July 14-16, 2045: at LA Angels (3)
 

I think I forgot to mention Joel Gird was sent down in all the roster shuffling last week, and then he lasted one batter at Durham before having to leave with arm issues which turned out to require radial nerve decompression surgery. He's done for the year and was moved to the 60-day IL. He'll be ready for spring training but his stuff had already diminished a little after his previous injury so it's possible he's not usable next year.

Game 1: The Rays' bats were shackled by Josh Grote and Angels pitching, held to 5 hits in a 2-1 loss. Dan Robinson pitched alright, but gave up a 2-run homer in the first and that turned out to be it. He dropped to 9-3 after going 5 5 2 2 3 4.

Game 2: The Rays' bullpen blew a 6-2 lead in the late innings as Ben Moses allowed 2 in the 8th and Mike Robichaux 2 more in the 9th but Tomas Laboy came to the rescue with a solo homer in the 10th (#12) to give Tampa Bay a 7-6 win over LA. A 4-run 7th appeared to put the game away for the Rays, capped by a 3-run Doug Johns shot (#25) while Luis Barela was 4-5 with 2 RBI. Jim Brophy deserved a win after going 6 4 2 2 2 6 but the bullpen saddled him with a no-decision. Robichaux vultured win #3 with the Rays while Willie Minier got his first save opportunity since joining the club and converted it, getting all 3 outs via the whiff and his 20th save overall.

Game 3: The Rays romped 9-0 in the final behind Greg Bookhart and a 4-homer power display including a pair from Jose Castillo which drove in 3. Bookhart (11-4) was a tidy 6 5 0 0 1 4 while Castillo's pair of longballs gave him 22 on the year. Also going yard were Jose Mendez (#16) and Mario Saro (#10) and Dave Frick had a key 2-run double which broke open a 1-0 game in the 6th.

Team record: 66-27. Next up: The west coast swing continues with 3 games in Oakland.

July 17-19, 2045: at Oakland (3)
 

Game 1: The Rays and A's combined for 20 hits tonight but only 3 runs, and Oakland had 2 of them to hand Tampa Bay a loss. The A's got a couple of early runs off Gordie Ager (11-5), who finished 6 9 2 2 1 3, and that was enough as Jose Mendez's RBI double was the only offense the Rays could muster.

July 18: Activated P Sean Forbes from the 10-day IL, optioned P Jose Morales to AAA Durham.

Game 2: It's rare to see the Rays' offense completely shut down in consecutive games but that's what happened in the second game as they were shut out by Oakland 4-0 on 5 hits. Marc Gibson made his second start for the Rays and was pretty good until he ran out of gas in a 3-run 7th, finishing 6.2 7 3 3 3 4 with Ismael Vargas allowing one of his runners to score on a homer.

Game 3: It looked like another offensive struggle for the Rays as it was a 1-1 game through 5 innings, but the bats finally woke up and pounded the Oakland bullpen for an 8-1 win. Seth Williams was 4-6 with 2 doubles, 3 runs scored and an RBI, Jose Castillo was 2-4 with HR #23 and 3 RBI, and Luis Barela went 3-6 with a 2-run triple. Dan Robinson was excellent, improving to 10-3, 2.90 after a 7 3 1 1 3 5 outing as the Rays salvaged a game from the series.

Team record: 67-29. Next up: An off-day to fly home to Tampa, where Texas will await for 3 games over the weekend.

July 21-23, 2045: vs Texas (3)
 

Game 1: The Rangers dealt the Rays a rare loss at Publix Park, only their 10th in 47 games this year, by keeping the bats in check 2-1. Jim Brophy deserved a better fate after going 5.1 6 1 1 1 7 but he ended up with a no-decision. It was a 1-1 game into the 9th before Willie Minier (1-1) gave up a run on two singles and a sac fly. Jose Mendez' solo homer in the 4th (#17) was all the Rays could manage.

Game 2: The offense snapped back in a dominating 9-3 win over Texas. A 5-run 6th broke a 3-3 tie with the big hit Nelson Bocardo's 2-run double. The rookie receiver later added a solo HR (#4) to cap a big day, Mario Saro was 3-5 with an RBI and two more steals to give him a league-leading 25, and Jose Castillo had a pair of sac flies. Greg Bookhart had a good start but the bullpen let him down in the 6th, allowing both his runners to score and leaving him 5.2 5 3 3 2 6. Ben Moses, who wild-pitched in the tying run, ended up with the win to go to 2-2.

Game 3: Like Game 1, it was a low-scoring 2-1 affair, but unlike Game 1 the decision went the Rays' way as Gordie Ager was outstanding and RBI singles from Chris Parham and Luis Barela in the 2nd and 3rd held up. Ager (12-5), pitched to contact at 6.1 3 0 0 0 2, and although Mike Robichaux allowed a run in the 8th, Willie Minier made up for Friday's loss by fanning a pair in a 1-2-3 9th for his 2nd Rays save and 21st overall.

