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For starters: Rays at Astros, trying to stop a streaking champion

 
The Rays play the Astros tonight at Minute Maid Park. [MARC TOPKIN | Times}
The Rays play the Astros tonight at Minute Maid Park. [MARC TOPKIN | Times}
Published June 18, 2018|Updated June 18, 2018

UPDATE, 6:40: Cash said he had a good talk with Hechavarria, and that he understood the situation. Cash said Hechavarria will get to play some, and when he does it will be at short. … RHP Chris Archer (abdominal strain) is slated to throw a bullpen session on Friday, but if all goes well is still likely several weeks away from a return as he will need some rehab starts. … Cash said INF Daniel Robertson will play a rehab game Tuesday for the Stone Crabs and if all goes well will be activated Friday. That seems to be a driving force for them to make a deal for Hechavarria.

Here is the Astros lineup:
Springer dh
Bregman 3b
Altuve 2b
Correa ss
Gurriel 1b
Reddick rf
Gonzalez lf
McCann c
Kemp cf
Cole p

DEVELOPING: After winning Sunday to avoid a four-game sweep by the hot Yankees in New York, the Rays face arguably a tougher challenge tonight when they face a sizzling Astros team that just completed a 10-0 roadtrip and has won 11 straight overall.

The Rays are using RHP Ryne Stanek as their game opener for the second time in three days, with RHP Matt Andriese likely coming in after him to cover multiple innings.

The Astros are starting RHP Gerrit Cole, who after being acquired from Pittsburgh has emerged at one of the top starters in the AL.

As manager Kevin Cash said, the Rays have rookie Willy Adames back at shortstop and Adeiny Hechavarria on the bench. Hechavarria was brough back early on Sunday from the DL following an injury to Christian Arroyo, but with Adames taking over at short seems likely to be traded.

The Astros will be looking to tie their franchise record of 12 straight wins, done last in 2004.

Here is the Rays lineup:
Duffy 3b
Bauers 1b
Ramos c
Cron dh
Wendle 2b
Adames ss
Smith cf
Gomez rf
Field lf
Stanek p