BASEBALL PREVIEW: Rays at Blue Jays

TORONTO (Interstat) — The Tampa Bay Rays, owners of the best record in the major leagues, open a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night at Rogers Centre.

First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. EDT.

Tampa Bay (26-13) enters the game having won four of its past five, including a 4-1 victory Sunday at Boston. Right-hander Drew Rasmussen (2-1, 3.12 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Rays.

Toronto (18-22) has lost four of its past six, including a 6-1 home defeat to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday. Right-hander Kevin Gausman (2-2, 4.18 ERA) will take the mound for the Blue Jays.

The teams met last week in St. Petersburg, Florida, with the Rays sweeping a three-game series, outscoring Toronto 12-4.

Players to watch

Rays right-hander Nick Martinez has been dominant in recent outings. He earned a win Sunday at Boston, allowing one earned run over 5 2/3 innings. In his previous start May 4 against Toronto, he allowed one run over five innings in a 5-1 victory. Over his past four starts, Martinez is 4-0 with a 1.12 ERA, striking out 17 in 25 2/3 innings.

Blue Jays right-handed reliever Spencer Miles has been used in shorter stints. He pitched three scoreless innings Sunday against the Angels, striking out two. Over his past seven appearances, Miles has a 1.29 ERA with eight strikeouts in 11 2/3 innings.

Betting line

Toronto is installed as a -1.5 run-line favorite, according to Interstat. The over/under for total runs is set at 7.5. Interstat’s game simulator projects an 8-5 Tampa Bay victory.

Schedule notes

The series continues Tuesday and Wednesday at Rogers Centre. Following the Toronto trip, Tampa Bay returns home for a six-game homestand against Miami and Baltimore. Toronto heads to Detroit for a three-game series starting Friday.