at-bats and is hitting just .133 against Yankees lefty C.C. Sabathia.
Insight: Pena is hitting a dismal .191 this year with 17 HR and 51 RBI, but I would not start him today or until/if he starts to hit the ball again.
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria is the rare hitter who thrives against Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia, batting .394 for his career with five homers in 33 at-bats and a 1.474 OPS.
Insight: Longoria is not yet back into midseason form, hitting just .247 over the past four weeks, bit this is a favorable matchup and he should be started.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce is hitting an abysmal .211 with four homers and 40 strikeouts in his last 42 games, and Sunday won't provide much relief for fantasy owners.
Insight: Joyce did homer as part of a multi-hit game Saturday but he'll face Blue Jays starter Ricky Romero Sunday, against whom he is 2-for-17 (.118). Avoid this matchup.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (fibula) has been activated from the DL to start Saturday against the Blue Jays.
Insight: Niemann has been on the disabled list since mid-May after getting drilled in the leg by a line drive. He left his last rehab start after taking another line drive off his pitching hand, but he appears to be alright. The right-hander is a solid option Saturday against what has become a weak-hitting Toronto ballclub.
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria is a stunning 6-for-9 (.667) against Blue Jays starter Henderson Alvarez with three homers, six RBI and a 2.333 OPS
Insight: Longoria is starting to find his swing, with an OPS of .905 over the past seven days. He's a must start on Saturday.
Description: Ben Francisco is headed to Tampa Bay. The Rays acquired the outfielder Friday in a trade with Houston. The Astros will receive a player to be named later.
Insight: Francisco struggled to a .247 average in 31 games with the Astros before Friday's trade. You can ignore him in fantasy.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Matt Moore hasn't allowed more than three runs in a start since July 7.
Insight: Moore has gone 5-2 with an impressive 2.08 ERA and a 56/19 K/BB in 56 1/3 innings in his last nine starts. In his first 17 starts, the young lefty was 5-6 with a 4.42 ERA and a 96/50 K/BB in 99 2/3 innings.
Description: Thursday looks like a great day to start Rays infielder Jeff Keppinger. In 15 lifetime at bats versus Toronto righthander Carlos Villanueva, Keppinger has compiled a .400 batting average with an OPS of .967.
Insight: Keppinger is coming off of a 4-for-5 effort on Wednesday and overall he has eight hits in his last 18 at bats. Look for that recent success to carry over into tonight's contest against Villanueva (6-4, 3.30 ERA) and the Blue Jays.
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria corked a pair of homers Wednesday night in an 8-4 triumph over the Rangers.
Insight: Longoria finished the series with three long balls and five RBI. Next the Rays head to Toronto where Longoria is hitting .246 for his career with three homers and 16 RBI in 33 games.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott is getting a rest Wednesday night against Texas.
Insight: Despite missing three of the Rays' last four games, Scott's 10-game hitting streak remains in tact. He's batting .313 this month, his highest of the season.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena is hitless in eight official at-bats against Rangers lefty Matt Harrison. He's struck out four times, while managing two walks.
Insight: Pena is hitting a dismal .188 this year and an even uglier .162 against left-handers. There are no circumstances in which I would start Pena today as long as a lefty starts the game for Texas.
Description: Rays 3B/DH Evan Longoria is a career .833 hitter (5-for-6) against Texas left-hander Matt Harrison with a pair of homers, seven RBI and a 2.833 OPS.
Insight: Sure, it's a small sample size, but the numbers are too good to ignore. Longoria has yet to return to form since coming back from the left hamstring injury that kept him out of the lineup from April 30 to Aug. 6, batting just .243, but this matchup is too nice to pass up. Start him.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (fibula) will return from the DL to start Saturday against the Blue Jays, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune.
Insight: Niemann has been on the disabled list since mid-May after getting drilled in the leg by a line drive. He left his last rehab start after taking another line drive off his pitching hand, but he appears to be alright. The right-hander is a solid option Saturday against what has become a weak-hitting Toronto ballclub.
Description: Rays first baseman Carlos Pena is a career .111 hitter (1-for-9) against Rangers lefty Derek Holland with five strikeouts.
Insight: It is rarely a good idea to play Pena against left-handers with his career .205 batting average and this year is even worse as he's managed just 22 hits in 136 at-bats (.162) against southpaws. He hasn't hit over .200 in a month since April - sit him.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton, a career .255 hitter, is a .467 hitter (7-for-15) against Texas starter Derek Holland.
Insight: Upton is having his best month since April, with six homers, 17 RBI and a .834 OPS. He will never be a high average hitter, but he does contribute to every other category, scoring 54 runs, hitting 15 HR, knocking in 55 and stealing 24 bases. This is a favorable matchup for Upton.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton is not in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Oakland. A day of rest combined with a bad matchup against Brandon McCarthy makes for a timely day off.
Insight: Upton will never be a high average hitter, but he does contribute to every other category. He's scored 54 runs, hit 15 HR, knocked in 55 and stolen 24 bases. This was not a favorable matchup for Upton.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton is just 3-for-15 (.200) in his career against Brandon McCarthy with six strikeouts.
Insight: Upton will never be a high average hitter, but he does contribute to every other category. He's scored 54 runs, hit 15 HR, knocked in 55 and stolen 24 bases. This is not a favorable matchup for Upton.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott won't be in the lineup Friday night against Oakland.
Insight: Scott (.226, 12 HR, 45 RBI) normally isn't a good hitter for average but he has actually done pretty well for himself during his current seven-game hitting streak (.429).
Description: Tampa Bay righthander Alex Cobb was superb in Thursday night's win over the A's, compiling eight strikeouts over nine shutout frames.
Insight: Cobb, who allowed just four hits and two walks in the 113-pitch outing, delivered his first career shutout on Thursday just five days after getting hammered for 12 hits and eight runs in two and two thirds innings against the Angels. He's scheduled to start again Wednesday against the Blue Jays.
Description: Rays first baseman Carlos Pena won't be in the lineup Thursday night against Oakland.
Insight: Pena has been absent from the starting lineup four out of the last seven games, a clear indication that manager Joe Maddon has lost confidence in his veteran slugger. It's hard to blame him: Pena is hitting a disastrous .174 since the All-Star break.
Description: Tampa Bay starter David Price three-hit the Royals over eight scoreless innings but he had to take a no decision as the Rays lost 1-0 in extra innings.
Insight: Price (16-4, 2.28 ERA) has been untouchable for the last two months. Since June 19, the lefty is 8-0 with a microscopic 1.56 ERA and an 89/20 K/BB ratio in 86 1/3 innings.
Description: Rays 3B/DH Evan Longoria is a career .462 hitter (6-for-13) against Royals right-hander Luke Hochevar with a pair of homers and a 1.610 OPS.
Insight: Longoria sat out Monday in what appeared to be simply a rest day as the team tries to protect their best hitter from re-injuring his hamstring. He's hit two homers in the past four games. Longoria will play third base Tuesday for the first time since April 30.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeremy Hellickson pitched well Monday night against the Royals. In seven frames, the righthander gave up just six hits and one run, walking one and striking out six.
