The 2021 (and only 2021) Tampa Bay Rays - Page 82

Art Deco · 01-20-2026, 01:34 PM

As noted previously the Rays have opened up quite the lead in the AL East. Their perennial roadblock Houston is also looking good for the playoffs so nobody's getting too excited yet.

As one might expect there's excellence all around in these numbers, unless strikeouts are the be-all and end-all of your statistical love because in that case the Rays strike out more than anyone else but their pitchers don't strike out that many. Of course the pitchers don't need to because the defense is elite again, led by perennial Gold Glove SS Jeremy Begley.

D-Rod and Begley look like they'll battle each other (and some other guys) for AL MVP while we have an entire lineup's worth of position players on pace for at least 3 WAR (Fitzgerald's overall WAR including his time in Milwaukee is 2.4). The skunk at the party is Fisher, who has battled injuries and relative ineffectiveness, but Ramirez and (over the last week) Gardener have produced in his stead.

And the pitching is just as much fun to look at with the entire rotation having fine seasons - in fact our longtime ace Morales is probably the weakest link so far but he's been really good of late as well after getting off to a bad start. And when Espinoza went down Burns has stepped right in and not missed a beat. The only weakness here is the setup relief where Kelly and the recently-acquired Farrior have struggled, especially with the home run ball. That was the story with Lewis last year but he's rebounded to have an incredible season and took over the closer's role from Kelly. The middle guys have been very good though.

The farm system isn't too bad for a team which perennially drafts at the end of the first round, with some highly regarded pitching prospects dominating the top of the list. Not shown here is the depth at Durham with several mid-20s guys ready to step in to the big club like Solorzano, Maldonado and Vroom (ok, he is listed).

Art Deco · 01-24-2026, 04:06 PM

The Rays rode strong pitching (4 runs allowed total) in sweeping the Guardians in Cleveland.

The opener was the only one of the three games where the bats carried the day for Tampa Bay as they gouged the Guardians 8-2. They scored in five consecutive innings from the 3rd through the 7th and they were led by Danny Rodriguez, who was 3-5 with a pair of solo homers (#17 & 18), two of the five launched by Rays hitters. Also going yard were Justin Blackwell (#11, solo), Jeremy Begley (#16, a 2-run blast) and John Lopez (#3, solo). Brad Paquette (6-5) pitched to contact as usual, scattering 10 hits in going 7 10 1 1 2 3 for the win.

Danny Morales gave up a 2-run homer in the first inning but Victor Gonzalez countered with a 3-run shot (#22) in the 7th and that turned out to be all the scoring in a 3-2 Rays win over Cleveland. Morales finally got over the .500 hump at 9-8 and lowered his ERA below 4 after a poor start to the season with his 6.1 5 2 2 1 3 outing today. Eric Lewis fanned a pair in a perfect 10-pitch inning for save #18.

The finale saw a classic pitchers' duel as Leo Gutierrez and the Rays bettered Wayne Weir and the Guardians 1-0. The game's lone run came on a two-out Jeremy Begley RBI double in the 3rd and Gutierrez, Stephen Farrior and Eric Lewis made it stand up. Gutierrez (8-4) was an excellent 6.2 5 0 0 2 4 and lowered his ERA to 2.68 while Lewis nabbed his 19th save as they outdueled one of the game's better hurlers in Weir.

Team record: 58-26. The Yankees gave no ground so they are 9 behind. Next up: A day off then we're back home for 3 against San Antonio.

Art Deco · 01-28-2026, 10:35 AM

The Rays extended their win streak to 9 games with a couple of thrilling walk-off wins over the Alamos before dropping the finale as they head into the All-Star break.

Hits weren't scarce in the opener but runs were as each team reached double digits in the former category before the Rays walked off a 2-1 win over San Antonio in 11 innings. Sebastian Burns continued to excel, going 6 5 0 0 0 8 as the game was scoreless before the teams traded runs in the 7th. Finally in the 11th Justin Blackwell's fourth hit and second double of the day drove in the game-deciding run with Walt Kelly (5-3) picking up the win.

The second game was even more thrilling for Rays fans as the team overcame an early 4-0 deficit and scored three runs over the final two innings to pull out a 5-4 win over the Alamos, their 9th straight. The Rays got RBI singles from Isaac Gardener and Rogelio Fitzgerald to tie and win the game in the bottom of the 9th after Victor Gonzalez's solo homer (#23) got them within 4-3 in the 8th. All of this came after Ruben Cerrillo got off to a rough start but hung in there to go 6.2 9 4 4 1 4. Danny Mauricio (4-0) earned the win after going the final 2 1/3 scoreless. Gardener meanwhile continues to impress, going 14-33 with 6 walks, a homer and 5 RBI and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in LF and is looking like a real piece of the team's future.

All good things must come to an end and the Rays' 9-game win streak was no exception as the Alamos hammered them 10-3 in the series finale. Brad Paquette has been a revelation this year but was an abomination today, getting shelled in a 2 6 7 7 0 2 outing which saw him give up two homers after allowing six all season before today. Victor Gonzalez continued his outstanding first season with the Rays by going 3-4 with an RBI and heads into the break hitting .300-23-61.

Team record: 60-27, a very comfortable 10 games up on the Yankees. Next up: The All-Star break, after which we return to play on the Thursday for the first of four games in Toronto. We'll also have the Amateur Draft over the break as well.

