The Tampa Bay Rays head north to Rogers Centre on Wednesday, July 22, for a 7:07 PM ET showdown with the Toronto Blue Jays. Griffin Jax gets the ball for Tampa Bay opposite Toronto's Braydon Fisher in what figures to be a competitive AL East midweek matchup. The Rays send out a lineup that blends veterans and developing pieces, making this a meaningful opportunity to sharpen the roster against a Blue Jays club that puts some legitimate offensive firepower in the middle of its order. Rays fans can catch the action on Rays.TV or tune in on WDAE 95.7 FM.

Rays vs. Blue Jays: Pitching Matchup on July 22, 2026

Griffin Jax draws the start for Tampa Bay. Jax has experience working out of both the rotation and bullpen, and his ability to attack hitters with a varied arsenal will be tested against a Toronto lineup that features Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base and George Springer at DH. How Jax handles the middle of that Blue Jays order — Guerrero Jr. hitting third, Springer fourth — will largely set the tone for the Rays' night.

Toronto counters with Braydon Fisher, a right-hander who will look to keep Tampa Bay's lineup off balance. The Rays' order features Junior Caminero at third base hitting third, with Cedric Mullins slotted fourth in center field. Yandy Díaz leads off at DH, and Jonathan Aranda bats second at first base. It is a lineup built on contact and situational hitting, which is exactly the type of approach that can expose a young or developing starter.

Tampa Bay Rays Lineup at Toronto Blue Jays

• 1. Yandy Díaz — DH
• 2. Jonathan Aranda — 1B
• 3. Junior Caminero — 3B
• 4. Cedric Mullins — CF
• 5. Chandler Simpson — LF
• 6. Victor Mesa Jr. — RF
• 7. Taylor Walls — SS
• 8. Richie Palacios — 2B
• 9. Hunter Feduccia — C

Keys to Watch for Tampa Bay

• Jax vs. Guerrero Jr.: Keeping Vladdy off base is the single biggest priority. Guerrero Jr. hitting third with Springer behind him creates serious damage potential if Jax leaves anything over the plate.
• Caminero's production in the middle of the order: Junior Caminero batting third gives the Rays their best shot at an early crooked number. His plate discipline and power will be critical against Fisher.
• Díaz setting the table: Yandy Díaz leading off is a chess move — he draws walks, puts the ball in play, and gives the heart of the order a chance to drive him in. His on-base ability at the top of the lineup is a direct multiplier for Caminero and Mullins.
• Outfield depth tested: With Simpson, Mesa Jr., and Mullins in the outfield, the Rays are counting on some combination of speed and situational execution. Rogers Centre's turf rewards gap-to-gap hitters, and this group has the legs to take advantage.

Prediction

This is a winnable game for Tampa Bay. Jax will need to be efficient early and avoid the big inning against a Blue Jays lineup that has enough pop to make a lead disappear quickly. If the Rays can get Díaz on base consistently and let Caminero and Mullins do damage in the middle innings, they have the offensive firepower to put runs on the board against Fisher. Expect a tight, competitive game that comes down to late-inning execution. Rays 4, Blue Jays 3.