With a reported search for a starting pitcher ongoing the Los Angeles Dodgers got a first-hand look at two options during their Interleague series with the Tampa Bay Rays. Chris Archer was first to showcase his talent and he was followed by southpaw Matt Moore.
Each turned in a strong start to help Tampa Bay earn a split, with Wednesday’s victory their first at Dodger Stadium in the franchise’s history. Archer had eight strikeouts over seven innings and allowed three runs (one earned).
He was let down by a two-out error in the third, then committed his own error soon after. Los Angeles capitalized to take a 2-0 lead. The Dodgers’ third run came on a Yasmani Grandal solo homer in the seventh.
“Archer was very good, there was a lot of swing-and-miss,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after Tuesday’s game.
“He’s a kid that repeats his delivery and has a plus-plus slider. That was the first time I got to see him up close and personal, now it really makes sense. In talking to our guys, the ball has true life. He’s a No. 1 (starter).”
Moore followed Archer’s act by holding the Dodgers to one run on four hits over 6.2 innings. Moore improved to 7-7 this season and lowered his ERA to 4.08. “Those are two good arms,” Roberts said of Archer and Moore.
“Archer, his record notwithstanding, he’s an elite pitcher in our opinion. And Matt Moore has real good stuff.” Both pitchers are believed to be trade candidates, but there’s a growing sentiment amongst other clubs the Rays will stand pat at the deadline.
Considering what the New York Yankees received for Aroldis Chapman, essentially a rental, Tampa Bay has plenty of bargaining power for their pitchers who are under team control for multiple seasons.