Art Deco · 01-31-2026, 10:21 PM

The rosters:

The American League All-Stars feature these players:

SP Toby Cooperman (MIN) - 7-8, 4.20 ERA, 109.1 IP, 1.49 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 2.8 WAR
SP Alex Diaz (SA)* - 10-2, 3.22 ERA, 106.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 3.4 WAR
SP Leo Gutierrez (TB) - 8-4, 2.68 ERA, 97.1 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 1.7 WAR
SP Alex Mendoza (DET) - 5-7, 3.94 ERA, 98.1 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 1.5 WAR
SP Tony Verduzco (KC) - 11-1, 2.04 ERA, 88.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 2.1 WAR
SP Wayne Weir (CLE) - 6-4, 3.87 ERA, 109.1 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 10.4 K/9, 2.8 WAR
SP Joe White (BAL) - 4-6, 4.34 ERA, 103.2 IP, 1.39 WHIP, 14.8 K/9, 2.3 WAR
RP P.D. Doucet (LAA) - 2-1, 1.76 ERA, 51.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 0.8 WAR
RP Eric Lewis (TB) - 1-1, 19 SV, 1.51 ERA, 35.2 IP, 0.79 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 1.5 WAR
RP William Parra (SEA) - 3-0, 1.74 ERA, 46.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, 0.7 WAR
RP Hugo Sanchez (KC) - 2-2, 6 SV, 2.45 ERA, 47.2 IP, 1.45 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.1 WAR
CL David Hawks (OAK) - 0-0, 24 SV, 1.60 ERA, 33.2 IP, 1.34 WHIP, 13.4 K/9, 1.3 WAR
CL Derrick Sturghill (SEA)* - 5-1, 21 SV, 0.63 ERA, 43.0 IP, 0.79 WHIP, 11.5 K/9, 2.1 WAR
C Nelson Castillo (SA) - .296/.329/.417, 230 AB, 6 HR, 99 wRC+, 0.8 WAR
C Willie Tellez (CWS)* - .254/.336/.456, 248 AB, 14 HR, 116 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
C Israel White (BAL) - .250/.335/.452, 188 AB, 9 HR, 108 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
1B Jared Baity (LAA)* - .279/.373/.463, 315 AB, 11 HR, 13 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
1B Salvatore Garza (TEX) - .312/.378/.591, 337 AB, 27 HR, 2 SB, 162 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
1B Darius Williams (SA)* - .327/.403/.607, 336 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 169 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
2B Juan Blanchard (TOR) - .307/.332/.432, 257 AB, 2 HR, 3 SB, 107 wRC+, 1.0 WAR
2B David Sandoval (BOS) - .248/.300/.498, 315 AB, 21 HR, 112 wRC+, 0.8 WAR
3B Victor Gonzalez (TB) - .295/.333/.538, 329 AB, 23 HR, 138 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
3B Jose Kwan (BAL) - .344/.408/.560, 302 AB, 11 HR, 26 SB, 163 wRC+, 4.5 WAR
3B Jalen Smith (TEX)* - .287/.348/.615, 286 AB, 25 HR, 157 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
SS Jeremy Begley (TB)* - .335/.391/.612, 227 AB, 16 HR, 14 SB, 172 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
LF Nicodemas Jacobson (HOU)* - .294/.367/.524, 347 AB, 14 HR, 25 SB, 143 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
LF Hector Ruiz (SA) - .340/.384/.611, 321 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 169 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
LF Alex Samano (MIN) - .287/.374/.607, 300 AB, 27 HR, 1 SB, 164 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
CF Danny Rodriguez (TB) - .305/.403/.517, 331 AB, 18 HR, 16 SB, 157 wRC+, 4.5 WAR
CF Ernesto Rodriguez (NYY) - .287/.343/.547, 289 AB, 19 HR, 13 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
CF Moises Rubio (SEA)* - .301/.359/.511, 319 AB, 15 HR, 10 SB, 140 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
RF Rogelio Fitzgerald (TB)* - .280/.348/.575, 322 AB, 23 HR, 142 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
RF Leo Gil (TEX) - .288/.359/.547, 316 AB, 21 HR, 145 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
RF Ramon Pineda (NYY)* - .282/.335/.512, 330 AB, 16 HR, 2 SB, 130 wRC+, 2.6 WAR

On the National League All-Star roster will be:

SP Kevin DiCostanzo (LAD) - 5-7, 3.57 ERA, 108.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 2.4 WAR
SP Melvin Fuentes (MIA) - 5-6, 3.06 ERA, 103.0 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 2.6 WAR
SP James Hays (LAD) - 6-3, 3.25 ERA, 91.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 1.0 WAR
SP Juan Maldonado (ATL) - 9-4, 3.00 ERA, 105.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 2.0 WAR
SP Steve Pitzer (NYM) - 8-1, 2.82 ERA, 111.2 IP, 0.92 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 2.1 WAR
SP Joe Scheu (SD) - 10-5, 2.56 ERA, 105.1 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 2.3 WAR
SP Andy Williamson (WSH)* - 8-4, 3.80 ERA, 106.2 IP, 1.38 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 2.5 WAR
RP Brad Garrard (LAD) - 1-0, 2.01 ERA, 44.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 0.6 WAR
RP Brad Jones (NYM)* - 5-0, 2.02 ERA, 35.2 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 0.4 WAR
RP Chris Thiel (MEM) - 4-2, 2.29 ERA, 51.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, -0.4 WAR
CL Tony Alicea (PHI) - 2-6, 19 SV, 3.54 ERA, 40.2 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 13.3 K/9, 1.1 WAR
CL Ruben Sandoval (SD) - 7-1, 20 SV, 0.72 ERA, 37.1 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.9 WAR
CL Devon Williams (WSH) - 7-3, 15 SV, 2.81 ERA, 41.2 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.8 WAR
C Jon Born (NYM)* - .272/.327/.524, 250 AB, 16 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
C Oscar Delgado (COL) - .285/.348/.585, 260 AB, 22 HR, 143 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
C Chris Navarro (WSH) - .319/.362/.463, 270 AB, 9 HR, 123 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
1B Alex Bautista (ARI) - .314/.358/.607, 338 AB, 22 HR, 1 SB, 158 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
1B Manny Mercado (WSH) - .352/.401/.534, 335 AB, 10 HR, 13 SB, 153 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
1B John Natson (EP)* - .293/.405/.595, 321 AB, 28 HR, 174 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
2B Willie Gonzalez (MEM) - .314/.381/.625, 328 AB, 25 HR, 4 SB, 174 wRC+, 4.4 WAR
2B Arturo Gutierrez (MIL) - .293/.355/.524, 294 AB, 16 HR, 9 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
2B Justin Young (PHI) - .285/.361/.524, 319 AB, 19 HR, 10 SB, 137 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
3B Ricky Castro (ARI)* - .268/.340/.461, 317 AB, 11 HR, 16 SB, 114 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
3B Ruben Pacheco (CIN) - .319/.363/.438, 313 AB, 2 HR, 38 SB, 116 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
SS Alex Cieszewski (WSH)* - .277/.343/.402, 321 AB, 7 HR, 2 SB, 100 wRC+, 1.2 WAR
SS Jayden Williamson (NYM)* - .328/.387/.602, 299 AB, 22 HR, 7 SB, 174 wRC+, 4.0 WAR
LF Kevin Aguillard (CHC) - .309/.382/.628, 288 AB, 25 HR, 14 SB, 171 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
LF Melvin Archundia (CHC)* - .253/.292/.460, 324 AB, 20 HR, 100 wRC+, 0.4 WAR
LF Orlando Bravo (WSH) - .349/.380/.605, 344 AB, 22 HR, 14 SB, 164 wRC+, 4.4 WAR
LF Jared Brown (STL) - .300/.361/.545, 343 AB, 22 HR, 148 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
LF Mario Medina (COL)* - .305/.370/.555, 308 AB, 15 HR, 4 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
LF Mario Velasguez (PHI)* - .305/.365/.629, 151 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 164 wRC+, 2.0 WAR (Injured)
CF Alexis Belmarez (LAD)* - .330/.374/.432, 345 AB, 2 HR, 5 SB, 123 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
CF Danny Robertson (COL) - .313/.338/.572, 278 AB, 14 HR, 16 SB, 136 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
RF Mike Kleinsasser (SF) - .307/.370/.573, 342 AB, 22 HR, 6 SB, 156 wRC+, 2.9 WAR

