Streaking Rays go for sweep

Posted Jun 28, 2009 by Tribune Sports

Updated Jun 28, 2009 at 10:43 AM

ST. PETERSBURG—Here’s something you’re going to start hearing a lot more about: the American League wild-card standings.

The Rays might be six games behind Boston in the AL East standings, but after climbing to a season-best six games over .500 last night, they’re only two back in the wild-card stanidngs. Tampa Bay is tied with Toronto at 41-35, two games behind the Yankees and 1 1/2 behind the Rangers.

They’ve got an opportunity to improve on that scenario, too, as they play three games at Toronto and three at Texas starting tomorrow.

First, though, there’s today’s finale of a six-game home stand against the Marlins. Since getting kicked 10-1 by the Phillies on Tuesday night, the Rays have won four in a row against the Phillies and Marlins.

Here’s Tampa Bay’s lineup for today’s 1:38 p.m. game:

B.J. Upton, CF
Carl Crawford, LF
Evan Longoria, 3B
Carlos Pena, 1B
Ben Zobrist, 2B
Pat Burrell, DH
Jason Bartlett, SS
Gabe Kapler, LF
Dioner Navarro, C
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David Price, LHP