Rays vs Marlins Preview: Fun Under the Lights

Drew Rasmussen is on fire right now. The Rays' ace made his first All-Star team in 2025, and you can see why. He's got an ERA under three with a lightning-quick fastball that hitters can't catch up to. Rasmussen will start Friday against Miami and bring serious heat to loanDepot park. The Rays are struggling with a three-game losing streak, sitting 36-23 overall. They need Rasmussen to pitch lights out and get the offense rolling again. This is the kind of game where great pitching can flip momentum for Tampa Bay.

The Marlins just won three straight games. That's huge for a team that sits 29-34 and needs momentum in a big way. Ryan Gusto takes the ball for Miami on Friday night. The Marlins' pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries this season, with multiple starters sidelined. Pete Fairbanks closes games for Miami with a strong 2.83 ERA from last year. If the Marlins can keep Rasmussen off the scoreboard and let their bats do damage, they have a real shot to stay hot at home. This win streak shows Miami's got fight left in them.

Tampa Bay dropped three in a row and only won two of their last ten games. Ouch. That's a tough stretch for a team with playoff dreams. The Rays are still 36-23, which is solid, but they're losing games they shouldn't be. Injuries have piled up on Tampa Bay's roster, leaving some spots empty. Friday is a chance to grab a big road win and get back on track. If Rasmussen pitches like an All-Star, the Rays have a real chance to stop their skid. Miami's only 29-34, so this is winnable. Let's see if Tampa Bay can bounce back.