Rays well-represented with 6 honorees while all those italicized players on the NL are former Rays, including about half the NL's pitching staff. Gutierrez and Gonzalez are first-timers, while it's the 8th trip for Lewis, 10th for Begley, 2nd for D-Rod, and 5th for Fitzgerald (of course his first as a Ray and an ALer, having spent his prior career in Milwaukee).

The Derby:

No Rays invited, with Sal Garza of Texas the only former Ray after his partial season with us last year:

The Game:

A mixed bag for the Rays in this one - on the hitting side Fitzgerald doubled and Gonzalez singled but was almost immediately picked off while Begley and D-Rod went hitless. On the mound Gutierrez pitched a scoreless innings but Lewis gave up a 2-run homer in the 8th which put the game away for the NL.

Art Deco · 02-02-2026, 10:08 PM

Zamora: College junior from William & Mary who has a 75 contact and 65 power ceiling to go with a 55 eye but will probably end up at 1B. If he reaches that potential he can play anywhere he wants.

Velasco: Puerto Rican high school SP with 80/55/70 potential to dream on.

Webb: Back to the collegiate ranks. This Gonzaga standout is a true OF unlike Zamora and could even play a decent center. 65 contact and 60 power potential with good speed.

Roane: A high school CF from New York who also should be a quality defensive OF and could flash 55 contact and 70 power.

Gonzalez: Another high schooler from Puerto Rico and another power pitching prospect (70/65/60) whom we went overslot to nab in the 4th round.

Smith: College 2B from Concord with 55 contact/65 power potential and can probably stick at second.

Art Deco · 02-07-2026, 02:11 PM

The Rays returned to action after the All-Star break and didn't miss a beat, taking 3 of 4 in the Great White North.

Led by Rogelio Fitzgerald, the Rays were home run-happy in their first game back as they jarred the Jays 7-1. Fitzgerald's slow start after coming over in the big early-season trade is but a distant memory and he was 3-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI today, giving him 17 with Tampa Bay and 25 overall. Also going deep with solo shots were Willis Ramirez (#5) and Jeremy Begley (#17). All this support made things comfortable for Danny Morales (10-8), who also continues to turn his season around with today's 7 3 1 1 1 5 outing.

Ruben Cerrillo was brilliant and the Rays got just enough offense to get by Toronto 2-0 in the second game. The stylish lefty improved to 10-3 after a 7 2 0 0 1 5 gem and Eric Lewis completed the team shutout with his 20th save. Jeremy Begley scored both runs, once thanks to himself as he hit another solo homer (#18) and the other when Willis Ramirez singled him home.

The bullpen let Tampa Bay down in the third game as the Jays got the better of them 6-4. Jeremy Begley homered for the third straight day (#19), this time leading off the game, and after they fell behind 3-1 Billy Doughty belted a 2-run blast to tie the game. Unfortunately though Danny Mauricio (4-1), who had given up the third Toronto run, yielded another in the bottom of the 7th and then the Jays scored two more against Walt Kelly in the 8th. Doughty's second homer of the game (#8), a solo shot, completed the scoring. Sebastian Burns turned in another solid start going 5 6 2 2 1 4.

The Rays bounced back to take the finale 8-2 from Toronto, despite managing only six hits. That's because four of those six hits were home runs as they clouted a dozen in the four-game series. After Victor Gonzalez broke the ice with a 2nd-inning solo shot (#24), Willis Ramirez delivered the big blow, a 3rd-inning grand slam (#6) to break the game open. Justin Blackwell added a 2-run bomb (#12) in the 4th and Rogelio Fitzgerald put the cherry on top with his 18th/26th. This made it all fun and games for Brad Paquette (7-6), who went 6.2 7 2 2 1 9 for the win. One sour note though: RF Danny Rivera suffered a severe ankle sprain and will miss 5 weeks.

Team record: 63-28. Next up: Home for a 2-game mini-series against Boston.