Insight: Hellickson is 1-1 with an impressive 1.29 ERA in his last two starts. The only reason he's not 2-0 in that span is because he pitched against Felix Hernandez when he threw his perfect game on Wednesday.
Description: Tampa Bay baseman Carlos Pena will be on the sidelines for Monday's contest against Kansas City.
Insight: Pena (.196, 16 HR, 50 RBI) went deep for the first time in 14 games with his two-run blast Saturday against the Angels. He's now on pace to finish the year with 21 jacks, which would be his lowest home run total since 2006.
Description: Outfielder Matt Joyce isn't in the starting nine for Tampa Bay's series opener against the Royals.
Insight: Joyce broke out of an 0-for-15 slide with an RBI single on Sunday. He's hitting only .224 for the month and just .227 since the All-Star break.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton has been swinging a hot bat but Angels starter Zack Greinke may put a stop to that Sunday.
Insight: Upton is batting .333 (11-for-33) with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last eight games, but he is just 4-for-19 (.211) with eight strikeouts and zero RBIs against Greinke.
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman/DH Evan Longoria has homered in two of his last three games but he has never performed well against Angels starter Zack Greinke.
Insight: Longoria got off to a slow start after returning from the disabled list but he appears to be heating up. Still, you might want to avoid Sunday's matchup, as Longoria is just 2-for-16 (.125) against Greinke.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist has another unfavorable matchup Sunday against Angels starter Zack Greinke but his hot bat may be able to overcome it.
Insight: Zobrist is hitting .377 (20-for-53) in his last 15 games. He didn't have solid career numbers against C.J. Wilson but he managed to pick up three RBIs Saturday. Don't let Zobrist's 4-for-20 (.200) line against Greinke scare you away from starting him Sunday.
Description: Tampa Bay right fielder Matt Joyce has been very successful in his career against Angels starter Zack Greinke, collecting five hits in 13 at-bats (.385) against the former Royals and Brewers right-hander.
Insight: Joyce is 0-for-14 over his last four games but Sunday's matchup might be what he needs to get going at the plate.
Description: Rays outfielder B.J. Upton's star is rising with his performance this past week, but he never has had success against Angels lefty C.J. Wilson.
Insight: Upton is batting .357 (10-for-28) with five homers and 10 RBIs in his last seven games but he only has two hits in 17 at-bats against Wilson so you might want to look for another option Saturday.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist is red hot as of late but he has never managed to have success against Angels starter C.J. Wilson.
Insight: Zobrist is hitting .396 (19-for-48) in his last 14 games and he also has homered in two straight games, but Wilson clearly knows how to pitch to the Rays second baseman. You may want to roll the dice anyway with Zobrist's hot bat, but temper your expectations.
Description: First baseman Carlos Pena will get a rest Friday night when the Rays open their series against the Angels.
Insight: Pena has registered a shockingly awful .192 average in 118 games played this season. If he was hitting for power that would be one thing but Pena hasn't gone deep in a game since August 1, a span of 13 games. That's just unacceptable. If you still have him on your roster, it's time to drop Pena and let him be someone else's problem.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist has never had much success against Seattle ace Felix Hernandez, batting just .136 (3-for-22) with eight strikeouts.
Insight: Zobrist has gotten good mileage out of his mediocre .259 batting average, with 61 runs, 12 HR, 44 RBI and 13 SB he contributes in almost every category. Wednesday, however, he should not be in your fantasy lineup.
Description: Tampa Bay right fielder Matt Joyce usually hits right-handers at a .275 clip (versus .205 against lefties), but he's just 1-for-12 against veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood.
Insight: Joyce has been hot of late, batting .323 over the past two weeks, but this unfavorable matchup should be avoided.
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman/DH Evan Longoria is not in the lineup Monday night against Seattle.
Insight: This will be Longoria's first day off since being activated from the DL last Tuesday. With Longoria unavailable, B.J. Upton (.243, 12 HR, 46 RBI) will start at DH for the Rays tonight.
Description: Rays left fielder Desmond Jennings is batting .343 (12-for-35) with two homers and two steals in nine games this month and .283 with four homers and six steals since the All-Star break.
Insight: Jennings had a terrible first half, hitting .231 with just five homers, but he has picked it up since the break. The outfielder still has a ton of upside and may be available via free agency in your league.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (fibula) said that his leg "held up well" and that he was able to mix in all of his pitches during his minor league rehab start at High-A Port Charlotte Wednesday, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Niemann should be able to return to the Rays rotation by late August. He's worth a stash in deeper leagues.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria returned to the lineup Tuesday for the first time since April 30 and went 1-for-3 with a sac fly against Toronto. Longoria missed more than three months with a torn hamstring.
Insight: Longoria nearly drove the ball out of the park with the bases loaded in the third it was caught at the wall. The team will likely DH him at first so he doesn't put too much strain on his hamstring. He should be active in all fantasy lineups right away regardless.
Description: Rays starter James Shields has put together two straight excellent starts after getting tattooed for the better part of the season.
Insight: Shields held Toronto to one run on two hits and registered a 6/1 K/BB ratio in eight innings Tuesday to drop his ERA to 4.08. He has held opponents to just five hits in his last 17 innings.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist is back in the lineup Tuesday after leaving Sunday's game with a minor back injury, according to JB Long of the MLB Network.
Insight: Zobrist will bat third and play right field Tuesday, with Evan Longoria making his return behind him as the DH in the cleanup spot.
Description: According to beat writer Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria will be activated on Tuesday.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HR, 19 RBI) could be a little bit rusty upon his return to the big leagues, but both the Rays and fantasy owners will welcome him back.
Description: Tampa Bay lefthander David Price fired eight shutout innings Sunday against the Orioles but received only a no-decision.
Insight: Price (14-4, 2.49 ERA) gave up two hits and walked three during the outing as the Orioles eventually went on to beat the Rays 1-0 in extra innings. The 26-year-old hasn't lost a decision in any of his last nine starts.
Description: Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon believes there is a 50/50 chance third baseman Evan Longoria will be back in the lineup Tuesday for the Rays' series opener against the Blue Jays.
Insight: He's hitting just .136 on his current rehab assignment in Triple-A Durham, so Longoria (.329, 4 HR, 19 RBI) could be a little bit rusty upon his return to the big leagues.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (fibula) could begin a rehab assignment this week, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The right-hander hasn't pitched since mid-May after he broke his fibula on a line drive back to the mound.
Insight: Niemann will throw a bullpen session Sunday. If all goes well he'll start his rehab assignment with Class-A Charlotte in the middle of this week. He's worth a stash in deeper leagues.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) is aiming to rejoin the Rays during a three-game series that starts Tuesday against Toronto.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) hasn't played since April 30 due to a partially torn left hamstring. According to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times, Rays manager Joe Maddon said Longoria was a little sore after Friday's game at Triple-A Durham but he'll try to play Saturday.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) played in his fifth game down at Durham, but has yet to play in the field.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that he "just needed to get more comfortable at the plate." Sounds like we will have to wait a bit longer for his return. Longoria has been out since April 30.
