Well I just did the same damn thing again - had the weekly game-by-game recap all typed up except for the last game, and then my finger hit F8 on the keyboard which switches the browser into reader mode and wipes out the post I had typed up. So once again here's the abridged version:
In summary as you can see it was a bad week for the Rays. It was an especially bad week for
Pete Fairbanks, who blew or lost 3 games (we did come back and win one of them) and now has a W/L record of 5-11, something you don't want to see in your closer. Seriously considering a change in the position.
Junior Caminero had 3 homers during the week to reach 24 and we did make these transactions:
September 9: Placed P
Shane Baz on the 10-day IL with a sprained UCL, recalled P
Randy Vasquez from Durham. It's supposed to be a 3-4 week injury so we could have Baz back for the playoffs.
September 12: Optioned OF
Heston Kjerstad to Durham, recalled 1B/OF
Xavier Isaac. Kjerstad has been miserable in the second half and was losing PT. Isaac was hot on his first callup before going into an extended slump which resulted in his demotion, maybe the second time will be the charm like it was for Caminero last season. Isaac was lighting it up with the Bulls (324/413/619).
September 14: Placed 3B
Isaac Paredes on the restricted list, recalled IF
Nick Loftin from Durham. Paredes was suspended for 2 games after an on-field meltdown following a called third strike against him.
Team record: 86-64. Luckily Boston wasn't so hot this week either, so the teams are tied for the first wild card with the Rays holding the tiebreaker edge. Thanks to losing 3 of 4 to Baltimore the division deficit is 6, so that's over. Getting home field for the wild card round is now the priority. Next week: A day off then 3 in Texas followed by 3 in Anaheim against the Angels.
Players of the Week:
AL: Trey Cabbage (HOU), 12-25, 3 HR, 6 RBI
NL: Stanley Consuegra (NY), 10-21, 2 HR, 6 RBI
On the Farm: 2022 2nd-round pick
Brock Jones had a game for the (minor league) ages, homering 4 times and driving in 9 on the 15th for AA Montgomery. Jones is having a great year, hitting a combined 49 HR and 119 RBI between Montgomery (where he's spent most of the season) and High-A Bowling Green. Jones does have something of a future but his big problem is 40 contact with is both current and potential. Ditto however for his 60 power and 60 eye, along with his 60 rating in CF where he has a double-digit positive zone rating, which makes him very interesting and a probable part-time/4th OF.