Game 1: I'm not sure it's possible for a team to play a worse baseball game than the Rays did today in a 22-0 loss to the Phillies. You read that right, 22-0. It started in the first when Tyler Glasnow walked 3, threw a wild pitch and had a Brandon Lowe error behind them as Philly scored twice without a hit, and in the 3rd more wildness and another error set it up for JT Realmuto to hit a 2-run homer. Realmuto took Glasnow deep again in the 4th with another 3-run shot to make it 8-0. Andrew Kittredge came on in relief and hurt his back while giving up a 2-run homer to Bryce Harper, Rafael Dolis came in and hurt himself too allowing another run, so it was "screw it, just bring in position players to pitch" time, and neither Joey Wendle nor Kevin Padlo could find the strike zone and when they did they were hit for homers, including an Alec Bohm grand slam. I finally had to bring in Nick Anderson just to end the game. To add insult to injuries (which both turned out to be minimal thankfully), Yandy Diaz lost his 18-game hitting streak as Aaron Nola completely dominated the bats. Here's the box score for those of you who like looking at car accidents:
August 25: Placed P Andrew Kittredge on the 15-day IL with back stiffness, recalled P Chris Mazza from AAA Durham.
Game 2: The nightmare in Philadelphia continued into a second day as the Rays lost 5-3 and most significantly lost Shane McClanahan. The rookie lefty, counted on to be part of the rotation, tore his labrum in the first inning and is not only done for the year but done for 10 months (not as big a deal I guess as I only plan on playing this for 2021). The just-recalled Chris Mazza came in for him, pitched 2 1/3 good innings and the Rays actually led 2-0 on a 2-run double from Manuel Margot. But you use enough pitchers and you'll find one that doesn't have it, and that was Cody Reed today as he gave up 3 Phillies homers to score 4 runs and put the Rays behind. Willy Adames doubled in a run to make it 4-3 in the 6th, and Chaz Roe got them through the 6th. Peter Fairbanks had a quick 7th but gave up a run in the 8th and then he too had to come out injured although it was with an oblique strain, considered 5 days and minimal. They had a chance against Philly closer Archie Bradley in the 9th after he loaded the bases with 2 out, but Yandy Diaz flied to center and that was that. At least they're done with this city.
Team record: 84-43. Magic number: 24. Next up: A much-needed off-day then a trip to Baltimore for the weekend.