8/13: Open Game Thread

The Seattle Mariners open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays down in St. Pete this afternoon.

Chris Archer suffered some forearm tightness his last time out, against Arizona, and only pitched 1 2/3 innings. He's sporting a nice ERA of 2.71 in 13 starts for the Rays this season, though his peripherals indicate some regression is in his future. He's had a few bad starts, but he's also had a few really nice ones -- including a pair of shutouts.

He features a fastball and slider combination, while occasionally mixing in a below average change. If the 25-year-old doesn't have his command, the left-handed heavy M's lineup could sit on his fastball and have a positive night at the plate.

Erasmo Ramirez will take the hill on nine days rest, his last appearance having come out of the bullpen on August 3. While he gave up 11 runs in his last three starts, he escaped as the victorious pitcher in each of them thanks to some nice run support from his hitters. We'll have to see if the extra rest gave him some time to make some mechanical tweaks to get him back on track. Or, just go ahead and hit lots of dingers, Mariner hitters!

RHP Erasmo Ramirez

RHP Chris Archer