ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Led by a bullpen bolstered by three trades at the deadline, the Tampa Bay Rays bring a three-game winning streak into their return home for a three-game series against the slumping Milwaukee Brewers.
The teams have matching 57-53 records but enter with different momentum. The Rays are coming off a 4-4 trip but, more immediately, three straight wins against the Astros, including a 5-3 comeback win Thursday.
The Brewers, even with a 2-1 win Thursday against the Cardinals, are 5-12 in their last 17 games, allowing the Cubs to take control of their division.