Team record: 69-30. Next up: Baltimore visits for 3. The Orioles are solidly in the first wild card spot and feature MVP front-runner Mike Collin. The slugging 1B leads MLB in homers (37) and WAR (5.3).

July 24-26, 2045: vs Baltimore (3)
 

Game 1: Marc Gibson was torched for 7 runs in 1 2/3 innings and although the Rays tried to fight back they fell 9-4 in the series opener at Publix Park to Baltimore. Gibson fell to 0-2 as a Ray after a brutal 1.2 7 7 7 3 2 outing. Tomas Laboy's 3-run homer (#13) cut a 6-0 Oriole lead in half, but that was about the only real highlight on offense.

Game 2: The Rays once again bounced back from a series-opening defeat with a solid win in the second game, today knocking off Baltimore 8-3. Luis Barela's 3-run homer in the 3rd (#25) put them ahead to stay, and Dave Frick (#6), Mario Saro (#11), Jose Castillo (#24) and Seth Williams (#15) all played home run derby as well. Dan Robinson meanwhile was in his rocking chair all game, going a season-high 8 innings allowing only 2 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 7 whiffs to improve to 11-3, 2.86.

Game 3: Tampa Bay took the series with another rout of the Orioles, stomping them 11-2 at Publix Park. Dave Frick was 4-4 with an RBI, Luis Barela homered again with a man on (#26) as did Jose Mendez with #19. Jose Castillo was 3-5 with a double and 2 RBI for good measure. Jim Brophy ran up a bit of a pitch count so he only went 5 4 2 2 3 7 to improve to 10-4. Caleb Ramos went 2 1/3 with 5 whiffs but left with a dead arm which will shelve him a week so he'll take a break on the IL.

Team record: 71-31. Next up: 4 games in New York against the Yankees.

July 27-30, 2045: at NY Yankees (4)
 

Game 1: Mario Saro went deep twice to lead the Rays to an 8-4 win over New York at Yankee Stadium in the opener of the team's 4-game set. The rookie CF had a 3-run homer in the 5th which put Tampa Bay ahead to stay and added a solo shot in the next inning to give him 13. Jose Castillo also had a 2-run shot in the 5th (#25). Greg Bookhart had one bad sequence where he put two on and gave up a 3-run homer to former Ray Jon Jimenez but was dazzling otherwise, improving to 12-4 after going 6 3 3 3 1 6. Mike Robichaux picked up his first Rays save by going the final 1 2/3.

Game 2: It was the Mario Saro show once again at Yankee Stadium as he hit two homers for the second straight game, both of them clutch as his first with a man on in the 9th tied the game at 6 and his second (#15) won it in the 12th as the Rays prevailed 7-6. Seth Williams had a 2-run shot early (#16) but a rough outing from Gordie Ager (6 7 6 6 1 8 with 2 HR allowed) saw the Rays trail 6-4 before Saro's heroics. Willie Minier retired all 5 batters he faced including 3 via strikeout to earn his 2nd Rays win.

Game 3: The Rays made it three straight over the Yanks and 5 in a row overall as they took a tight 3-2 affair. Marc Gibson rebounded from his disastrous start last time out by going 6 3 1 1 2 2 for his first win in Rays colors, and with the "A" bullpen tired from last night's 12-inning game, Jon Harbour got the call in the 9th and retired New York 1-2-3 for his 2nd save. Jose Castillo had a first-inning homer (#26), Mario Saro didn't hit any more homers but had an RBI double, and Jared Richardson's sac fly proved to be the difference.

Game 4: The Yankees took out a series worth of frustration by pummeling the Rays 15-0 in the finale with the loss hurting in more ways that one as the red-hot Mario Saro separated his shoulder making a diving catch in the 2nd and will miss a month. Chris Parham will get a run as the everyday CF with Dan Gregory still out for another week or two. The bats only managed 6 hits and Dan Robinson was roasted today, unusually wild at 4 5 6 6 5 2 and he fell to 11-4. Jose Morales and Jon Harbour each gave up 4 runs to really make it a rout.

Team record: 74-32. Next up: Another 4-game road series, this time in Houston.

July 31-August 3, 2045: at Houston (4)
 

July 31: Placed OF Mario Saro on the 10-day IL with a separated shoulder, recalled OF/P Josh Schwartzlow from AA Montgomery.

Schwartzlow is an interesting two-way player we acquired in a minor league deal with the Mets a couple of years ago. He's bounced around our high minors and he's pitched decently as a starter and outside of this year, hit very well. He's rated 65 contact, 60 power and a 60 in LF, with a 35 eye. As a pitcher he's 50/65/40 so while passable he's probably more likely to stick as an OF.

