Diamondbacks at Rays
The Arizona Diamondbacks were well on their way to a second straight series sweep before a bullpen collapse Sunday in Colorado. They'll try to bounce back in a hurry when they begin a three-game interleague set at the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday.
After taking two from the New York Yankees and the first two in a three-game series at Coors Field, the Diamondbacks held a four-run advantage against the Rockies on Sunday before a five-run eighth led to an 8-7 loss. Despite the setback, Arizona carries an MLB-leading 13 road wins into Tampa Bay, which has dropped five of its last seven at home. Reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell has struggled since returning from a broken toe and will try to rediscover his groove when he starts the series opener for the Rays opposite Merrill Kelly. Tampa Bay split a pair at Baltimore before the rubber game in Camden Yards on Sunday was postponed by rain.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, FS Arizona, FS Sun (Tampa Bay)
PITCHING MATCHUP: RH Merrill Kelly (3-2, 3.60 ERA) vs. Rays LH Blake Snell (2-3, 4.31)
Kelly is 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA over his last two starts after a solid outing versus the Yankees on Wednesday. The 30-year-old rookie had another outstanding start in his other interleague affair, yielding one run and four hits in eight innings against the Boston Red Sox on April 7. Kelly has survived despite issuing 14 walks and giving up 16 extra-base hits - six home runs - in 35 innings overall.
Snell allowed three runs - two earned - in 3 1/3 innings in his return from injury April 24 against Kansas City before getting walloped for seven runs in three frames in a rematch with the Royals on Wednesday. He was 2-1 with a 2.16 ERA in four starts prior to going on the injured list. The 26-year-old, who has never faced Arizona, is 6-2 with a 1.60 ERA in 11 career interleague starts.
WALK-OFFS
1. The Rays recalled LHP Ryan Yarbrough from Triple-A Durham and optioned RHP Casey Sadler.
2. Diamondbacks 3B Eduardo Escobar has four home runs in his last six games.
3. Tampa Bay's rainout with Baltimore will be made up July 13 as part of a split doubleheader.