Bodog Beat

The Rays try to slow the Toronto Blue Jays tonight. (AP Images)

The Tampa Bay Rays look to break out of their offensive funk and win their first game this month when they open a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Tropicana Field.

The Rays hope to get things turned around at home, where they’ve won five straight and 10 of 11. Tampa Bay, which went 7-2 against Toronto at Tropicana Field last season, hasn’t won six in a row at home since June 30-July 6, 2008.

Rays starter James Shields has been tough on opponents at home, but hasn’t had much luck against the Blue Jays lately.

The righthander went 0-3 with a 4.30 ERA in his last four starts against the Blue Jays after going 4-0 with a 2.41 ERA in his first five outings.

The Blue Jays counter with Marc Rzepczynski, who is set to make his major league debut in place of Brad Mills, who has bruised ribs.

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