Rays at Blue Jays: Seeking 11th straight win

DUNEDIN — The Rays are looking to extend their majors-best win streak to 11 this afternoon in the final game for the Blue Jays in Dunedin.

Ryan Yarbrough, who has pitched better behind an opener, will make the start for the Rays, with manager Kevin Cash calling him one of their “best” and planning for him to work deep into the game.

Over his career, Yarbrough is 25-5, 3.39 in 52 relief appearances; 5-14, 4.60, in 34 starts; and winless in his last 22 going back to Aug. 17, 2019.

The Jays announced a change in their pitching plans Monday morning, with Trent Thornton working as the opener and planned starter Ross Stripling likely to come in behind him.

The Rays made one change in their batting order as a result, moving Brandon Lowe up to third and dropping Manuel Margot to fourth.

Centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier, who had to leave Saturday’s game due to irritation in his left eye caused by a loose lash, is back in the lineup.

Also of note, the Rays this week will reach fully vaccinated status at the 85 percent threshold and will get to relax some of the protocols, such as mask wearing and road privileges.

After today’s game, the Jays will shift their temporary regular-season home to Buffalo, N.Y.

Here is the Rays lineup:

Arozarena lf

Meadows dh

Lowe 2b

Margot rf

Choi 1b

Walls ss

Wendle 3b

Zunino c

Kiermaier cf

Yarbrough p

And for the Blue Jays:

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