Game 1: The Rays were up 3-0 until a 4-run 6th by Houston and fell 5-3 in the series opener at Minute Maid Park. Doug Johns broke out of his slump and blasted a couple of homers (#26 and 27) and drove in 3 to give them the lead but Jim Brophy got into trouble in the 6th, loading the bases with nobody in. Enter Dave Lugo (1-3), who took a match to the gasoline by walking a man to force in a run and then giving up a bases-clearing triple. Brophy ended 5.2 6 3 3 3 5 and deserved a better fate (and better relief).

Game 2: Tampa Bay bats were largely silenced as the Rays dropped their third straight in a 5-2 loss to the Astros. Greg Bookhart was outstanding at 7 4 1 1 2 3 and it was a 1-1 game into the 8th when the bullpen failed again as the normally reliable Ben Moses and Mike Robichaux made a mess leading to 4 Houston runs, 3 charged to Moses who drops to 2-3. The only highlight for the Rays came in the 9th when Josh Schwartzlow pinch-hit and in his first MLB at-bat drilled a homer into the Crawford boxes.

Game 3: The Rays took out their frustrations of the past several days by annihilating Houston 19-2, including a cycle from one of their more unlikely guys, catcher Tony Cordova, who completed it by chugging into 3rd on a triple in the 9th. Otherwise this is one of those times it's just best to copy the box as far as the hitters go:

https://i.imgur.com/Gr7J41s.png

Gordie Ager (13-5) went 6.2 9 1 1 0 6 for the win.

Game 4: The Rays took a split of the series with a 6-4 win over the Astros, holding on at the end. They could have scored many more than the 6 runs they did, leaving 13 on base, but it was enough. The offense was led by Chris Parham, 4-6 with 3 runs scored and a pair of steals, and Tomas Laboy who had 4 RBI on a pair of 2-run singles. Josh Schwartzlow also continued to impress by homering for the second time in three games. Marc Gibson was solid if not sharp to go to 2-2 as a Ray with a 5.2 3 2 2 4 2 outing, but Ismael Vargas made a mess in the 9th up 4 by putting men on 2nd and 3rd with nobody out. Willie Minier gave up a pair of singles to score those runners but finished the game off with a double play to earn his 3rd Rays save and 22nd overall.

Team record: 76-34. Next up: Back home for some interleague action with 3 against Milwaukee.

August 4-6, 2045: vs Milwaukee (3)
 

Game 1: The Rays built an 8-3 lead and held on to take the series opener 8-6 from Milwaukee at Publix Park. Chris Fox had a big day, going 3-4 with HR #6 and 3 RBI and Seth Williams had a 2-run single to lead the offense. Dan Robinson struggled again with his control and as a result couldn't make it out of the 4th, finishing 3.1 3 3 3 6 4 so Jon Harbour (3-0) picked up the win in middle relief. Willie Minier handled the 9th for his 4th Rays save and 23rd overall.

Game 2: Milwaukee went out to a 9-1 lead before the Rays came all the way back to tie, only to lose 10-9 when Ben Moses (2-4) surrendered a homer in the 7th. Jim Brophy was hit hard despite pilling up the whiffs, as he finished 4.2 7 7 7 1 8. Two-way guy Josh Schwartzlow made his MLB debut as a pitcher, and it didn't go well as he gave up consecutive homers to the first two men he faced. But the big deficit didn't faze the hitters with Jose Mendez's bases-clearing double making it 9-5 and Luis Barela's grand slam (#28) tying it in the 6th before Moses gave up the winning homer.

April 6: Activated P Caleb Ramos from the 10-day IL, optioned P Ismael Vargas to AAA Durham.

Game 3: The Rays beat the Brewers 10-4 to take the high-scoring series in the finale. Jose Mendez was the hitting hero with a 2-run homer (#20) and a bases-clearing double to give him 5 RBI, and Jared Richardson had a 3-hit day including his 3rd homer. Greg Bookhart (13-4) was solid as usual, going 6 5 4 2 1 3 for the win while Caleb Ramos picked up his first save right after being activated by going 3 scoreless.

Team record: 78-35. Next up: An off-day then Boston visits for a pair.

August 8-9, 2045: vs Boston (2)
 

August 8: Placed OF/P Josh Schwartzlow on the 10-day IL with back tightness, recalled 1B Alex Maas from AAA Durham. Sent OF Dan Gregory to AAA Durham for a rehab assignment.

Maas is a marginal prospect but was on the 40-man so he'll get a brief call-up until Gregory's played a few games at Durham.

Game 1: The Rays put 5 on the board in the first and coasted to an 8-3 win over the Red Sox at Publix Park. Tomas Laboy's grand slam (#14) capped a first inning which saw the first five batters reach, Doug Johns drove in a pair, and Seth Williams was 3-5 with an RBI. Gordie Ager improved to 14-5 with a 5.1 7 3 3 0 5 outing.

