The pitching handover gives this game a different shape from the series opener. Milwaukee can build innings through its deep lineup, while Tampa Bay have recently put their central hitters on base. How long each starter works should determine which relief segment those hitters reach.
Rasmussen's latest outing supplied seven innings, with his changeup contributing against left-handed hitters. Henderson's latest supplied start ended after four innings, and his postseason walks have created another route for opposing rallies. Aranda's four reaches and Caminero's double and walk in the opener show Tampa Bay already have traffic to work with.
Baker, Booser and Wells did not pitch in the opener, leaving Tampa Bay a finishing group behind Rasmussen. Milwaukee's relievers worked at modest pitch counts, so the comparison is about which innings each team needs covered. The projected batting orders remain estimates, and no injury absence supplies the selection.
I expect Tampa Bay's starter to give them the more direct connection to their saved finishers, while their core hitters contest Henderson's strike throwing. That's why I'm siding with the Tampa Bay Rays to win.
