Trading Rich Hill to the Mets a day before his next scheduled start meant that Saturday’s contest became a bullpen day for the Rays. To bolster the pitching staff, Louis Head was added to the roster Friday, and Sean Poppen earlier Saturday. Drew Rasmussen (4.55 ERA, 3.03 xFIP) was picked to open the game and make his second career start.
In the early innings, Cleveland starter J.C. Mejia was hit hard by the Rays lineup, which included five former All-Stars, three of which were selected to this year’s team. Ji-Man Choi gave the Rays an early lead with a solo homer in the top of the first.