The Rays enter the series opener in Sacramento riding a three-game slide and a 14-loss stretch in 19 games, testing their ability to rebound against an Oakland squad that has found some momentum. Pepiot carries a 3.77 ERA but has posted a 5.44 mark over his last eight starts, and Tampa Bay’s bullpen edge could be pivotal late. Oakland counters with Springs, who arrives with a 2.00 ERA over his last three appearances and a real chance to clash with his former team. Brent Rooker provides a steady, power-first bat for the A’s, especially at a park favorable to homers.

The matchup also leans toward offense in certain spots: Rooker’s recent hot stretch and the A’s knack for long balls in Sutter Health Park give fantasy bettors a few clear paths to production. Still, the Rays’ bullpen depth and the possibility of early A’s success against Pepiot could swing this opener. A tight, multi-inning game with late-inning leverage awaits, making RBI-ready pulls and late-week streaming options attractive for daily fantasy lineups.

In short, expect a battle of rebound narratives: Tampa Bay trying to stem the skid behind a bullpen with the edge; Oakland riding momentum and power at home, ready to pounce on Pepiot’s home-run tendencies. Brent Rooker figures prominently for Oakland, offering dependable hits and multiple base paths, while Springs’ recent form and the A’s park-friendly environment set the stage for a series that could tilt on a few big swings late.