The spot and pitching matchup set up well for the Rangers, who play much better at home. Texas has won its last eight home games and 16 of its last 21 in Arlington.

The Rangers draw the Rays after Tampa Bay just concluded a 6-hour, 26-minute, 15-inning Sunday game at Minnesota. The Rays went through seven pitchers in that game. Closer Alex Colome logged two innings throwing 36 pitches. He's probably not going to be able to pitch today if needed. Colome got the win on Sunday with the save going to Erasmo Ramirez, who threw 12 pitches.

I point this out because Ramirez is slated to start this game. This is what Rays manager Kevin Cash was quoted as saying after first confirming Ramirez would start today: "He should be fine." Cash said. Note that Cash said "should" be fine rather than will be fine. Ramirez is 0-1 with a 5.72 ERA lifetime versus the Rangers in 11 career appearances.

Regardless who starts for the Rays, I like the Rangers as an action play. I trust Martin Perez at home. The Rays obviously have a fatigue issue and there's the possibility of Adrian Beltre making his season debut for Texas afer being out all season with a calf injury. Beltre's presence would stablize the Rangers' batting order.

Perez is coming around after a disappointing April. He has a 3.16 ERA in four May starts. The southpaw has a history of pitching well at home. The Rangers are 14-6 in Perez's last 20 home starts.

The Rays are just 6-11 against lefty starters this season.