Game 2: Luis Barela smacked a pair of homers to reach 30 while Marc Gibson and Caleb Ramos combined on a 6-hit shutout as the Rays once again blasted Boston 9-0. Barela had solo shots in the 2nd and 3rd and he went back-to-back on the last one with Jose Castillo, who had a 3-run jack for his 27th. Tomas Laboy was also 3-4 with a double and 3 RBI. Gibson meanwhile went to 3-2 as a Ray with a 6 3 0 0 3 4 performance and Ramos picked up his second 3-inning save in less than a week.

Team record: 80-35. Next up: Cleveland comes to town for 4 games.

August 10-13, 2045: vs Cleveland (4)
 

Game 1: The bullpen betrayed the Rays today as a 4-1 lead turned into a 10-5 loss to Cleveland in the first of a four-game set at Publix Park. Dan Robinson left in the 6th with two on and the 4-1 lead, and Dan Anderson allowed both inherited runners to score. Dave Lugo allowed the equalizer in the 7th, and then in the 8th Ben Moses was hit hard and he and Jose Morales ended up combining to allow 6 in the inning. Robinson had a no-decision with a 5.1 4 3 3 3 5 line. Tomas Laboy had a 3-run homer (#15) early to put them up and Doug Johns had a consolation solo shot (#28) in the 9th.

Game 2: The Rays evened up the series with Guardians thanks to a tidy 5-3 win behind Jim Brophy. The lefty improved to 11-4 with a fine 6.2 6 1 1 0 6 outing and still got the win despite some shakiness from Sean Forbes in the 9th who allowed a pair of runs. Jared Richardson had the big day with the bat, going 3-4 with a double and 2 RBI and Tomas Laboy was 2-4 with 2 RBI as well.

August 12: Activated OF Dan Gregory from his rehab assignment, optioned 1B Alex Maas to AAA Durham.

Game 3: Greg Bookhart was hit hard and the bats were held in check as Cleveland won again 7-2. The lefty had a poor outing, allowing a pair of homers in a rough 5 7 6 6 2 3 performance. Seth Williams' 2-run HR in the bottom of the 9th (#17) allowed the Rays to avoid being shut out.

Game 4: The Rays managed a split of the series with a 3-2 walk-off win over the Guardians at Publix Park. Jose Mendez led off the 9th with a double and scored with two out on Nelson Bocardo's single to send the fans home happy. Gordie Ager was solid at 5.2 7 2 2 0 3 and Mike Robichaux (4-0) got the win after recording the final four outs. Seth Williams' RBI double tied the game in the 6th.

Team record: 82-37. Next up: We make a quick road trip to Toronto for 4 before heading back home.

August 14-17, 2045: at Toronto (4)
 

Game 1: The Rays stole this one from the Jays, coming back from an early 4-0 deficit to win it on a bases-loaded walk in the 9th 5-4 in the series opener at Rogers Centre. Luis Barela knocked in all 5 runs on a grand slam (#31) in the 3rd which tied it up and put him over 100 RBI, and that sacks-full walk. Marc Gibson was not very good at 4 10 4 4 1 1 but the bullpen was with 5 shutout innings. Sean Forbes (4-1) picked up the win and Willie Minier the save (#5/24).

Game 2: Tampa Bay pitching came up with another poor start and this time they couldn't recover in a 7-3 loss. Dan Robinson (11-5) has been in a slump lately, and today was 4 8 4 4 2 3 with the pen not providing much relief as Caleb Ramos gave up 3 more on a couple of homers. Tomas Laboy's 3-run HR (#16) in the 4th tied it up but that would be all they'd manage.

Game 3: The final score said Rays 10, Jays 4, but it was a tight affair until Tampa Bay broke it open with 5 in the 9th. Doug Johns hit HR #29 and drove in two, while Tomas Laboy, Dave Frick and Chris Fox all plated a pair as well. Jim Brophy (12-4) wasn't particularly sharp but good enough to win at 5 5 3 3 4 6. Sean Forbes pitched the 8th and after the Rays piled on in the 9th he stayed in to finish and recorded save #18, his first since going on the IL earlier in the year and since Willie Minier was acquired.

Game 4: It was another big Rays win as they took 3 of 4 from Toronto with a 12-4 decision but unlike yesterday this one was in hand throughout. Jared Richardson got a start off the bench and made the most of it, driving in 5 with a 3-run HR (#4) and a 2-run double while reaching base all five times up with 3 walks. Luis Barela (#32, a 2-run shot) and Chris Fox (#7, solo) also found the seats. Greg Bookhart turned in the best-pitched start of the series at 5 4 1 1 2 9 and improved to 14-5. Getting back to Richardson, he's been ultra-productive when he's had a chance to play, now with 21 RBI in 20 games and a 318/395/591 slash line.

