Reds aim to continue rebound against Rays

After stumbling in their first series after the All-Star break, the Cincinnati Reds appear to have regained their footing.

The Reds are trending in the right direction as they continue their three-game interleague series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Cincinnati has won three straight following a four-game losing streak and sits 4 1/2 games behind the final National League wild-card spot.

This weekend's series could determine if the Reds will be buyers or sellers at Tuesday's trade deadline.

"Every game is huge at this point," Cincinnati pitcher Nick Lodolo said. "We know where we're at and we know what's at stake. We just have to keep putting together solid wins. The last three games have been great."

Stuart Fairchild doubled home the tiebreaking run in the 10th inning on Friday to help the Reds secure a 3-2 win in the series opener. Alexis Diaz recorded his 20th save in 22 opportunities.

"It's very important for this team to keep on rolling because we know what's out there (Tuesday)," Diaz said.

Tampa Bay has decided to sell despite being just five games out of a playoff position. On Thursday, the team traded left fielder Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners, and a day later sent starting pitcher Zach Eflin to the Baltimore Orioles.

"We'll hang in there this year and make sure we're strong enough to be out of the gates in a really strong place next year," Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said.

Tampa Bay welcomed Yandy Diaz back to the lineup on Friday after the first baseman missed seven games due to a family matter. He went 1-for-5 in his first game since July 14.

"Obviously, I didn't play in a few games," Yandy Diaz said. "But I think playing in a game or two, playing (Friday), I think it'll get me back in a rhythm."

Tampa Bay will send right-hander Zack Littell (3-7, 4.46 ERA) to the mound on Saturday. He is looking to bounce back after giving up five runs over 5 2/3 innings in a 9-1 loss to the host New York Yankees on Monday.

"I don't know. It's a weird game," Littell said after the loss. "I think any given day I could have done the exact same thing I did today and had a really good day, and some days you just don't."

The 28-year-old Littell has posted a 7.47 ERA across 15 2/3 innings in his last three starts. He has a 3.00 ERA in three career relief appearances against Cincinnati.

Left-hander Andrew Abbott (9-6, 3.19) will take the mound for the Reds. He has allowed no more than one earned run in three of his last four starts while going 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA over that stretch.

Abbott, 25, allowed two unearned runs over 6 2/3 innings in a no-decision against the Washington Nationals on Sunday. He is set to make his first career appearance against Tampa Bay.

Reds outfielder TJ Friedl was activated off the injured list before Friday's game and went 0-for-3 with a walk and a run while batting cleanup.

Outfielder Rece Hinds, who hit five homers in his first six games, was optioned to Triple-A Louisville to make room for Friedl.

--Field Level Media