Art Deco · 02-11-2026, 02:23 PM

The Rays took a pair of thrilling extra-win wins from the Red Sox at Tropicana Field, but lost yet another key regular as the injuries pile up. Thankfully they've built an 11 1/2-game lead in the AL East so they should withstand things.

Transaction: Starting RF Danny Rivera hits the IL with the severe ankle sprain he suffered in Toronto and OF Willie Maldonado is up from Durham. Rookie Isaac Gardener will be the full-time RF for now.

Rogelio Fitzgerald hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to dramatically tie the game and then Billy Doughty came off the bench to deliver a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 14th as the Rays beat Boston 5-3, but the win was a costly one. That's because in the 13th Rays do-everything superstar Jeremy Begley was hit on the hand with a pitch and suffered a fractured finger which will sideline him 6-7 weeks. This after he already missed a month with a strained back muscle, so at least the team knows how to cope in his absence. As for the game a couple of errors helped Boston to a 3-1 lead against Leo Gutierrez, who went a solid 6 6 3 1 0 5. The bullpen was brilliant from there, going a combined 8 2 0 0 1 9 with Stephen Farrior (3-0) going the final two innings for the win. Earlier Victor Gonzalez put the Rays on the board with a solo shot (#25), Fitzgerald's game-tying blast was his 19th as a Ray and 27th overall, and Doughty's walk-off winner was his 9th.

Transaction: Begley goes on the IL and SS Jim Vroom is recalled from Durham. Vroom, who was up briefly earlier this year when Begley was out the first time, will job-share at the position with Ray Green.

Runs were at a premium in the second game but the Rays got one across in the bottom of the 10th to win 2-1 when Ray Green delivered a sac fly to walk it off after Tampa Bay had loaded the bases. Danny Morales was excellent at 7.2 8 1 1 0 7 but went one batter too long trying to cover a tired bullpen, allowing a 2-out homer in the 8th to last man he faced to let Boston tie it up. Jamie Arnold (1-0) retired all five men he faced to earn the win.

Team record: 65-28. Next up: Another 2-game mini-series at home, this time against the Yankees.

Art Deco · 02-15-2026, 09:05 PM

Perhaps as a result of missing three key regulars the offense took a holiday in this two-game mini-series with the Yankees, scoring a grand total of one run as the Rays dropped both games.

The opener was a 2-1 defeat to New York, a game in which Ruben Cerrillo (10-4) pitched well (6 5 2 2 2 6) but took an undeserved loss. Rookie Isaac Gardener was the lone bright spot on offense, going 2-4 and singling in the Rays' only run.

Sebastian Burns suffered his first defeat since joining the Rays' rotation but (stop me if you've heard this before) hurled a quality start as Tampa Bay dropped the second game 4-0 to the Yankees. Burns (3-1) held the score at 1-0 until he surrendered a 2-run homer in the 6th and he ended up going a season-high seven innings with his final line 7 4 3 3 1 8. The bats got six hits (including two more from Isaac Gardener, who's up to .406) in another quiet night.

Team record: 65-30. The two-game sweep did see the Yankees gain ground on the Rays but the division lead remains a comfortable 9 1/2 games. Next up: They'll try to scratch some runs together against Oakland, which visits the Trop for 3 games.

Art Deco · 02-19-2026, 07:24 PM

After only seven runs were scored combined by both teams in their last three games, offense returned to Tropicana Field as the A's and Rays combined for 32 runs over the weekend. And Tampa Bay came out on top in all three affairs to get things going again.

Victor Gonzalez was the star in the opener, punctuating a great debut season to date with his best game yet as he homered twice, was 3-3 and drove in five runs to lead the Rays to a 9-5 win over Oakland. After the A's grabbed a 3-1 lead in the 3rd against Brad Paquette, Willis Ramirez went solo (#7) and then Gonzalez put the Rays ahead with the first of a pair of 2-run shots. And in the 5th Gonzalez put the game out of reach with his second (#27) with Rogelio Fitzgerald adding a 2-run jack (#20/28) in the 8th for good measure. Paquette (8-6) wasn't at his best (6 9 4 4 1 5) but had more than enough run support for the win.

The second game wasn't pretty but the Rays squeezed out a 4-3 win over Oakland. All of their offense came in a 4-run 3rd which was highlighted by Rogelio Fitzgerald's bases-clearing double. Leo Gutierrez got the start but left after retiring the first five men he faced with back tightness though he'll be fine for his next start. Chris Ericson (2-0) picked up the slack and although he wasn't that great at 4.1 6 2 2 2 1 in long relief it was good enough for the win. Eric Lewis struck out two in a perfect 9th for his 21st save.

Tampa Bay capped a sweep with a back-and-forth 6-5 win in the finale thanks to Rogelio Fitzgerald's dramatic 2-run homer (#21/29) in the bottom of the 8th inning. After Oakland drew first blood the Rays went up 4-1 in the 4th on Ray Green's 3-run blast (#5) but Danny Morales couldn't hold the lead, giving up a pair of homers and finishing 6 6 4 4 2 4. The A's then got a run across in the top of the 8th off Jamie Arnold (2-0) to go up 5-4, but Fitzgerald had other ideas in the home half of the frame. Eric Lewis was brilliant again, this time striking out the side in a 1-2-3 9th for save #22.

Team record: 68-30. Next up: A day off then we hit the road starting with 3 in Baltimore.

Art Deco · 02-24-2026, 04:11 PM

Before we dive into the games it's time to recap a major trade the Rays pulled off with the deadline approaching:

We hooked up with our in-state rivals to upgrade the bullpen (and the rotation in the future). Started shopping Moorer around to see what he would fetch and Rodriguez came up. He's one of the best relievers in baseball (rated 80/70/55) and is only in his second MLB season with 144 whiffs in 103 career MLB innings. He'll be the 8th-inning guy for now setting up Eric Lewis but is obviously the closer of the future (or sooner). But the real need was for a bullpen lefty with Jamie Arnold the only option right now so the deal was expanded to add Kadare, another second-year guy. He's rated 60/65/55 and has three 60 or better pitches to go with 60 stamina so his future is as a starter but for now he gives us a multi-inning weapon from the left side. The cost to get both these guys was high with #92 overall prospect Moorer, who projects as 60/70 hitter but is a butcher in the field (40 LF) and future DH, and #36 overall prospect in Rios. Rios underwent Tommy John surgery though, so there's a risk element there.