Team record: 85-38. Next up: Back home against the Mariners, who have the second-best record in MLB with an impressive 76-46 mark. We also welcome back to Publix Park recent Rays superstar and former MVP Josh Alexander, who's up to 31 HR after getting off to a slow start with his new team.

August 18-20, 2045: vs Seattle (3)
 

Game 1: A real Jekyll-and-Hyde game as a 1-0 pitchers' duel in the 6th turned into the Rays hanging on to an 8-7 win over Seattle at Publix Park. The Rays put 7 on the board in the bottom of the 6th, highlighted by Jose Castillo's 3-run homer (#28) and a bases-clearing double from Dave Frick, but the long wait to come out for the 7th took something out of Gordie Ager, who gave up 3 runs on a pair of homers and finished 6 4 4 3 0 4 but still got the win to go to 15-5. Seattle got 3 more in the 8th to cut it to 8-7 but Willie Minier did the job in the 9th for save #6 with the Rays and #25 overall.

Game 2: No nail-biter here as the Rays romped over the Mariners 13-3. Another big inning figured large as they scored 8 times in the 3rd to go up 11-0. Doug Johns had a 3-run homer for his 30th and went over the 100-RBI mark in the process, while Jose Mendez, Luis Barela, Dan Gregory and Nelson Bocardo each drove in a pair. Marc Gibson was sharp early before giving up 3 in the middle innings and finished 5 4 3 3 3 8 to improve to 4-2 with the Rays while Jon Harbour hurled 4 scoreless to finish the game and notch his 3rd save.

Game 3: The Rays completed the sweep of the second-best team in MLB with a 6-3 win in the finale. Dan Robinson (12-5) was brilliant against his former team, going 7 3 1 1 1 5. Things got a bit dicey in the 9th when Dave Lugo gave up 2 runs to make it 6-3 and the tying run came to the plate before Willie Minier retired him, although it wasn't a save situation. Seth Williams had a 2-run homer (#18) in the first to get the ball rolling, and Luis Barela (#33) and Jose Mendez (#21) added solo shots.

Team record: 88-38. Next up: An off-day then Toronto comes to town for 3.

August 22-24, 2045: vs Toronto (3)
 

Game 1: A potential Rays rout turned into a bullpen nightmare which saw them drop the opener to Toronto 10-9 at Publix Park. They were up 6-0 in the 6th behind a solo homer from Jose Mendez (#22) and a 2-run shot from Jose Castillo (#29) and Jim Brophy was in control but he gave up a run and loaded the bases with two out. This started the parade of every reliever failing as Dan Anderson gave up a 2-run single to cut it to 6-3, then he and Mike Robichaux combined to allow 5 more in the 7th to put the Jays ahead. The Rays fought back to re-take the lead 9-8 in the bottom of the inning on a 2-run Tomas Laboy single, but Ben Moses gave up a run in the 8th to let Toronto tie again, and Willie Minier (2-2) allowed one in the 9th to lose the game.

Game 2: The Rays continued to have problems with both Toronto and their bullpen as the Jays evened the season series with us at 9 thanks to another 9th-inning win 5-4. Things started slowly for the Rays as they were no-hit for 5 1/3 innings and trailed 3-0 before rallying in the 7th to tie it up on a 2-run Jose Mendez homer (#23) and a Dave Frick solo shot (#7). Greg Bookhart pitched well at 7 6 3 3 0 6 but Sean Forbes (4-2) allowed Toronto to go ahead in the 8th and then after the Rays tied it up again in the bottom of the frame, Forbes put two more on in the 9th. Mike Robichaux put a man on to load the bases with nobody out and after getting two forces at the plate with the infield in, Tomas Laboy booted what should have been the third out and Toronto had their winner.

Game 3: Tampa Bay salvaged a game from the series (and took the season series 10-9) by winning the finale 5-1 behind a strong outing from Gordie Ager. The lefty improved to 16-5, 3.58 with a 6 3 0 0 0 4 outing cut short after a 65-minute rain delay, but Caleb Ramos picked up the slack with a 3-inning save (#3). Chris Parham had a solo shot (#3) and Luis Barela delivered a 2-run dinger (#34) to lead the offense.

Team record: 89-40. Next up: We travel to St. Louis for 3.

August 25-27, 2045: at St. Louis (3)
 

Game 1: The Rays downed St. Louis 8-5 in the opener in a strange game which saw each team score all its runs in a single inning. For the Rays that was in the 4th after being set down in order during the first 3 innings. Luis Barela and Doug Johns came through with RBI singles, and Chris Fox capped the inning with a grand slam (#8). That gave them an 8-0 lead and Marc Gibson was rolling, until he got into trouble in the 5th. Despite allowing 5 runs he survived the inning to pick up the win to go 5-2 with the Rays and 9-7 overall, although his 5 7 5 5 2 5 line won't be hung in the Louvre. Willie Minier handled the 9th for Rays save #7 and #26 overall, but we did suffer a couple of injuries from repeat offenders. Dan Gregory is hurt again, this time with a strained triceps which will shelve him 6 weeks and should put him out through the ALDS. He finishes the year 340/379/454 with 2 HR and 32 RBI; combined with his stellar defense he was good for 3.7 WAR despite only playing 69 games. The other injured Ray was Mike Robichaux, who has biceps tendinitis and will miss the 10 days he'll spend on the IL.