Description: The Rays have granted outfielder/DH Hideki Matsui his release after designating him for assignment late last week.
Insight: Matsui managed just 14 hits in 95 at bats (.147) during his two-month tenure with Tampa Bay. Even if he does get another chance in the major leagues, the 10-year veteran won't have any fantasy value.
Description: Rays righthander James Shields didn't get traded but he did fire a three-hit shutout Tuesday in Tampa Bay's 8-0 victory over the Athletics.
Insight: With 11 strikeouts on Tuesday, Shields (9-7, 4.24 ERA) has now fanned 31 hitters over his last three starts.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) likely won't return this week after experiencing soreness in his hamstring after Monday's rehab game, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) was on track to return Friday but that won't be the case unless he feels dramatically better after he plays his next rehab game Thursday.
Description: Rays center fielder B.J. Upton won't partake in Sunday's series finale against the Angels.
Insight: Only five players in the American League have struck out more times than Upton (.247, 9 HRs, 36 RBIs, 18 SBs) has this season (99 K's in 332 at bats).
Description: Thinking of starting Ben Zobrist on Sunday? Don't. The Tampa Bay second baseman has fared terribly (3-for-17) in the past against Zack Greinke, who will be on the mound Sunday for Los Angeles.
Insight: Eight of those at bats ended in strikeouts for Zobrist (.247, 12 HRs, 41 RBIs). Make sure the Rays infielder is far, far away from your starting lineup on Sunday.
Description: Rays first baseman Carlos Pena is known for his powerful bat but he might as well be swinging a log Sunday against Angels righthander Zack Greinke. In 36 career at bats against Greinke, Pena has managed just six hits to go along with 18 strikeouts.
Insight: Pena (.193, 14 HRs, 41 RBIs) has been a batting average killer all season in fantasy and he'll be of little use to fantasy owners Sunday against Los Angeles' new ace.
Description: Fantasy owners are doomed if they're thinking about starting Rays catcher Jose Molina on Sunday. Molina is a miserable 1-for-13 (.077) for his career against newly-acquired Angels starter Zack Greinke.
Insight: There wasn't much incentinve to start Molina (.186, 4 HRs, 16 RBIs) in fantasy anyway. Now there should be even less.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Matt Joyce is hitless in 12 career plate appearances against Angels right-hander Dan Haren.
Insight: Since returning from the disabled list, Joyce hasn't produced at the level he did in April and May (.944 OPS). Joyce is in the midst of a modest seven-game hitting streak, but this unfavorable matchup and his low OPS (.738 since June 1) should be avoided.
Description: In what could be his final Rays start, right-hander James Shields struck out 10 batters in six innings but he also walked five, gave up six hits and allowed five runs. According to CBS Sports, the Angels, Rangers and Dodgers are pursuing a trade for Shields.
Insight: Shields has given up 156 hits in 137 1/3 innings, a rate of 10.2 H/9, while slightly increasing his walk rate from last season. His home run rate has also increased from 0.9 per nine to 1.1 HR/9. Maybe a change of scenery would allow Shields to return to his 2011 form, but we aren't hopeful.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings has gotten off to a positive start to the second half after hitting .231 before the All-Star break. Jennings is batting .285 (12-for-42) with two homers, six RBIs, eight runs scored and two steals in 12 games.
Insight: Despite his struggles this season, Jennings (.239, 7 HR, 29 RBIs, 40 R, 17 SB) still should be owned in deeper leagues for his power-speed potential.
Description: Rays starter David Price became the major league leader in wins when he beat Baltimore on Wednesday. Price fanned 10 Orioles in seven innings of one-run ball.
Insight: Price (14-4, 2.57 ERA) has won six straight decisions while allowing just 10 earned runs in his last 49 1/3 innings. He has become one of fantasy's most reliable aces.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Durham Wednesday and could return next week, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) will DH at first but Rays manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that the third baseman would only need to play three or four minor league rehab games before he would be able to return to the major league club.
Description: Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson won his first start since May 16 Tuesday against Baltimore. Hellickson collected six losses in between victories.
Insight: Hellickson (5-6, 3.42 ERA) pitched well in his previous three starts (18 IP, 15 H, 8 ER) but he didn't receive any run support. He didn't get much Tuesday either, but it was enough as he held Baltimore to one run on three hits in 6 1/3 innings.
Description: According to the Rays official website, Rays manager Joe Maddon said third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) could begin a rehab assignment during the team's current nine-game road trip.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) worked out on the field Tuesday and reportedly had no issues hitting, fielding or running the bases. He may be able to start a rehab assignment if he successfully gets through another workout, and Maddon said he would only need three or four games to be ready to return.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann (fibula) threw 35 pitches in his second bullpen session Tuesday, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Niemann (2-3, 3.37 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) is ramping up his rehab activities in an attempt to rejoin the Rays by mid-August. He'll throw a third bullpen in a few days. The right-hander has been on the disabled list since mid-May due to a fractured fibula.
Description: For the first time this season, Rays starter Matt Moore didn't walk a batter, which allowed him to toss eight innings for the first time in his big league career. Moore struck out seven and scattered five hits but took a loss as Tampa Bay could only muster one run.
Insight: Moore (6-7, 4.23 ERA) came in with 55 walks on the year but he mowed down Seattle in eight two-run innings. The lefty has unlimited potential but he's going to have to keep that walk total down if he's going to reach it this season. We'll monitor his progress to see if he can keep the free passes down over his next few starts.
Description: Tampa Bay shortstop Sean Rodriguez got the day off Sunday against the Mariners.
Insight: Rodriguez (.214, 6 HRs, 27 RBIs) is 2-for-17 in his last 10 games and has seen his playing time dwindle in recent weeks in large part due to his offensive inactivity.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb left Saturday's start with a right knee contusion after he was drilled with a line drive.
Insight: Tampa Bay has already lost Jeff Niemann to a broken leg after he was hit with a comebacker, so the team has to consider itself lucky that Cobb (5.05 ERA) was able to escape with only a contusion. The right-hander went 3-2 with a 3.42 ERA in nine starts last season, but he has not been as effective this season and can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.
Description: Tampa Bay starter Jeff Niemann threw a bullpen Saturday for the first time since he went on the disabled list with a broken right fibula in mid-May, according to the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Niemann (2-3, 3.37 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) is someone to stash while he rehabs from the leg break. He reported no issues after Saturday's session and will continue his activities before likely returning in August.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott is heading back to the disabled list with an oblique strain related to the back injury that sidelined him last month.
Insight: Scott left Friday's game with back tightness, and an MRI Saturday revealed an oblique strain. Fantasy owners who stuck with Scott through his previous injury and 0-for-36 stretch have received solid production in the past 10 days, but the DH has gone down again.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce is questioinable for Friday's game against Seattle.
Insight: The expectation has been that he'll be back in the lineup Friday against Seattle, but you should check the lineup before putting him in yours. When healthy he's been good with 11 HR, 34 RBI and a .878 OPS in 64 games.
Description: Rays starter David Price reassumed his place as the sole wins leader in the American League Thursday by beating Cleveland.
