Thu May 29 23:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Rays Face Tough Road Test Against Astros After .500 Mark

**HOUSTON, TX** – The Tampa Bay Rays embark on a crucial four-game series against the Houston Astros, carrying a narrow edge over .500 as they head back on the road. Avoiding a matchup against the recently recovered Lance McCullers is a stroke of luck, but the Rays still face a formidable pitching lineup.

The series opens tonight with a question mark on the mound for Tampa Bay. Right-hander Ryan Gusto, who has split time between starting and relieving, will take the ball. It remains to be seen how deep manager Kevin Cash intends to use Gusto, whose unique approach and compelling personal journey add an element of intrigue to the game.

Friday night will see Rays hitters challenged by Houston’s dominant lefty, Framber Valdez. Known for his extreme groundball tendencies and baffling sinker, Valdez is in top form this season.

Saturday pits Tampa Bay against another left-handed arm, Colton Gordon, a University of Central Florida product. Gordon, who has been shuttled between the majors and minors this season, boasts a remarkably low walk rate and relies heavily on his four-seam fastball and sweeping slider.

The series concludes Sunday against Houston’s Hunter Brown, who is proving to be one of baseball’s elite pitchers this season. Brown’s devastating four-seam/sinker combo, coupled with a well-located knuckle curve, has stifled opposing batters, resulting in a meager 2.00 ERA and an exceptionally low hard-hit rate.

**Pitching Matchups (Probable):**

* **Tonight:** RHP Ryan Gusto (Rays) vs. RHP Shane Baz (Astros)
* **Friday:** LHP Framber Valdez (Astros) vs. RHP Ryan Pepiot (Rays)
* **Saturday:** LHP Colton Gordon (Astros) vs. RHP Zack Littell (Rays)
* **Sunday:** RHP Hunter Brown (Astros) vs. RHP Taj Bradley (Rays)

**Rays-Astros Connection:**

The Rays have a history of trading with the Astros. Their most recent transaction saw Jose Siri join Tampa Bay in exchange for Jayden Murray. However, the Rays historically have had very little success against the Astros, with Tim Beckham leading the way in offensive contribution.

**Other News:**

* Former Rays pitcher and current Boston Red Sox ace David Price is experiencing elbow soreness.
* Baseball America released its Rays Top 30 prospects list in the 2017 Prospect Handbook.
* The Rays organization was ranked 2nd in the AL East in 2017.
* Pastel baseball hats are gaining popularity in the United Kingdom.

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