To make room for the duo from Miami, Omar Sears was optioned back to Durham and we shipped Chris Ericson to Minnesota for a 29-year-old AAA lefty vet Aiden White, who could be a passable fifth starter if we need him (White pitched a shutout in his Durham debut but only fanned three).

As for the Baltimore series the squad continued to roll despite key players being out as they took 2 of 3.

The Rays rode a 4-run 2nd inning to beat Baltimore 8-3 in the opener. Billy Doughty had a 2-run single and rookie Jim Vroom drove in his first MLB run with a single to cap the big inning. Vroom also doubled and tripled in his best game to date and Justin Blackwell drew a pair of bases-loaded walks. Ruben Cerrillo (11-4) went 7 3 3 2 3 7 in rolling to victory.

Another big early inning enabled Tampa Bay to overcome the Orioles as a 7-run 3rd led to a 10-2 rout, the team's 70th win this season in their 100th game. The Rays got a pair of 3-run homers in that frame, first from Willis Ramirez (#8) and then from Victor Gonzalez (#28). Billy Doughty added a 2-run shot (#10) later in the game. Sebastian Burns (4-1) turned in another great outing, going 5 4 2 0 1 4 for the win.

It took 12 innings but the Rays finally succumbed to Baltimore, losing a 5-4 game they really were lucky to have taken as far as they did given the Orioles left a ridiculous 15 men on base. Still it was one they should have won as Eric Lewis shockingly did not hold a 4-3 lead in the 9th, only the second time this season he's blown a save. They had taken a 3-1 lead in the 6th on yet another Victor Gonzalez homer (#29) but Brad Paquette, who was fortunate to have allowed only one run to date, made a mess in the 5th which forced him out and Stephen Farrior allowed his men to score to tie it. Still when Isaac Gardener restored the lead with a solo homer (#2) in the 7th the game was there for the winning. Paquette had a rough 5 10 3 3 2 2 line and the tilt was ultimately lost when Jerry Baylor (1-1) gave up a 2-out, 2-run homer in the bottom of the 12th.

Team record: 70-31. Next up: The road trip continues with 3 in Seattle.

Art Deco · 02-27-2026, 12:03 PM

Seattle is probably the toughest run environment in the game, and this series bore that out with the teams combining for 9 runs total over the three games. As they've been doing of late the Rays took two of these affairs.

Tampa Bay could only manage three hits in the opener but one of them was a 2-run Billy Doughty double in the 5th after a pair of walks and that was all they needed to get by the Mariners 2-1. Leo Gutierrez (9-4) lowered his AL-leading ERA to 2.51 after a 6.1 4 1 1 3 3 outing, new acquistion Jose Rodriguez bridged the staff until the 9th by retiring all five men he faced, and Eric Lewis finished it off for save #23.

If you thought the opener had too much scoring you'd absolutely love the second game as neither team could cross home plate until the 15th inning. The team that did was the Rays as they squeezed out a 1-0 win when Justin Blackwell singled and stole second and then came home on Isaac Gardener's single. Until then it was zero after zero led by Danny Morales, who was excellent at 6 5 0 0 0 6. The Rays then got 9 more shutout innings with Walt Kelly (6-3) going the final three for the win.

The Mariners did salvage the final with a relatively high-scoring 3-2 win. Ruben Cerrillo (11-5) pitched well at 6 7 2 2 1 6 but he couldn't get enough support. One bright spot was the slumping Danny Rodriguez's first 2-hit game in forever and he drove in a run as well.

Team record: 72-32. Next up: The two-week road trip continues with 3 games in Philadelphia.

MLB News: A couple of long-time MLBers still playing and notable IRL today had diverging outcomes. 41-year-old Royal Vlad Guerrero Jr. may finally be done thanks to a concussion which will end his season while Padres OF Julio Rodriguez belted career homer 600.

Art Deco · 03-02-2026, 05:16 PM

Once again the Rays took 2 out of 3, this time in the City of Brotherly Love.

It was 6-0 Tampa Bay by the 4th and the Rays went on to pop the Phillies 8-3 in the opener. The big hit which put them ahead to stay was the first MLB homer for Willie Maldonado, whose 2-run shot in the 3rd broke the ice and they also got a big hit from another rookie as Jim Vroom's 2-run single capped a 4-run 4th. That was enough for Sebastian Burns to keep rolling as a starter, going to 5-1 after a 6 4 3 3 0 5 outing while Chad Montgomery nabbed his 3rd 3-inning save of the year.

Brad Paquette's recent struggles continued and he was unable to hold a 5-2 lead but the Rays picked up a couple of late runs to beat the Phillies again 7-5. Paquette was a rough 4.1 11 5 5 0 3 and has allowed 30 hits and 12 runs over his last 15.1 IP covering three starts. The bullpen was magnificent though with Stephen Farrior (4-0) getting the win and Eric Lewis notching save #24. The big blow early was Victor Gonzalez's grand slam (#30) in the 4th but it was Justin Blackwell's RBI double in the 8th which broke a 5-5 tie and Isaac Gardener added a solo shot (#3) in the 9th for insurance.

Leo Gutierrez came into the finale with the best ERA in the AL but to say he labored in a 4-1 loss to the Phillies would be an understatement. The lefty (now 9-5) threw 93 pitches and couldn't even finish the third inning as he went 3-2 on seemingly everyone and ended up 2.2 7 4 3 4 1. His ERA rose to 2.68 but it's still the league's lowest. And while the bullpen was fantastic again with 5 1/3 scoreless innings the bats couldn't get anything going with only Isaac Gardener (3-4, now hitting .355) looking decent.