Insight: Price (13-4, 2.64) two-hit the Indians over seven scoreless frames to pull ahead of Texas' Matt Harrison for the American League lead in wins. The Rays lefty is tied for the major league lead in victories with New York's R.A. Dickey, who also won Thursday.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott is batting .400 (14-for-35) in his last nine games following an 0-for-36 stretch.
Insight: Scott went into a deep slump that bookended a disabled list stint and knocked his average down to .194, but he's rebounded to belt three homers and drive in nine runs over his last nine games.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce is sitting out Thursday's series finale against the Indians because of general soreness. Joyce came off the DL on Tuesday after a month-long struggle with an oblique injury.
Insight: The expectation is that he'll be back in the lineup Friday against Seattle.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott had a very productive game against the Indians on Wednesday night. He finished the evening 4-4 with a walk, a double and two runs scored.
Insight: Scott entered the Cleveland series batting .200, but after going 7-12 (.583) over his last three games, he has since raised that average to .220.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena, a career .236 hitter, has a .333 batting average against Cleveland starter Justin Masterson with a pair of homers and a 1.233 OPS.
Insight: Pena has 14 homers this season, but can't keep his batting average above the Mendoza Line. Still, if you spot start him, you can get some value in return.
Description: Rays starter Matt Moore recorded his sixth victory of the season Tuesday, but he didn't pitch very well. Moore walked five more batters and didn't make it past the fifth inning.
Insight: Moore (6-6, 4.39 ERA) has 55 walks in 104 2/3 innings, a ridiculous 4.73 BB/9. It's looking more and more like Moore isn't going to reach his potential this season due to his control problems.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce (oblique, back) is expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list for Tuesday's game against Cleveland.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) went on the DL in late June with an oblique injury and exited a rehab game due to back stiffness last week.
Description: Tampa Bay center fielder B.J. Upton is a career .111 batter (1-for-9) against Cleveland hurler Josh Tomlin with five strikeouts.
Insight: Upton is in the middle of a dry spell, batting just .176 over the past four weeks and this matchup isn't likely to help him break out of it. Sit him.
Description: Anyone hoping for improved results from Rays starter James Shields was thoroughly disappointed Sunday, as the right-hander surrendered double-digit hits for the fourth straight start.
Insight: Shields has reverted back to his 2010 form, allowing 146 hits in 123 2/3 innings, including 45 in 26 2/3 innings over his last four starts. The Rays righty has also allowed four earned runs or more in five straight starts. He shouldn't be started until he shows some improvement.
Description: Rays DH Luke Scott will not be participating in Sunday's series finale against Boston.
Insight: Scott (.200, 11 HRs, 42 RBIs) finished the first half on a high note by going 5-14 in his final three games but he has gone hitless against the Red Sox this weekend (0-5).
Description: Rays starter David Price added to his American League-leading win total Saturday with a victory over the Red Sox. In seven and a third innings, the Tampa Bay ace surrendered three runs (two earned) on six hits. He finished the night with eight strikeouts and three walks.
Insight: The 119 pitches were the second-most Price (12-4, 2.80 ERA) has thrown in a game this season. He's 1-1 with a 3.12 ERA in three starts against Boston this season.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena has faced Boston lefty Franklin Morales just six times, but he's failed to get a hit and has struck out four times.
Insight: Pena has 13 homers this season, but his .201 batting average and subpar .709 OPS makes him a poor option. On Friday, it could be downright ugly. Sit him.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce (oblique, back) said Thursday that he's aiming to return "within two weeks," according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) went on the DL in late June with an oblique injury and exited a rehab game due to back stiffness last week. However, he said Thursday that he feels great, so he should be back by late July.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott doubled twice and had two RBIs Sunday to close out the first half on a hot streak.
Insight: Scott went 0-for-36 at the plate from June 2 to July 5, with a disabled list stint in between, but he's been able to collect six RBIs in his last three games.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist's one-out single in the ninth inning brought in the game-winning run Sunday in Tampa Bay's 7-6 win over the Indians.
Insight: It was Zobrist's only hit of the game. Zobrist (.249, 11 HRs, 37 RBIs) struggled offensively during the season's first two months (.203, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs) but since the beginning of June he's been much better (.316, 5 HRs, 18 RBIs).
Description: According to the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays don't expect third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) to return until mid-August.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) aggravated his hamstring injury during a minor league rehab assignment in mid-June. He won't resume baseball activities until after the All-Star break.
Description: Rays starter Matt Moore walked five batters and served up five runs on five hits in 4 2/3 innings Saturday against Cleveland.
Insight: Moore (5-6, 4.42) can't seem to shake his control issues this season, and it has caused him to have uneven results. The lefty now has 50 walks against 96 strikeouts in 99 2/3 innings.
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist is a career .100 batter (1-for-10) versus Cleveland righty Justin Masterson.
Insight: Zobrist is having a tough week, batting just .190 over the past seven days and six games. Despite a low batting average (.253), Zobrist has managed to make solid fantasy contributions to all the other categories. He's scored 46 runs, hit 10 HR, knocked in 33 and has eight stolen bases. Unfortunately, he probably won't add to those categories on Friday.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton is a career .256 hitter, but against Justin Masterson he's batting .455 (5-for-11) with a home run and a 1.409 OPS.
Insight: Upton is in the middle of a dry spell, batting just .182 over the past four weeks, but this matchup may be what gets him going.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce (oblique) left his rehab game Wednesday due to back stiffness, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) went on the DL in late June with an oblique injury, and though he didn't re-aggravate the side strain, this setback will likely keep him out until after the All-Star break.
Description: Rays outfielder Matt Joyce (oblique) was pulled from his first minor league rehab game Wednesday with Triple-A Durham, according to the Durham Herald-Sun.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) went on the DL in late June with an oblique injury and though he was hopeful that he would be able to return for Tampa Bay's weekend series with Cleveland, that appears unlikely after this setback.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Hideki Matsui is questionable for Wednesday's game against New York with tightness in left hamstring.
Insight: Matsui has done nothing to get fantasy owners excited since being signed by the Rays five weeks ago. He's batting just .177 with a pair of homers and a .501 OPS.
Description: Tampa Bay lefty David Price has pitched very well in his last three starts, going 3-0 with a 2.57 ERA and 0.952 WHIP. He left his last start prior to the eighth inning with back stiffness, but threw a bullpen session Sunday with no issues.
Insight: Price (11-4, 2.92) has had plenty of success against the Yankees. He's 6-3 over his career versus the Bombers, so don't fear this matchup.
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist has had almost no success against Yankees starter Ivan Nova, batting just .167 (2-for-13) with three strikeouts in their matchups.
Insight: Despite a low batting average (.253), Zobrist has managed to make solid fantasy contributions to all the other categories. He's scored 45 runs, hit 10 HR, knocked in 32 and has seven stolen bases. Unfortunately, he probably won't add to those categories on Tuesday.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena has never been successful against Yankees starter Freddy Garcia, batting just .103 (4-for-39) with a tiny .269 OPS.
