Shane McClanahan steps to the rubber at Tropicana Field on Friday, July 24, when the Tampa Bay Rays welcome the Cleveland Guardians for a 7:10 PM ET clash. McClanahan, the left-hander who has been one of the most electric arms in the American League when healthy, squares off against Cleveland southpaw Joey Cantillo. With the regular season in full swing, every game in late July carries real weight in the AL standings, and this one is no different. Catch it on Rays.TV or locally on WDAE 95.7 FM.

Pitching Matchup: McClanahan vs. Cantillo

McClanahan is the headliner here, and rightfully so. When the Rays have him going, the energy inside The Trop shifts. He generates swing-and-miss with his fastball-changeup combination and works efficiently enough to give Tampa Bay's bullpen a breather. The Rays need length from him against a Guardians lineup that is disciplined and tough to put away in bunches.

Cantillo is no pushover for Cleveland. The left-hander has shown the ability to neutralize left-handed bats with deception and a varied arsenal. That makes the construction of Tampa Bay's lineup worth watching closely — the Rays are leaning on right-handed or switch hitters throughout their order, which sets up an interesting tactical battle from the opening pitch.

Tampa Bay Rays Starting Lineup

• 1. Yandy Díaz — DH
• 2. Jonathan Aranda — 1B
• 3. Junior Caminero — 3B
• 4. Cedric Mullins — CF
• 5. Jonny DeLuca — RF
• 6. Chandler Simpson — LF
• 7. Ryan Vilade — 2B
• 8. Ben Williamson — SS
• 9. Nick Fortes — C

Cleveland Guardians Starting Lineup

• 1. Angel Martínez — RF
• 2. Chase DeLauter — DH
• 3. Rhys Hoskins — 1B
• 4. Brayan Rocchio — SS
• 5. David Fry — LF
• 6. Travis Bazzana — 2B
• 7. Gabriel Arias — 3B
• 8. Austin Hedges — C
• 9. Petey Halpin — CF

Keys to Watch

Junior Caminero in the Middle of the Order

Slotted third and playing third base, Caminero is the power threat the Rays need producing against a pitching staff that can be stingy. If Cantillo tries to work around Yandy Díaz and Jonathan Aranda to get to Caminero, the young third baseman has to make Cleveland pay. His ability to drive the ball out of the park makes every at-bat a consequential one.

Chandler Simpson's Speed as a Weapon

Simpson hitting sixth and playing left field keeps the Rays' lineup from stalling out in the back half. His speed on the bases puts pressure on Cleveland's battery — if he reaches, Austin Hedges and Joey Cantillo have to account for him. That kind of disruption can manufacture runs even when the Rays aren't barreling the ball.

Cleveland's Disciplined Middle of the Order

Rhys Hoskins batting third gives the Guardians a legitimate left-handed threat against McClanahan. Hoskins has the power and plate discipline to work counts and make McClanahan work deep into at-bats. Brayan Rocchio hitting cleanup behind him means the Rays' starter cannot afford to nibble — free bases will come back to hurt him in a hurry.

Prediction

McClanahan at home at Tropicana Field is a tough assignment for any visiting lineup, and Cleveland's order — while competent — lacks the kind of top-end pop that consistently punishes elite starting pitching. Cantillo is capable of keeping this game close through five or six innings, but the Rays' lineup has enough on-base ability at the top with Díaz and Aranda to eventually break through. Tampa Bay takes this one, 4–2, behind a strong outing from McClanahan and timely hitting from the middle of the order.