August 26: Placed OF Dan Gregory and P Mike Robichaux on the 10-day IL, recalled OF/P Josh Schwartzlow and P Ismael Vargas from AAA Durham.

Schwartzlow will only be with us for the next 2 games as Mario Saro just went to Durham for rehab and will be back for the next series.

Game 2: Several former Rays were instrumental in the Cardinals' 5-1 win over the Rays in the second game. Jim Gebers had a 2-run double to put the Cards up, Jimmy Leonard had an RBI double and a solo homer, and Chris Toombs closed it out in the 9th after the Rays mounted a threat. Dan Robinson (12-6) took the loss after an abbreviated 4 6 3 3 2 1 outing due to an hour + rain delay while the bats only managed 4 hits.

Game 3: Tampa Bay took the rubber game of the series with a comfortable 7-0 win on a combined Jim Brophy/Dan Anderson shutout. Brophy struggled with his control at times but improved to 13-4 after going 6 2 0 0 5 6 and Anderson notched his 2nd save with 3 scoreless. Jose Mendez, leading the AL in batting at .347 and closing fast on the WAR lead at 5.5, had a big day, going 3-4 with HR #24 and 3 RBI while Jose Castillo joined teammates Luis Barela and Doug Johns in the 30/100 club with a solo shot.

Team record: 91-41. Next up: We head west on I-70 to play 3 games in Kansas City.

August 28-30, 2045: at Kansas City (3)
 

August 28: Activated OF Mario Saro from the 10-day IL, optioned OF/P Josh Schwartzlow to AAA Durham.

Saro's return is timely and welcome with Dan Gregory on the IL for the rest of the regular season.

Game 1: The Rays took a 3-2 decision in 12 innings over the Royals to open their 3-game set at Kauffman Stadium. Chris Parham led off the inning with a walk, stole second, and scored on Dave Frick's single. Doug Johns had homer #31 earlier in the game and Greg Bookhart turned in a fine outing at 7 6 2 2 1 8 to maintain his pitcher WAR lead in the AL. Former Royals closer Willie Minier picked up his 3rd Rays win in relief with two perfect innings of work.

Game 2: Tampa Bay handled Kansas City once again with an 8-4 win. Luis Barela was the star, going 3-5 with HR #34 and 3 RBI while Mario Saro was on base 3 times, stole 3 bases and scored 3 runs. Seth Williams had HR #19 and pair of ribbies. Gordie Ager went to 17-5 with a pedestrian 7 9 4 4 1 5 outing while Ben Moses picked up save #3 by going the final two.

Game 3: The Rays had to go to overtime again to beat the Royals, completing the sweep with a 4-3 win in 10 innings. It appeared they had it won in the 9th when Tomas Laboy broke a 2-2 tie with a solo homer (#17) but Chris Fox's 2-base error led to KC equalizing in the bottom of the inning. No sweat, said Mario Saro as he went deep in the 10th (#16) to restore the lead and this time they held on. Doug Johns had also hit #32 earlier. Marc Gibson was decent against his old teammates at 6 4 2 2 3 4, Willie Minier blew the save (mainly thanks to Fox) but got his 4th win, and Jon Harbour recorded save #3 after Sean Forbes left with back tightness.

Team record: 94-41. Next up: An off-day then we begin the month of September with 3 games in Chicago against the White Sox.

Now that we've hit the end of August and are heading into the final month of the season, here's an updated look at the standings and leaders:

https://i.imgur.com/Szy87mK.png

There isn't much suspense in the AL as the divisions are settled and the Yankees are 5 1/2 up on the White Sox for the 2nd wild card. San Francisco is 3 up on Arizona and 3 1/2 on St. Louis for the 2nd wild card in the NL.

September 1-3, 2045: at Chicago White Sox (3)
 

September 1: Placed P Sean Forbes on the 10-day IL with back tightness, recalled 1B Alex Maas and P Triston Goulet from AAA Durham.

Was going to call up Goulet anyway in September expansion but Forbes went on the IL. Saving the pitching spot for Forbes coming back, plus Satoshi Sato has gone on rehab and it will be great to get him back.

Game 1: It was bombs away for the Rays as they routed the fading White Sox 11-1. Once in the thick of the wild card race, Chicago has fallen on hard times of late and the Rays made sure they'd stay that way. Jose Castillo was the man, hitting a pair of 3-run homers to give him 32 while Seth Williams drove in 3 with a double and a 2-run homer (#20). Dan Robinson (13-6) took over the AL ERA lead at 3.46 after a fine 6 4 1 1 0 4 outing and after his teammates scored 6 in 5 innings off previous leader Omar Guerrero. Tristan Goulet made his Rays debut and went the final 3 hitless for the save, walking 4 and fanning 4.

