Rays Hope To Win Next 2 Games To Clinch American League East

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The Tampa Bay Rays will be headed to the American League Series if they beat the Miami Marlins Saturday night at the Tropicana Field, and the Boston Red Sox lose to the New York Yankees.

Rays are attempting to win a fourth AL East title (2020), but are seeking a division clinch at home for the first time. The team activated pitcher Josh Fleming Saturday after he was optioned Aug. 30 to Durham Bulls.

"When they clinched the playoffs spot just a few days ago, I was just sitting there like, 'Dang, those are all my friends celebrating — I couldn't be there," Fleming told reporters on the infield during the pregame. "But it feels good to be back. Durham was fun. That team is legit as they come. It was nice to go down there, and work on some things, kind of relax and not have to stress about doing it up here."

Fleming went to Durham to work on his pitching. He is serving as the Rays' relief pitcher Saturday night.

Coach Kevin Cash said from the clubhouse he looks forward to watching Fleming bounce back on the mound after getting to the spot he wanted him in with improved pitching. He's grateful to the Bulls for the work they did with him.

Rays have pitched to a 3.73 ERA this season, fifth in the majors and second in the AL, and their 78 games of allowing three runs and sometimes fewer are tied with two others for most in the AL. The team wants to finish among the majors' top ten in ERA for a fifth straight season, according to pregame notes.

They lead the division by seven games. Two is the magic number to clinch the AL East is 2 — a combination of Rays wins or Red Sox losses. The earliest possible clinch is Saturday night. Rays are 95-59.

First pitch is at 6:10 p.m. The game can be seen on Bally Sports Sun.

Rays Starting Lineup:

Brandon Lowe 2B

Man Choi 1B

Randy Arozarena LF

Austin Meadows DH

Joey Wendle SS

Yandy Diaz 3B

Kevin Kiermaier CF

Brett Phillips RF

Mike Zunino C