The Texas Rangers head to Tropicana Field on Tuesday, July 28 for a 6:40 PM ET showdown against the Tampa Bay Rays, and this mid-summer road trip carries real weight in the second half of the season. Tampa Bay will send right-hander Griffin Jax to the mound, while the Rangers' pitching assignment remains unannounced. Texas fans can catch every pitch on Rangers Sports Network, presented by Progressive, or tune into 105.3 The Fan for radio coverage.

Griffin Jax Takes the Ball for Tampa Bay

The Rays are rolling out Griffin Jax as their starter, and the Rangers' offense will need to be prepared. ERA and win-loss data for Jax are not yet available heading into this one, so the focus shifts to the approach Texas brings to the plate rather than any specific statistical history against him. What we know is that Jax has big-league experience and the Rays have enough organizational depth to trust him in a meaningful July start. The Rangers' lineup, whenever it's confirmed, will need to work counts and make Jax earn every out.

Tampa Bay Starting Lineup to Watch

The Rays are putting a lineup on the field that blends veterans and younger pieces. Here is how Tampa Bay lines up for Tuesday night:

• Yandy Díaz — DH
• Jonathan Aranda — 1B
• Junior Caminero — 3B
• Cedric Mullins — CF
• Chandler Simpson — LF
• Victor Mesa Jr. — RF
• Richie Palacios — 2B
• Taylor Walls — SS
• Hunter Feduccia — C

Yandy Díaz leading off as the DH is a notable choice — his ability to grind at-bats and get on base sets the tone for everything behind him. Junior Caminero hitting third is worth watching closely. The 22-year-old third baseman has shown legitimate power potential, and he is exactly the kind of hitter who can change a game in a single swing. Cedric Mullins slotting in at cleanup, acquired from Baltimore, gives the Rays a veteran presence in the middle of the order who can hit for average and provide speed on the bases.

Keys to the Game for Texas

• Unknown starter must establish command early: With the Rangers' pitching assignment still open, whoever gets the ball needs to attack the strike zone from the first inning. Díaz and Aranda at the top of Tampa Bay's order are disciplined hitters who will take walks if given the chance.
• Neutralize Caminero: Junior Caminero is a high-upside bat in the middle of this Rays lineup. The Rangers' pitching staff has to be smart about how they approach him — don't let him beat them with a fastball in a hitter's count.
• Traffic on the bases: Chandler Simpson in left field and Taylor Walls at shortstop represent speed threats. Texas needs sharp defensive execution and a catcher ready to control the running game.

Prediction

Until the Rangers confirm their starter, this game carries an obvious variable on the Texas side of the ledger. The Rays have a capable lineup and Jax gives them a credible arm at the top of the rotation. That said, this Rangers club has the offensive firepower to put runs on the board in any ballpark. If Texas can get quality innings out of whoever takes the mound and make Jax work deep into counts, the Rangers have the talent to come away from Tropicana Field with a win. Edge: Rangers 5, Rays 3 — but keep an eye on that pitching announcement.