Game 2: Tampa Bay hit 5 more homers in another rout of the Pale Hose by 9-3. Jose Mendez is right there for the batting title and he blasted a pair and drove in 3 to give him 26 HR and 89 RBI as he's now a dark horse MVP candidate. Mario Saro also deposited a pair in the seats to give him 18 and Jose Castillo homered again (#33). Jim Brophy wasn't his sharpest, but improved to 14-4 after a 5.2 4 2 2 5 4 outing.

Game 3: Chicago salvaged a game of the series as they hit Greg Bookhart hard in a 7-2 White Sox win. The lefty didn't have it today as he went 3 6 6 6 2 5 with a pair of homers allowed to fall to 14-6. Luis Barela was 2-3 with a solo homer (#36).

Team record: 96-42, they've officially clinched a playoff spot and the division magic number is 6. Next up: Finally back home to Publix Park for 3 vs Minnesota.

September 4-6, 2045: vs Minnesota (3)
 

Game 1: The Rays rode a 5-run 5th to take a 5-4 win over the Twins on Labor Day at Publix Park to open the series. Jose Castillo's bases-clearing triple was the big blow and made a winner of Gordie Ager, who improved to 18-5 with a 5 8 2 2 1 5 outing against his former team. Willie Minier retired the side in the 9th on only 6 pitches for his 8th Rays save and 27th overall.

September 5: Activated P Mike Robichaux from the 10-day IL, recalled P B.J. Turner from AAA Durham; optioned P Jose Morales to AAA Durham.

Turner is our second roster expansion player, the righty reliever was acquired in the offseason from the Angels but was recovering from Tommy John surgery and missed most of the year. He has 70 stuff and 55 movement so he looks like a good one.

Game 2: The Twins routed the Rays 8-2 in the second game as Marc Gibson and the bullpen were hit hard. Gibson was 5.1 7 4 4 2 3 and dropped to 5-3, 5.18 as a Ray. Also having a bad day was Seth Williams, who struck out all 5 times up and tied a team record. Mario Saro was 2-5 with a pair of doubles and an RBI.

Game 3: The Rays returned the favor in the rubber game of the series by mauling Minnesota 14-5. Most of the offense came from some less likely sources with Chris Parham going 4-4 with two doubles, a steal and 4 RBI; Tony Cordova was 2-3 with a walk, double, HR #8 and 5 RBI; and Tomas Laboy went 2-5 with HR #18 and 3 RBI. Jose Castillo added a solo shot (#34). Dan Robinson should have picked up the win with all this support but while he cruised through 4 innings he couldn't get anyone out in the 5th and was pulled after going 4.1 9 5 5 0 2. Jon Harbour as is his wont provided excellent middle relief and went to 4-0 with 3 2/3 1-hit shutout innings.

Team record: 98-43. Next up: A day off then we visit Fenway for 3 with the Red Sox.

September 8-10, 2045: at Boston (3)
 

Game 1: The Rays continued their 2045 dominance of the Red Sox by taking a 9-5 win in 10 innings at Fenway, their 13th win in 14 games against Boston this season. Doug Johns' grand slam (#33) was the decider and made a winner of Mike Robichaux (5-0), who pitched the 9th and 10th. Jim Brophy cruised through the first 3 innings then couldn't get anyone out in the 4th, finishing 3.2 6 5 5 3 3. Jose Mendez was 3-6 and Jose Castillo doubled and drove in a pair.

Game 2: Greg Brookhart was brilliant and the Rays handled the Sox again 5-2 for season win #100. The lefty was 6 2 0 0 1 7 and improved to 15-6, with Willie Minier recording save #9 as a Ray and #28 overall. Seth Williams had the big bat today, driving in 3 on a pair of singles.

September 10: Activated Ps Sean Forbes and Satoshi Sato from the IL, optioned Ps B.J. Turner and Ismael Vargas to AAA Durham.

Forbes was only out a couple of weeks while Sato has been MIA since April.

Game 3: Tampa Bay made it 15 of 16 over Boston by sweeping the series in a 16-4 thrashing. Middle infielders Chris Fox and Dave Frick each drove in 4 with Frick bashing a 3-run homer (#8) while Jose Mendez was 3-5 with 2 RBI. Gordie Ager continues to close in on 20 wins as he went to 19-5 with a 7 6 1 1 1 3 outing. A couple of returning relievers got some work in with Sean Forbes not looking too good with 3 runs allowed in 1/3 of an inning including a homer but Satoshi Sato got 5 outs on 15 pitches in his first MLB action since April.