Insight: Pena has 11 homers this season, but his .199 batting average and subpar .694 OPS makes him a poor option at a loaded position like first base. If he's still on your roster, sit him until he gets into one of his hot streaks.
Description: Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey said left-hander David Price (back) will "absolutely" make his next start, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Price (11-4, 2.92) left his last start prior to the eighth inning with back stiffness. The Rays ace threw a bullpen session Sunday with no issues.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena is getting the day off Sunday against Detroit.
Insight: Pena (.200, 11 HRs, 33 RBIs) has been abysmal against lefthanded pitching this season (.170, 51 strikeouts in 106 at bats) so with southpaw Drew Smyly on the mound for the Tigers, manager Joe Maddon thought Sunday would be a good day to sit his veteran first baseman.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott won't start Sunday against the Tigers.
Insight: Scott (.207, 9 HRs, 36 RBIs) is hitless since his return from the DL on Thursday and hasn't registered a hit since June 1. Ignore the nine homers he hit earlier in the year: Scott has no business being in any fantasy lineups right now.
Description: Tampa Bay shortstop Sean Rodriguez is not in the lineup for Saturday night's tilt versus Detroit.
Insight: With Rodriguez (.214, 5 HRs, 22 RBIs) continuing to struggle at the plate, he'll get the night off in favor of Elliot Johnson (.271, 4 HRs, 20 RBIs).
Description: Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson (right shoulder fatitgue) is expected to come off the disabled list and start on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers.
Insight: Hellickson got shelled in his last trip to the mound (3.2 IP, 9 H, 8 ER in a loss to the Mets on June 14) but aside from that awful outing, he's been pretty solid so far in 2012 (4-3, 3.45 ERA).
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings hit two solo homers Friday against Tigers ace Justin Verlander.
Insight: Jennings came in batting .198 with a .526 OPS in 22 games since he returned from the disabled list on June 5. Friday's home runs were his first since April 24.
Description: Rays starter David Price exited Friday's start against Detroit before the eighth inning with back tightness. Price allowed two runs on five hits while striking out seven to win his AL-leading 11th game.
Insight: Price (11-4, 2.92) tossed just 78 pitches in his seven innings of work, so he may have gone the distance if he didn't get hurt. The lefty has frequently proven his worth as a true ace, as he is now 7-1 with a 2.24 ERA against former Cy Young Award winners after beating Justin Verlander Friday.
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) has ramped up his workouts over the past few days, according to Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) aggravated his hamstring injury two weeks ago during a minor league rehab assignment and still hasn't resumed baseball activities. However, he seems to be on track to start those activities again within the next week.
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist should be nowhere near your lineup on Friday. He's batting .115 in 26 lifetime at bats versus Detroit starter Justin Verlander.
Insight: Verlander (8-4, 2.52 ERA) tends to have a negative effect on fantasy hitting statistics and Zobrist (.247, 9 HRs, 31 RBIs) has been one of the worst victims of this trend over the years.
Description: There aren't many hitters out there who do well against Tigers ace Justin Verlander but Tampa Bay center fielder B.J. Upton is one of them. He's batting .444 with a homer and five RBIs in 18 career meetings with the Detroit righthander.
Insight: Upton (.247, 5 HRs, 25 RBIs, 13 SBs) is in the midst of a 2-30 (.067) slump over his last eight games but maybe he can rebound on Friday against Verlander.
Description: Rays reliever Kyle Farnsworth is likely to be activated from the 60-day DL on Saturday. He's been out since early April with a right elbow strain.
Insight: Farnsworth's fantasy value is much different now than it was when he first went on the DL back in April. Fernando Rodney (2-1, 1.07 ERA, 21 saves) has been stellar while filling in for Farnsworth at closer and he'll remain in that role even now that Farnsworth is healthy again. Farnsworth could contribute some holds and a low ERA, but other than that, he won't be of much use in fantasy when he returns.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields surrendered a whopping 14 hits and four earned runs in 7 2/3 innings Thursday against Detroit.
Insight: Shields has not pitched consistently well this entire season, save for a three-start stretch in April. The right-hander more closely resembles the pitcher who allowed 246 hits in 203 1/3 innings in 2010 than the one who held opponents to a .217 BAA last season.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott has officially been activated from the disabled list.
Insight: Scott, who has been out since June 8 while dealing with back spasms, will bat fourth for the Rays Thursday against the Tigers. Scott (.220, 9 HRs, 35 RBIs) is 1-4 lifetime against Detroit's probable starter, Max Scherzer (6-5, 5.12 ERA).
Description: Rays catcher Jose Molina will take a seat for Thursday night's game against Detroit.
Insight: Molina (.200, 4 HRs, 13 RBIs) has been quiet offensively for much of the 2012 campaign but he's hitting .294 over his last five starts with a couple of homers and three RBIs.
Description: Rays shortstop Sean Rodriguez will get a breather Thursday night against Detroit.
Insight: Rodriguez (.214) has played in 72 of Tampa Bay's 75 games this season but has only managed five homers and 22 RBIs in that span. In his last 10 games, Rodriguez is hitting a mere .172 (5-29) with no homers and three RBIs.
Description: As we expected, Rays closer Fernando Rodney will hold onto the job when Kyle Farnsworth returns, according to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune.
Insight: Rodney (0-2, 1.07 ERA) is having a career year, saving 21 games in 22 opportunities and holding opponents to a .176 BAA and Farnsworth is not exactly Mariano Rivera, so it makes sense that Rodney is staying in the role.
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist is still seeking his first hit against Detroit righty Max Scherzer. He's 0-for-7 with a walk.
Insight: Zobrist has raised his subpar batting average 18 points in the last seven games to .247. Despite the low average he has still managed to be productive with 43 runs scored, 9 HR, 31 RBI and 6 SB. Thursday, however, is an unfavorable matchup.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings is now playing without a brace on his left knee, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Jennings is batting .184 with a .494 OPS in 19 games since he returned from the disabled list on June 5. He's stolen three bases in his last six games after not attempting one since he returned, so that may be an indicator that his knee is feeling better.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton is just a career .083 hitter (1-for-12) versus Royals lefty Bruce Chen with five strikeouts.
Insight: Upton is struggling of late, batting just .163 over the past two weeks. Combined with a poor history against Chen, the Rays center fielder should take the day off on Tuesday.
Description: June 30 is the expected return date for injured Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson. He went on the DL with shoulder fatigue back on June 19.
Insight: Hellickson got shelled in his last trip to the mound (3.2 IP, 9 H, 8 ER in a loss to the Mets on June 14) but aside from that awful outing, he's been pretty solid so far in 2012 (4-3, 3.45 ERA).
Description: Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings Saturday at Philadelphia. Shields allowed two homers, walked one and struck out seven.
Insight: We still think Shields will settle down and get his ERA closer to 3.50 than where it currently is at 3.99, but don't expect anywhere close to his 2011 totals. He's giving up far too many hits -- 101 in 97 innings -- to have an ERA under 3.00. Right now, you just have to be satisfied Shields isn't getting crushed like he was in 2010.
