Preview for Saturday, September 26, 2026. Schedule and player information can change.
Tampa Bay Rays at Philadelphia Phillies
The Rays visit the Phillies with first pitch scheduled for 7:15 PM ET, and the two teams present a fairly even statistical picture heading in. Tampa Bay's offense carries a WP-estimated wOBA of 0.316, a bit higher than Philadelphia's 0.306, suggesting the Rays' lineup has produced slightly more offense per the available figures. On the run-prevention side, the Rays post a team ERA of 3.70 against a WP-estimated FIP of 4.10, while the Phillies show a team ERA of 4.00 with a better WP-estimated FIP of 3.85, indicating Philadelphia's staff has been stingier once you set aside sequencing effects captured by ERA.
Griffin Jax gets the ball for Tampa Bay, and his individual numbers stand out within this matchup. Across approximately 109.3 innings pitched, Jax has worked to a 3.62 ERA and a WP-calculated FIP of 3.87, both of which compare favorably to his own team's broader staff marks. No starting pitcher is listed for Philadelphia in this preview, so the comparison on the mound centers on Jax's individual profile against Tampa Bay's team-wide FIP and ERA figures.
Several injury notes are attached to this game. Luis Arraez of the Phillies is listed with a status of 'Out,' while Adolis Garcia and Moises Chace of Philadelphia are each listed on the 60-Day IL. On the Tampa Bay side, Anderson Brito and Aaron Brooks are listed on the 60-Day IL, and Garrett Cleavinger is listed on the 15-Day IL. Weighing the numbers together, the Rays' edge in team wOBA and Jax's strong individual ERA and FIP give Tampa Bay's reported figures a slight lean in this matchup, even as Philadelphia's better team FIP suggests its pitching staff has generally limited quality contact more effectively.
Statistical scope: MLB Stats API; 2026 regular season season-to-date; exact statistical through-date not supplied.
No rated WP selection is available in this article snapshot.
WP home-run candidate for Phillies: Bryce Harper. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
WP home-run candidate for Rays: Victor Mesa Jr.. The selection uses roster and season-stat inputs; it does not establish a confirmed batting lineup or favourable betting odds.
Predictions are uncertain; no outcome is guaranteed. Check the picks page for the latest available selections.