Rays at Mariners
The Seattle Mariners figure to be without two of their top offensive weapons when they open a three-game series against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Friday. Designated hitter Nelson Cruz (left hand) and shortstop Jean Segura (right ankle) both were injured on Thursday and will undergo further exams before a timetable for their returns are determined.
Cruz was plunked by a pitch from Colorado's Kyle Freeland during the Mariners' 6-3 loss while Segura was injured when sliding into second base. "With Cruz, we're hopeful it's not a broken bone or anything, but we don't know on that yet," Seattle manager Scott Servais told reporters. "Segura twisted his ankle and he's getting other tests done and we'll know more (Friday). I'm hopeful the guys aren't out for an extended period of time." Cruz entered the game leading the American League with 42 RBIs while Segura's .341 batting average is tied for best in the AL with Tampa Bay's Corey Dickerson. The Rays have won six of their last eight contests while Steven Souza Jr. is 13-for-32 with five homers and 10 RBIs during that stretch.
TV: 10:10 p.m. ET, ROOT (Seattle)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rays RH Jake Odorizzi (3-2, 3.14 ERA) vs. Mariners RH Christian Bergman (2-2, 4.67)
Odorizzi issued a season-high four walks while allowing two runs and seven hits over 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision against Minnesota in his last turn. The 27-year-old was just 2-1 in six starts last month despite posting solid numbers that included a 2.78 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and a .219 batting average against. Odorizzi is 1-1 with a 2.35 ERA in four career starts against Seattle and has experienced issues with Kyle Seager (3-for-9, one homer).
Bergman has won two of his last three starts, working at least seven scoreless innings in each triumph. The 29-year-old was hammered in the other outing as he served up four homers while surrendering 10 runs and 14 hits in four frames at Washington. Bergman has mesmerized left-handed hitters, holding them to a .162 batting average and .243 slugging percentage.
WALK-OFFS
1. Rays 1B Logan Morrison, a former Mariner, slugged 10 home runs in May and already has belted more in two months this season (15) than all of last year (14).
2. Seager is 9-for-24 with one homer and six RBIs over his last five games.
3. Dickerson is 13-for-36 with five doubles and nine runs scored during his seven-game hitting streak.