Description: According to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Tribune, Rays outfielder Matt Joyce said the injury that landed him on the disabled list is actually to his oblique, not his back.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) left Tuesday night's game with what the team initially called back tightness but now he's saying his oblique is causing him pain when he swings. It is not known if the oblique is strained or pulled, but either way oblique injuries can be far more severe than back tightness.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce has been placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to June 20, with lower back tightness.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) left Tuesday night's game with back tightness and hasn't played since. He'll likely return when he's first eligible in early July.
Description: Rays starter Matt Moore allowed two runs on three hits with four walks and six strikeouts in five innings Thursday against Washington.
Insight: Moore (4-5, 4.13) has 40 walks in 80 2/3 innings this season. Unless he can correct that problem he's going to have many more five-inning performances.
Description: Rays reliever Joel Peralta has been suspended for eight games after he was ejected Tuesday for pine tar on his glove, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times.
Insight: Peralta (3.72 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 36 strikeouts, 16 holds) will appeal the suspension. The middle reliever doesn't have much fantasy value, but he may be owned in deeper leagues that use holds as a statistic or have an innings cap for the season, so be aware that he'll be out for at least a week depending on the appeal.
Description: Rays righthander Chris Archer was impressive in his major league debut Wednesday against the Nationals. He allowed three hits and three runs (one earned) in six innings. Archer walked one and struck out seven.
Insight: Archer's win/loss record (4-8) and ERA (4.81) were actually pretty poor in 14 starts for Triple-A Durham but his 90 strikeouts in 76.2 innings show that he still has tons of potential. That was evident again on Wednesday as Archer (0-1, 1.50 ERA) didn't allow a run after the first inning. The 23-year-old will make his next start Monday against Kansas City.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce is out for Wednesday's game against the Nationals because of back tightness.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) suffered the back injury in Tuesday night's 5-4 win. He'll be replaced in the lineup by Hideki Matsui (.157, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs) who is making his second start of the season in right field.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce exited Tuesday night's game with a back injury and is doubtful for Wednesday's game against Washington.
Insight: Joyce (.279, 11 HR, 34 RBI) has been very productive against right-handed pitching, batting .287 with a .954 OPS versus .259/.764 against lefties.
Description: Rays starter David Price allowed four runs (three earned) on six hits in seven innings Tuesday against Washington to improve to 9-4. Price walked one and struck out four.
Insight: Price (9-4, 3.08) had thrown just five innings in each of his previous two starts and had allowed seven runs to the Mets his last time out. He should get back to consistently throwing six and seven innings per start.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena broke out of a month-long homerless streak by pounding a home run to deep center field Tuesday night in the Rays' 5-4 win over the Nationals.
Insight: Since going 0-16 during a five-game stretch last week, Pena is 6-11(.545) with two RBIs.
Description: Tampa Bay shortstop Sean Rodriguez will take a seat for Tuesday night's game against the Nationals.
Insight: Even playing at a shallow position, Rodriguez hasn't been able to make much noise in fantasy this year. He's hitting only .217 with 5 HRs and 19 RBIs in 63 games this season.
Description: Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with "shoulder fatigue."
Insight: This could explain his horrible Thursday start in which he went 3 2/3 innings and yielded nine hits, eight runs and didn't strike anyone out. If its nothing more than a tired shoulder he'll only miss two starts.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce, who was scratched from the lineup just before the start of Sunday's game against Miami, is questionable for Tuesday's game against Washington. He's still got flu-like sympotons.
Insight: Joyce has put up solid numbers this season (.283, 11 HR, 34 RBI) as is particularly deadly against left-handed pitching (.966 OPS).
Description: Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria aggravated his hamstring injury playing in a rehab game for Triple-A Durham on Monday night. His rehab has been shut down indefinitely.
Insight: Longoria (.329, 4 HRs, 19 RBIs) was expected to return to the majors within the week but it looks like that is no longer a possibility. We'll know more about the extent of Longoria's injury soon so stay tuned.
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist picked up two hits in three at-bats Sunday against Josh Johnson and the Marlins.
Insight: Zobrist has six multi-hit games in his last seven and he appears to be completely out of the funk that had plagued him all season. Consider it a positive sign that Zobrist didn't allow another long slump to begin despite coming in with one hit in nine at-bats against Johnson after going 0-for-4 yesterday.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb shut out Miami on two hits in seven innings Sunday to improve to 3-3. Cobb walked one and struck out 10.
Insight: Cobb clearly has talent, but he doesn't always bring it to the ballpark, as indicated by his last three starts -- 0-3, 6.27 ERA. Still, he has upside as a back-of-the-rotation type fantasy starter.
Description: Tampa Bay catcher Jose Molina is not in the Rays' lineup on Sunday.
Insight: Molina (.196, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs) caught 12 innings Saturday in Tampa Bay's extra innings loss to the Marlins. Jose Lobaton (.231, 0 HRs, 3 RBIs) will make his 11th start of the season behind the plate on Sunday.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Matt Joyce was scratched from the lineup just before the start of Sunday's game against Miami. He is experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Insight: With Joyce (.283, 11 HRs, 34 RBIs) out, Ben Zobrist (.230, 9 HRs, 27 RBIs) will move to the outfield with Will Ryhmes (.247, 0 HRs, 7 RBIs) taking over for Zobrist at second base.
Description: Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings will not start Sunday against the Marlins.
Insight: With the exception of a good game on Friday (2-4 with a double and 4 RBIs), Jennings has mostly been a fantasy nonfactor since his return from the DL earlier this month (.196, 0 HRs, 7 RBIs in 51 at bats).
Description: Tampa Bay second baseman Ben Zobrist is hitting .111 in nine lifetime at bats against Miami's Josh Johnson. Three of those nine at bats ended in strikeouts.
Insight: With Johnson taking the hill Sunday against the Rays, we don't like Zobrist's chances.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott is hitting again and should be fine to return from the disabled list when he is first eligible on June 24th. Scott was placed on the DL last week because of back spasms.
Insight: Scott's back seems to be healing nicely. He'll probably share DH duties with Hideki Matsui (.152, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs) upon his return.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist had two hits, including a solo homer, in three at-bats Friday against Miami.
Insight: Zobrist has five straight multi-hit games, hitting .611 (11-for-18) in that span, though he missed two games in between with a bruised hand. After slumping all season, it's good to see the second baseman finally start to hit.
Description: Rays starter Matt Moore had his best start of the season Friday against Miami. Moore held the Marlins to one hit in seven shutout innings. He walked three and struck out eight to improve to 4-5.
Insight: Moore (4-5, 4.16) is still walking too many batters, but he's won three straight starts and has a 9.4 K/9 this season. Continue to start him and take the good with the bad, because he still has loads of potential.
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria (hamstring) is expected to start a minor league rehab assignment Saturday with Triple-A Durham.
Insight: Longoria last played on April 30. The third baseman will need to play 7-10 rehab games, so hopefully he can avoid suffering a setback in that time.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott (back) has been placed on the 15-day disabled list with mid-back spasms.