Team record: 74-33. Next up: An off-day then 3 games in Miami.

01-20-2026, 01:34 PM	#1621
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	2040 Midseason Review As noted previously the Rays have opened up quite the lead in the AL East. Their perennial roadblock Houston is also looking good for the playoffs so nobody's getting too excited yet. As one might expect there's excellence all around in these numbers, unless strikeouts are the be-all and end-all of your statistical love because in that case the Rays strike out more than anyone else but their pitchers don't strike out that many. Of course the pitchers don't need to because the defense is elite again, led by perennial Gold Glove SS Jeremy Begley. D-Rod and Begley look like they'll battle each other (and some other guys) for AL MVP while we have an entire lineup's worth of position players on pace for at least 3 WAR (Fitzgerald's overall WAR including his time in Milwaukee is 2.4). The skunk at the party is Fisher, who has battled injuries and relative ineffectiveness, but Ramirez and (over the last week) Gardener have produced in his stead. And the pitching is just as much fun to look at with the entire rotation having fine seasons - in fact our longtime ace Morales is probably the weakest link so far but he's been really good of late as well after getting off to a bad start. And when Espinoza went down Burns has stepped right in and not missed a beat. The only weakness here is the setup relief where Kelly and the recently-acquired Farrior have struggled, especially with the home run ball. That was the story with Lewis last year but he's rebounded to have an incredible season and took over the closer's role from Kelly. The middle guys have been very good though. The farm system isn't too bad for a team which perennially drafts at the end of the first round, with some highly regarded pitching prospects dominating the top of the list. Not shown here is the depth at Durham with several mid-20s guys ready to step in to the big club like Solorzano, Maldonado and Vroom (ok, he is listed).

01-24-2026, 04:06 PM	#1622
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 2-4, 2040: at Cleveland (3) The Rays rode strong pitching (4 runs allowed total) in sweeping the Guardians in Cleveland. The opener was the only one of the three games where the bats carried the day for Tampa Bay as they gouged the Guardians 8-2. They scored in five consecutive innings from the 3rd through the 7th and they were led by Danny Rodriguez, who was 3-5 with a pair of solo homers (#17 & 18), two of the five launched by Rays hitters. Also going yard were Justin Blackwell (#11, solo), Jeremy Begley (#16, a 2-run blast) and John Lopez (#3, solo). Brad Paquette (6-5) pitched to contact as usual, scattering 10 hits in going 7 10 1 1 2 3 for the win. Danny Morales gave up a 2-run homer in the first inning but Victor Gonzalez countered with a 3-run shot (#22) in the 7th and that turned out to be all the scoring in a 3-2 Rays win over Cleveland. Morales finally got over the .500 hump at 9-8 and lowered his ERA below 4 after a poor start to the season with his 6.1 5 2 2 1 3 outing today. Eric Lewis fanned a pair in a perfect 10-pitch inning for save #18. The finale saw a classic pitchers' duel as Leo Gutierrez and the Rays bettered Wayne Weir and the Guardians 1-0. The game's lone run came on a two-out Jeremy Begley RBI double in the 3rd and Gutierrez, Stephen Farrior and Eric Lewis made it stand up. Gutierrez (8-4) was an excellent 6.2 5 0 0 2 4 and lowered his ERA to 2.68 while Lewis nabbed his 19th save as they outdueled one of the game's better hurlers in Weir. Team record: 58-26. The Yankees gave no ground so they are 9 behind. Next up: A day off then we're back home for 3 against San Antonio.

01-28-2026, 10:35 AM	#1623
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 6-8, 2040: vs San Antonio (3) The Rays extended their win streak to 9 games with a couple of thrilling walk-off wins over the Alamos before dropping the finale as they head into the All-Star break. Hits weren't scarce in the opener but runs were as each team reached double digits in the former category before the Rays walked off a 2-1 win over San Antonio in 11 innings. Sebastian Burns continued to excel, going 6 5 0 0 0 8 as the game was scoreless before the teams traded runs in the 7th. Finally in the 11th Justin Blackwell's fourth hit and second double of the day drove in the game-deciding run with Walt Kelly (5-3) picking up the win. The second game was even more thrilling for Rays fans as the team overcame an early 4-0 deficit and scored three runs over the final two innings to pull out a 5-4 win over the Alamos, their 9th straight. The Rays got RBI singles from Isaac Gardener and Rogelio Fitzgerald to tie and win the game in the bottom of the 9th after Victor Gonzalez's solo homer (#23) got them within 4-3 in the 8th. All of this came after Ruben Cerrillo got off to a rough start but hung in there to go 6.2 9 4 4 1 4. Danny Mauricio (4-0) earned the win after going the final 2 1/3 scoreless. Gardener meanwhile continues to impress, going 14-33 with 6 walks, a homer and 5 RBI and playing Gold Glove-caliber defense in LF and is looking like a real piece of the team's future. All good things must come to an end and the Rays' 9-game win streak was no exception as the Alamos hammered them 10-3 in the series finale. Brad Paquette has been a revelation this year but was an abomination today, getting shelled in a 2 6 7 7 0 2 outing which saw him give up two homers after allowing six all season before today. Victor Gonzalez continued his outstanding first season with the Rays by going 3-4 with an RBI and heads into the break hitting .300-23-61. Team record: 60-27, a very comfortable 10 games up on the Yankees. Next up: The All-Star break, after which we return to play on the Thursday for the first of four games in Toronto. We'll also have the Amateur Draft over the break as well.

