Not only are the Rays just red hot right now, but they get an A's team that is flying across the country to play Thursday without a day off. They are also sending a pitcher to the mound in Tyson Ross who has major control issues with 4.33 BB/9. It just so happens the Rays are #1 right now in BB's and in 22 AB they have a 1.247 OPS against him. On the flip side Alex Cobb makes the start and he already has a 7 inning 1 ER performance vs. the A's who also like to get on base via the walk, but Cobb is only walking 2.52 guys per 9. Cobb has a better chance of pitching a quality game for his team as he has a 3.64 xFIP. I like the fact that he gets a lot of ground balls and he's supported by the Rays bullpen which has an ERA under 1 over their last 10 games and 2.18 at home on the year. The Rays as a team are hitting much better as they are 9th in the month of August with a .751 OPS. Oakland is 2-5 in their last 7 road games and 0-7 with Ross on the mound vs. a winning team.