Insight: Scott will likely return when he's first eligible, though he may not be on many fantasy rosters by then due to his .063 average in 16 June at-bats and .216 average in 97 May at-bats.
Description: Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson allowed eight runs on nine hits in 3 2/3 innings Thursday against the Mets. Hellickson walked one and struck out none.
Insight: Hellickson couldn't find the plate in his last start, walking seven batters and he couldn't miss bats in this one. Hellickson had a 1.59 ERA in seven home starts prior to Thursday but the Mets knocked him around.
Description: If you own Tampa Bay DH Hideki Matsui, he might be worth starting on Thursday. He's 7-19 (.368) in his career against Mets lefthander Johan Santana with two homers.
Insight: Matsui is batting cleanup Thursday in the Rays' series finale. In 10 games with Tampa Bay, he is hitting .161 with two homers and five RBIs. Matsui was expected to be a fantasy nonfactor this year but he's actually been getting good playing time lately with DH Luke Scott ailing from an injured back.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist, out since Monday with a bruised hand, is back in the lineup for Thursday's matinee against the Mets.
Insight: Zobrist had been hot before the injury (8-15 with 2 HRs and 6 RBIs in his last four games). Expect him to pick up right where he left off when he gets the start on Thursday.
Description: Tampa Bay DH Luke Scott is day-to-day with a stiff back.
Insight: Scott has gone to the plate just once since the Rays began interleague play this past weekend and he has only one hit in the month of June. We'd advise dropping Scott or at least benching him until his back heals.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist is not in Tampa Bay's lineup Wednesday against the Mets due to a bruised hand. Zobrist missed Tuesday's game with the injury and is considered day-to-day.
Insight: Zobrist was injured Sunday while stealing second base. The second baseman had been hot prior to the injury, batting .636 (7-for-11) with two homers and five RBIs in the three games before he bruised his hand.
Description: Rays starter Alex Cobb gave up six runs (five earned) on seven hits in 6 2/3 innings Tuesday against the Mets. Cobb walked three and struck out six.
Insight: Cobb has stumbled after two solid starts. In his last three turns, the right-hander has gone 0-3 with a 6.27 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. He's someone to avoid outside of AL-only formats until he proves he can keep his walk total down.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist is not in Tampa Bay's lineup Tuesday against the Mets due to a bruised hand.
Insight: Zobrist was scratched from Tuesday's lineup with the injury and is considered day-to-day. The second baseman has been hot over the last three games, batting .636 (7-for-11) with two homers and five RBIs in that span to raise his average to .223. Despite the low average, he's managed to have value in fantasy leagues due to his high walk total -- Zobrist has walked 40 times in 58 games and is getting on base at a .352 clip.
Description: Rays second baseman Ben Zobrist went 2-for-4 with a run scored Sunday against Miami, one day after he went 3-for-3 with two homers, four RBIs and four runs scored.
Insight: Zobrist went 7-for-11 with two homers, five RBIs and five runs scored in Tampa Bay's weekend series at Miami. Rays manager Joe Maddon has been moving him all over the lineup as of late in an attempt to get him going. In his last six games alone, Zobrist has hit second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields held Miami to one run on four hits in 6 1/3 innings Sunday to improve to 7-4. Shields walked three and struck out five.
Insight: Shields allowed four runs or more in four of his last five starts with a 1.60 WHIP and a 1-3 record in that span. He's still striking out a ton of batters, so he'll likely settle in somewhere between 2010 (13-15, 5.18 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) and last year (16-12, 2.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP).
Description: Rays third baseman Evan Longoria has one last hurdle to overcome, running the bases, before heading out on a rehab assignment.
Insight: Longoria last played on April 30. He was batting .329 with a .994 OPS at the time. Fantasy owners and Tampa Bay fans anxiously await his return to the lineup.
Description: Despite two losses in his last three starts, Tampa right-hander Jeremy Hellickson has pitched well, with a 2.49 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.
Insight: Hellickson has one of the league's top ERA (2.49). His only downfall is a mediocre strikeout total 49 in 70 1/3 innings pitched. Don't get discouraged or take him out of the lineup.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena is a career .500 hitter (4-for-8) versus Miami righty Ricky Nolasco with a pair of homers.
Insight: Pena is just 1-for-14 over the past five games, but today is a nice matchup for him and we wouldn't be surprised to see him batting cleanup today.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton is just a career .100 hitter (1-for-10) versus Miami starter Ricky Nolasco with four strikeouts.
Insight: Upton is doing much of the work in the Rays injury-filled offense, batting cleanup. His current .280 batting average is the highest since the 2007 season. Though he's not really a cleanup-type hitter he does add to all fantasy categories. Today, however, is not a good matchup for him.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder/DH Matt Joyce is just 1-for-13 (.077) against Yankees starter Ivan Nova with five strikeouts.
Insight: Joyce is hitting well this season (.289, 9 HR, 29 RBI) and manager Joe Maddon even said he would use him more often against lefties since he's improved in that area. Joyce is batting .325 against left-handed starters in 2012, well above his career .206 mark. However, today's amtchup is not a good one for Joyce.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields' struggles against the Yankees continued on Tuesday, as the right-hander allowed seven runs (five earned) on seven hits. He walked four and struck out just two in five innings of work.
Insight: Shields allowed a grand slam in the fourth inning to Russell Martin. The Rays starter's season has taken a turn for the worst since May 2, when he beat Seattle and struck out 11 to improve to 5-1. Since then, Shields has gone 1-4 with a 5.70 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP. His next start will come again Miami on the road, so look for him to get things turned around then.
Description: Tampa Bay outfielder Desmond Jennings has been activated from the disabled list.
Insight: Jennings hasn't played since May 11 due to a strained left knee. The 25-year-old was batting .265 with three homers and eight steals prior to the injury.
Description: Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields was 5-0 after a win on May 2, but since that point has been pitching mediocre-at-best. In his last five starts (1-3) he's yielded 18 earned runs in 31 2/3 innings (5.11 ERA).
Insight: Shields has a 5-11 career mark against the Yankees with an ERA of 4.14 and a 1.297 WHIP. Not exactly stellar numbers and it might be worth bypassing his start on Tuesday.
Description: While Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena is a career .208 hitter versus left-handers over his career, he's a .325 hitter against Yankees starter Andy Pettitte with six homers in 40 at-bats.
Insight: Pena hasn't made much solid contact over the past month, batting just .148 with three homers, so even this favorable matchup may not fix his swing.
Description: Ben Zobrist is a .438 hitter (7-for-16) versus Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte with a pair of home runs.
Insight: Zobrist has been ugly over the past two weeks, batting .161 with a putrid .464 OPS. For the season he's not much better, batting just .208 with six homers and 19 RBI. Even this favorable matchup may not be enough to fix Zobrist's ailing bat.
Description: Sunday, Jake Arrieta will be on the mound for Baltimore and that's never a good thing for Tampa Bay outfielder B.J. Upton. He's batting .143 in 14 career at bats against the Orioles righty.
Insight: One of Upton's two career hits against Arrieta was a homer but we still wouldn't recommend playing the Rays centerfielder on Sunday.
