3 years agoTampa Bay Rays designated hitter Nelson Cruz isn't in the lineup on Friday. The Rays will take on the Detroit Tigers and right-handed starter Casey Mize but will do so with one of their best hitters on the bench. Cruz is hitting .273 with a .343 on-base percentage, 31 home runs, and three stolen bases in 539 plate appearances this season. Austin Meadows, who generally starts in the outfield, is hitting fourth and starting at designated hitter against Detroit. It'll be Randy Arozarena, Kevin Kiermaier, and Brett Phillips starting from left to right in the outfield on Friday. Phillips could be worth a look as a streaming option for managers in deeper leagues where on-base percentage is part of the scoring. In 265 plate appearances this season, the 27-year-old is batting .214 with a .312 on-base percentage, 12 home runs, and 14 stolen bases. Phillips is hitting seventh against the Tigers on Friday.--Ben Rosener - RotoBaller
Source: Tampa Bay Rays