The Tampa Bay Rays return to Tropicana Field on Sunday, August 2, hosting the Chicago White Sox at 1:40 PM ET in an afternoon matchup that gives manager Kevin Cash a chance to evaluate his roster against a fellow American League club. Griffin Jax gets the ball for Tampa Bay, squaring off against left-hander Anthony Kay for Chicago. With the dog days of summer in full swing, every start and every lineup slot carries weight as rosters are shaped for the stretch run.

Pitching Matchup: Griffin Jax vs. Anthony Kay

Griffin Jax draws the Sunday start for the Rays. Jax has been a versatile arm capable of working in multiple roles, and how he handles a White Sox lineup will be worth monitoring closely. His ability to generate weak contact and work efficiently through innings makes him a reasonable option in this slot.

Anthony Kay gets the call for Chicago. The left-hander will face a Rays lineup that leans heavily right-handed at the top, which could create an interesting dynamic in the early innings. How Kay navigates the middle of Tampa Bay's order will go a long way toward deciding this one.

Tampa Bay Rays Starting Lineup

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

Yandy Díaz leads things off at DH, a role that lets his disciplined approach set the table. Jonathan Aranda batting second at first base is a lineup construction worth watching — Aranda's contact skills fit well in that spot. The biggest name to circle is Junior Caminero at third base hitting third. The young slugger's raw power makes him a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence, and any at-bat against a left-handed starter becomes a marquee moment for the 21-year-old.

Keys to Watch

Junior Caminero Against a Left-Hander

Caminero hitting in the three-hole against a southpaw in Kay is a natural focal point. His development against left-handed pitching is one of the more important storylines on this roster heading into the second half of the season.

Chandler Simpson's Baserunning Threat

Batting fifth in left field, Simpson brings elite speed to the lineup. If he reaches base, he immediately changes the dynamic of the inning and puts pressure on Chicago's battery.

Cedric Mullins Settling Into the Nine-Hole

Mullins hitting eighth in center gives the Rays a second leadoff-type presence near the bottom of the order. His ability to get on base ahead of Fortes and turn the lineup over is a legitimate tactical asset.

Jax's Pitch Efficiency

If Jax can work deep into the game and keep Tampa Bay's bullpen fresh on a Sunday afternoon, that has value beyond the box score. Watch his pitch count through the first three innings.

Prediction

This is a home game at Tropicana Field, where the Rays consistently find ways to manufacture runs and make life difficult for opposing starters. Jax has enough to keep Chicago in check for five or six innings, and the middle of the Rays order — anchored by Caminero — should find a way to do damage against Kay. Rays win, 4-2.

Coverage is available on Rays.TV and WDAE 95.7 FM locally, with Chicago Sports Network and ESPN Chicago WMVP 1000 AM serving White Sox fans. Spanish-language coverage is available on WQBN/1300AM.