01-31-2026, 10:21 PM	#1624
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	All-Star Break 2040 The rosters: The American League All-Stars feature these players: SP Toby Cooperman (MIN) - 7-8, 4.20 ERA, 109.1 IP, 1.49 WHIP, 7.7 K/9, 2.8 WAR SP Alex Diaz (SA)* - 10-2, 3.22 ERA, 106.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 11.3 K/9, 3.4 WAR SP Leo Gutierrez (TB) - 8-4, 2.68 ERA, 97.1 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 9.0 K/9, 1.7 WAR SP Alex Mendoza (DET) - 5-7, 3.94 ERA, 98.1 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 1.5 WAR SP Tony Verduzco (KC) - 11-1, 2.04 ERA, 88.1 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 2.1 WAR SP Wayne Weir (CLE) - 6-4, 3.87 ERA, 109.1 IP, 1.23 WHIP, 10.4 K/9, 2.8 WAR SP Joe White (BAL) - 4-6, 4.34 ERA, 103.2 IP, 1.39 WHIP, 14.8 K/9, 2.3 WAR RP P.D. Doucet (LAA) - 2-1, 1.76 ERA, 51.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.2 K/9, 0.8 WAR RP Eric Lewis (TB) - 1-1, 19 SV, 1.51 ERA, 35.2 IP, 0.79 WHIP, 10.9 K/9, 1.5 WAR RP William Parra (SEA) - 3-0, 1.74 ERA, 46.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 9.5 K/9, 0.7 WAR RP Hugo Sanchez (KC) - 2-2, 6 SV, 2.45 ERA, 47.2 IP, 1.45 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.1 WAR CL David Hawks (OAK) - 0-0, 24 SV, 1.60 ERA, 33.2 IP, 1.34 WHIP, 13.4 K/9, 1.3 WAR CL Derrick Sturghill (SEA)* - 5-1, 21 SV, 0.63 ERA, 43.0 IP, 0.79 WHIP, 11.5 K/9, 2.1 WAR C Nelson Castillo (SA) - .296/.329/.417, 230 AB, 6 HR, 99 wRC+, 0.8 WAR C Willie Tellez (CWS)* - .254/.336/.456, 248 AB, 14 HR, 116 wRC+, 3.2 WAR C Israel White (BAL) - .250/.335/.452, 188 AB, 9 HR, 108 wRC+, 1.7 WAR 1B Jared Baity (LAA)* - .279/.373/.463, 315 AB, 11 HR, 13 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.3 WAR 1B Salvatore Garza (TEX) - .312/.378/.591, 337 AB, 27 HR, 2 SB, 162 wRC+, 3.0 WAR 1B Darius Williams (SA)* - .327/.403/.607, 336 AB, 24 HR, 1 SB, 169 wRC+, 3.9 WAR 2B Juan Blanchard (TOR) - .307/.332/.432, 257 AB, 2 HR, 3 SB, 107 wRC+, 1.0 WAR 2B David Sandoval (BOS) - .248/.300/.498, 315 AB, 21 HR, 112 wRC+, 0.8 WAR 3B Victor Gonzalez (TB) - .295/.333/.538, 329 AB, 23 HR, 138 wRC+, 2.7 WAR 3B Jose Kwan (BAL) - .344/.408/.560, 302 AB, 11 HR, 26 SB, 163 wRC+, 4.5 WAR 3B Jalen Smith (TEX)* - .287/.348/.615, 286 AB, 25 HR, 157 wRC+, 3.3 WAR *SS Jeremy Begley (TB) - .335/.391/.612, 227 AB, 16 HR, 14 SB, 172 wRC+, 4.0 WAR** LF Nicodemas Jacobson (HOU)* - .294/.367/.524, 347 AB, 14 HR, 25 SB, 143 wRC+, 3.5 WAR LF Hector Ruiz (SA) - .340/.384/.611, 321 AB, 21 HR, 1 SB, 169 wRC+, 2.6 WAR LF Alex Samano (MIN) - .287/.374/.607, 300 AB, 27 HR, 1 SB, 164 wRC+, 3.7 WAR CF Danny Rodriguez (TB) - .305/.403/.517, 331 AB, 18 HR, 16 SB, 157 wRC+, 4.5 WAR CF Ernesto Rodriguez (NYY) - .287/.343/.547, 289 AB, 19 HR, 13 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.8 WAR CF Moises Rubio (SEA)* - .301/.359/.511, 319 AB, 15 HR, 10 SB, 140 wRC+, 3.7 WAR *RF Rogelio Fitzgerald (TB) - .280/.348/.575, 322 AB, 23 HR, 142 wRC+, 3.0 WAR** RF Leo Gil (TEX) - .288/.359/.547, 316 AB, 21 HR, 145 wRC+, 2.4 WAR RF Ramon Pineda (NYY)* - .282/.335/.512, 330 AB, 16 HR, 2 SB, 130 wRC+, 2.6 WAR On the National League All-Star roster will be: SP Kevin DiCostanzo (LAD) - 5-7, 3.57 ERA, 108.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 9.7 K/9, 2.4 WAR SP Melvin Fuentes (MIA) - 5-6, 3.06 ERA, 103.0 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 10.1 K/9, 2.6 WAR SP James Hays (LAD) - 6-3, 3.25 ERA, 91.1 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 1.0 WAR SP Juan Maldonado (ATL) - 9-4, 3.00 ERA, 105.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 2.0 WAR SP Steve Pitzer (NYM) - 8-1, 2.82 ERA, 111.2 IP, 0.92 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 2.1 WAR SP Joe Scheu (SD) - 10-5, 2.56 ERA, 105.1 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 2.3 WAR SP Andy Williamson (WSH)* - 8-4, 3.80 ERA, 106.2 IP, 1.38 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 2.5 WAR RP Brad Garrard (LAD) - 1-0, 2.01 ERA, 44.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 0.6 WAR RP Brad Jones (NYM)* - 5-0, 2.02 ERA, 35.2 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 8.8 K/9, 0.4 WAR RP Chris Thiel (MEM) - 4-2, 2.29 ERA, 51.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, -0.4 WAR CL Tony Alicea (PHI) - 2-6, 19 SV, 3.54 ERA, 40.2 IP, 0.89 WHIP, 13.3 K/9, 1.1 WAR CL Ruben Sandoval (SD) - 7-1, 20 SV, 0.72 ERA, 37.1 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 9.4 K/9, 1.9 WAR CL Devon Williams (WSH) - 7-3, 15 SV, 2.81 ERA, 41.2 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.8 WAR C Jon Born (NYM)* - .272/.327/.524, 250 AB, 16 HR, 134 wRC+, 2.7 WAR C Oscar Delgado (COL) - .285/.348/.585, 260 AB, 22 HR, 143 wRC+, 2.6 WAR C Chris Navarro (WSH) - .319/.362/.463, 270 AB, 9 HR, 123 wRC+, 2.8 WAR 1B Alex Bautista (ARI) - .314/.358/.607, 338 AB, 22 HR, 1 SB, 158 wRC+, 1.9 WAR 1B Manny Mercado (WSH) - .352/.401/.534, 335 AB, 10 HR, 13 SB, 153 wRC+, 2.8 WAR 1B John Natson (EP)* - .293/.405/.595, 321 AB, 28 HR, 174 wRC+, 4.2 WAR 2B Willie Gonzalez (MEM) - .314/.381/.625, 328 AB, 25 HR, 4 SB, 174 wRC+, 4.4 WAR 2B Arturo Gutierrez (MIL) - .293/.355/.524, 294 AB, 16 HR, 9 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.4 WAR 2B Justin Young (PHI) - .285/.361/.524, 319 AB, 19 HR, 10 SB, 137 wRC+, 3.1 WAR 3B Ricky Castro (ARI)* - .268/.340/.461, 317 AB, 11 HR, 16 SB, 114 wRC+, 2.4 WAR 3B Ruben Pacheco (CIN) - .319/.363/.438, 313 AB, 2 HR, 38 SB, 116 wRC+, 2.9 WAR SS Alex Cieszewski (WSH)* - .277/.343/.402, 321 AB, 7 HR, 2 SB, 100 wRC+, 1.2 WAR SS Jayden Williamson (NYM)* - .328/.387/.602, 299 AB, 22 HR, 7 SB, 174 wRC+, 4.0 WAR LF Kevin Aguillard (CHC) - .309/.382/.628, 288 AB, 25 HR, 14 SB, 171 wRC+, 3.3 WAR LF Melvin Archundia (CHC)* - .253/.292/.460, 324 AB, 20 HR, 100 wRC+, 0.4 WAR LF Orlando Bravo (WSH) - .349/.380/.605, 344 AB, 22 HR, 14 SB, 164 wRC+, 4.4 WAR LF Jared Brown (STL) - .300/.361/.545, 343 AB, 22 HR, 148 wRC+, 2.7 WAR LF Mario Medina (COL)* - .305/.370/.555, 308 AB, 15 HR, 4 SB, 140 wRC+, 2.4 WAR LF Mario Velasguez (PHI)* - .305/.365/.629, 151 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 164 wRC+, 2.0 WAR (Injured) CF Alexis Belmarez (LAD)* - .330/.374/.432, 345 AB, 2 HR, 5 SB, 123 wRC+, 1.9 WAR CF Danny Robertson (COL) - .313/.338/.572, 278 AB, 14 HR, 16 SB, 136 wRC+, 3.1 WAR RF Mike Kleinsasser (SF) - .307/.370/.573, 342 AB, 22 HR, 6 SB, 156 wRC+, 2.9 WAR Rays well-represented with 6 honorees while all those italicized players on the NL are former Rays, including about half the NL's pitching staff. Gutierrez and Gonzalez are first-timers, while it's the 8th trip for Lewis, 10th for Begley, 2nd for D-Rod, and 5th for Fitzgerald (of course his first as a Ray and an ALer, having spent his prior career in Milwaukee). The Derby: No Rays invited, with Sal Garza of Texas the only former Ray after his partial season with us last year: The Game: A mixed bag for the Rays in this one - on the hitting side Fitzgerald doubled and Gonzalez singled but was almost immediately picked off while Begley and D-Rod went hitless. On the mound Gutierrez pitched a scoreless innings but Lewis gave up a 2-run homer in the 8th which put the game away for the NL.