Team record: 101-43. The Game 3 win clinched the 24th consecutive AL East title for the Rays. Next up: Back home for 3 vs the Yankees, who are tuning up for the wild card game against Baltimore as there are no real races in the AL.

September 11-13, 2045: vs NY Yankees (3)
 

Game 1: Monday's opener was rained out so we made it up with a doubleheader on Tuesday and the Rays routed the Yankees 9-4 in the matinee. Luis Barela had a 3-run HR (#37), Jose Castillo drove in 3 including a 2-run double, and Dave Frick was 3-4 with a solo homer (#9). Dan Robinson (14-6) pitched well for the win at 6.1 6 3 3 1 6.

Game 2: The Rays poured on the offense again in the nightcap, taking a 13-6 win over the Yankees to sweep the doubleheader. Luis Barela capped a huge day at the plate by going 4-5 with HR #38 and 3 RBI, Jose Mendez drove in 3 with a pair of homers giving him 28, Chad Fox added a 2-run shot (#9) and Nelson Bocardo hit his 5th homer of the year. Marc Gibson (6-3) was solid in getting the win at 7 4 3 3 0 5.

Game 3: The Yankees salvaged a game from the series by beating the Rays 7-1 in the finale. The Rays had numerous chances to make this a game but left 13 men on base with Jose Castillo the biggest culprit going 0-5 with 8 LOB. Jim Brophy (14-5) took the loss after going 5.1 6 3 3 1 5 and the bullpen let it get away, especially Mike Robichaux.

Team record: 103-44. Next up: An off-day then Boston rolls into town for 3 over the weekend.

September 15-17, 2045: vs Boston (3)
 

Game 1: Gordie Ager's first attempt to win 20 games failed as he was hit for 4 runs in the 2nd and Boston went on to a 7-5 win over the Rays at Publix Park in the series opener. Ager (19-6) only lasted long enough to go 4 6 4 4 2 5 on 93 pitches. Trailing 7-2 in the 9th the Rays mounted a furious 2-out comeback, scoring 3 times before Tomas Laboy grounded out to end the game. Doug Johns had HR #34 and Seth Williams was 3-5 with 2 RBI.

Game 2: The Rays bounced back to win the second game 12-5 thanks to one of their patented big innings when they put up 8 in the 5th. Luis Barela was 3-5 with a 2-run HR (#39), Doug Johns went 4-4 with a double and 2 RBI and Chris Fox was 4-5 with a double and 3 RBI. Greg Bookhart wasn't sharp but didn't need to be with the run support as he improved to 16-6 after a 5 4 3 3 3 5 outing. B.J. Turner, who missed most of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery after coming over from the Angels, had to leave with bone chips in his elbow and his season is done (he was a longshot to make the postseason roster anyway).

September 17: Placed P BJ Turner on the 10-day with bone chips in his elbow, recalled P Ismael Vargas from AAA Durham.

Game 3: Jared Richardson went from goat to hero in the space of a single inning as the Rays walked it off against Boston 6-5 to take the series. The Rays were up 4-3 going into the 9th but Richardson dropped a fly ball to put the tying run on 2nd. Willie Minier didn't help matters either allowing a hit to tie and then ended up balking that man home to put Boston ahead. But in the bottom of the 9th Richardson went deep to tie the game with his 5th homer and after Jose Castillo singled, Alex Maas doubled home Castillo as the reserve took advantage of his opportunity to play, having reached base 3 times earlier on 2 walks and an HBP. Before all that Castillo had a 2-run homer (#35) and Dan Robinson went 6 4 3 3 1 2 in a decent start. Minier vultured the win to go to 5-2 as a Ray.

Team record: 105-45. Next up: An off-day then the Cubs come to town for 2 games of interleague action.

September 19-20, 2045: vs Chicago Cubs (2)
 

Game 1: Jim Brophy dazzled with a complete-game 2-hit shutout of the Cubs at Publix Park as the Rays won 8-0. The lefty walked one and fanned eight on 117 pitches and improved to 15-5, 4.13. Tomas Laboy and Mario Saro each hit their 19th homers of the year while Dave Frick and Tony Cordova both contributed two hits and an RBI.

Game 2: The Rays came from behind to sweep the 2-game series from the Cubs, scoring five times from the 6th through the 8th to take a 5-3 win. Jose Castillo started the comeback with a 2-run double in the 6th and Chris Parham capped it with a 2-run triple in the 8th to provide the winning margin. Marc Gibson started and was mediocre at 5 5 3 3 3 4, but the bullpen was stellar allowing the Cubs only one hit over the final four innings. Sean Forbes (5-2) picked up the win while Satoshi Sato took care of the 9th for save #3.

Team record: 107-45. Next up: 4 games in Baltimore, against an Orioles team which just clinched a wild card. There are no races in the AL with the Yankees set to face them in the WC game, nor are there really any races in the NL in what should be a dull final 10 days in MLB.