Description: Tampa Bay first baseman Carlos Pena is just 1-for-7 versus Baltimore lefty Brian Matusz with four strikeouts.
Insight: Pena's batting average still struggles around the Mendoza Line, but he does supply some much needed power for the Rays. He's one of the streakiest hitters in the league and will carry you for a couple of weeks at a time, but Saturday is not a good matchup.
Description: Rays designated hitter/outfielder Hideki Matsui went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer against the Orioles on Friday.
Insight: Matsui has hit two balls out of the park in his first three games with Tampa Bay. However, with Desmond Jennings expected to return next week, Matsui is going to be without an everyday position.
Description: Rays starter David Price tossed 7 1/3 shutout frames against the Orioles on Friday. Price held Baltimore to three hits. He walked two and struck out five to lower his ERA to 2.44.
Insight: Price (7-3) has thrown seven innings or more in six straight starts. He's still on track to eclipse his career high of 19 wins, which he accomplished in 2010.
Description: According to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Tribune, Rays third baseman Evan Longoria will travel with the team on the upcoming road trip to continue his baseball activities. He could start playing minor league games by June 15.
Insight: Longoria has already missed a full month with a torn hamstring. Tampa Bay has been able to weather the storm without him, going 14-15 in May but holding onto a tie for first place in the AL East with Baltimore. Hopefully fantasy owners were able to do the same, and those that have will have the benefit of getting Longoria back in the lineup later this month.
Description: According to Roger Mooney of the Tampa Bay Tribune, Rays manager Joe Maddon said outfielder Desmond Jennings will rejoin the team on the road trip and could return by the series against the Yankees starting on June 5.
Insight: Jennings hasn't played since May 11 due to a strained left knee. Hopefully the injury won't hold him back on the basepaths when he returns. The 25-year-old was batting .265 with three homers and eight steals prior to the injury.
Description: Carlos Pena went 1-3 Wednesday while smacking his eighth home run of the season.
Insight: Pena is now batting .185 out of the leadoff spot with 3 HRs and 6 RBIs. Pena could probably hit home runs in any spot in the lineup but his batting average remains a disappointment for fantasy owners.
Description: Luke Scott swatted his ninth home run of the season Wednesday in a 4-3 loss to the White Sox.
Insight: It was Scott's first home run since May 22nd against Toronto. Scott is hitting just .215 in May after batting .266 in the season's opening month.
Description: Desmond Jennings has been eligible to come off the disabled list since Sunday, but it appears that he may not return until the weekend.
Insight: He'll go on a rehab assignment beginning on Thursday. Jennings was starting to put it together in the three weeks before the injury batting .293 with three homers, nine RBI and seven stolen bases over that span.
Description: Designated hitter/outfielder Hideki Matsui started, hit sixth and played left field in his first game with the Rays on Tuesday. Matsui went 1-for-4 with a two-run homer.
Insight: While Matsui does have a flair for the dramatic -- he hit a grand slam in his first game with New York and had six RBIs in Game 6 of the 2009 World Series -- he likely isn't going to get enough playing time with the Rays to justify a roster spot in fantasy leagues.
Description: Matt Moore's record dropped to 1-5 after taking another loss on Monday against Chicago.
Insight: Moore (4.76 ERA in 10 starts) hasn't been as dominant as we were expecting him to be this year but he actually pitched pretty well against the White Sox, allowing just four hits and two runs over seven innings. Moore was also able to establish a new career-high by recording 10 strikeouts on Monday.
Description: Sean Rodriguez went 2-4 Sunday in Tampa Bay's win over the Red Sox. Rodriguez's second hit of the day, a two-run homer to left field with one out in the top of the ninth inning, gave the Rays a 4-3 lead.
Insight: Boston was two outs away from being over .500 but Rodriguez had other plans. The monster blast was Rodriguez's fifth of the season and it bumped his RBI total to 16. He's hitting .241 in 145 at bats in 2012.
Description: Less than 24 hours after committing his first blown save of the season, Fernando Rodney was sharp on Sunday, tossing a perfect ninth inning in Boston for his 16th save of the season.
Insight: Rodney has only allowed three earned runs all season with two of them coming Saturday on Jarrod Saltalamacchia's walkoff home run. Rodney got his revenge on Saltalamacchia by getting him to ground out to start the ninth inning.
Description: Jeremy Hellickson lasted 7.2 innings in a no-decision Sunday against the Red Sox at Fenway Park. He surrendered seven hits and three earned runs with all the runs coming on a seventh inning home run off the bat of Boston rightfielder/first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.
Insight: Hellickson hasn't been striking batters out at a particularly high rate (just 41 Ks in 63.2 IP this season) but his ERA is at an impressive 2.83 through 10 starts and his record is 4-1. He's 1-0 with a 4.34 ERA in three starts against the Red Sox this season.
Description: Ben Zobrist is just 3-for-20 (.150) against Boston starter Clay Buchholz.
Insight: Zobrist isn't living up to preseason fantasy expectations with his .210 batting average. Don't expect that to change on Sunday in this unfavorable matchup.
Description: Fernando Rodney couldn't stay perfect Saturday in Boston. The Rays closer finally blew his first save of the season, giving up a walk-off homer to Red Sox catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning.
Insight: It was the first homer Rodney had allowed all season and it raised his season ERA from an unheard of 0.38 to a slightly-less absurd 1.13. Rodney is having a tremendous season and had converted his first 15 save chances of the year before Saturday's loss to Boston. Don't expect this one poor outing to have too big an impact on Rodney going forward: he's still one of the hottest closers in the game right now.
Description: Ben Zobrist doesn't have any success in his career against Josh Beckett of Boston. Zobrist has just two hits in 21 at-bats against Beckett.
Insight: Zobrist hasn't been able to get going for an extended period of time this season, and as a result his batting average sits at .213. Don't expect things to change on Saturday.
Description: Unlike teammate Luke Scott, Carlos Pena doesn't have success against Boston starter Josh Beckett. Pena is just 4-for-32 with one homer and 17 strikeouts against the Red Sox righty.
Insight: Innovative Rays manager Joe Maddon has been leading Pena off in the past three games, and he's responded with two homers and four RBIs. However, Saturday would be a good day to bench him.
Description: Rays outfielder/designated hitter Luke Scott has a .417 average with three homers in 24 at-bats against Boston RHP Josh Beckett.
Insight: Scott performs well against Boston in general -- he's batting .285 with 11 homers and a .921 OPS in 55 career games against the Red Sox -- and against Beckett specifically. Get him in the lineup today.
Description: B.J. Upton went 2-for-5 with a stolen base against the Red Sox on Friday.
Insight: Upton has six multi-hit games in his past eight contests. He's been a fantasy beast this year, batting .304, hitting four homers and stealing 11 bases in 31 games, his best numbers since 2007.
Description: Matt Joyce hit another grand slam on Friday, his second in the last six games.
Insight: Joyce's blast on Friday came off of lefty Jon Lester. Joyce came in hitting just .216 against LHP, so it's a great sign to see him turn one around against Lester.
