Rangers return home with three-game set against Rays

The Rangers begin an eight-game, 11-day homestand Monday night against the Tampa Bay Rays at Globe Life Park.

Yes, you read that right. The Rangers get three off days at home, including Thursday before starting a three-game set against the Astros on Friday. Then they get days off before and after a two-game set against the Mets. They go back on the road June 9 at the Nationals.

The Rangers salvaged the final game against Toronto on Sunday and finished 3-6 on their road trip. Globe Life Park has been good to them so far, including nine consecutive wins in Arlington. The return of Adrian Beltre, which could be Monday night, should also fill the place with good vibes.

The Rays have won four of their past five games including two of three in Minnesota over the weekend. The Rays lead the majors with 555 strikeouts, including 17 in a 15-inning win Sunday. They’re on pace to eclipse the Astros’ major league record of 1,535 in 2013. But don’t confuse the strikeouts with a bad offensive team. The Rays are second in the majors with 74 homers and are about league average with a .247 team batting average, six points better than the Rangers (.238). The Rays also lead the majors with 209 walks.

The series details

Monday: LHP Martin Perez (2-5, 3.77) vs. RHP Erasmo Ramirez (3-0, 3.00), 7:05 p.m. (TV: FSSW/MLB Network)

Tuesday: RHP Nick Martinez (1-3, 4.69) vs. RHP Matt Andriese (5-1, 3.24), 7:05 p.m. (TV: FSSW)

Wednesday: TBD vs. RHP Chris Archer (4-3, 3.61), 7:05 p.m. (TV: FSSW)

This story was originally published May 28, 2017 at 9:07 PM with the headline "Rangers return home with three-game set against Rays."