02-02-2026, 10:08 PM	#1625
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	2040 Amateur Draft Zamora: College junior from William & Mary who has a 75 contact and 65 power ceiling to go with a 55 eye but will probably end up at 1B. If he reaches that potential he can play anywhere he wants. Velasco: Puerto Rican high school SP with 80/55/70 potential to dream on. Webb: Back to the collegiate ranks. This Gonzaga standout is a true OF unlike Zamora and could even play a decent center. 65 contact and 60 power potential with good speed. Roane: A high school CF from New York who also should be a quality defensive OF and could flash 55 contact and 70 power. Gonzalez: Another high schooler from Puerto Rico and another power pitching prospect (70/65/60) whom we went overslot to nab in the 4th round. Smith: College 2B from Concord with 55 contact/65 power potential and can probably stick at second.

02-07-2026, 02:11 PM	#1626
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 12-15, 2040: at Toronto (4) The Rays returned to action after the All-Star break and didn't miss a beat, taking 3 of 4 in the Great White North. Led by Rogelio Fitzgerald, the Rays were home run-happy in their first game back as they jarred the Jays 7-1. Fitzgerald's slow start after coming over in the big early-season trade is but a distant memory and he was 3-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI today, giving him 17 with Tampa Bay and 25 overall. Also going deep with solo shots were Willis Ramirez (#5) and Jeremy Begley (#17). All this support made things comfortable for Danny Morales (10-8), who also continues to turn his season around with today's 7 3 1 1 1 5 outing. Ruben Cerrillo was brilliant and the Rays got just enough offense to get by Toronto 2-0 in the second game. The stylish lefty improved to 10-3 after a 7 2 0 0 1 5 gem and Eric Lewis completed the team shutout with his 20th save. Jeremy Begley scored both runs, once thanks to himself as he hit another solo homer (#18) and the other when Willis Ramirez singled him home. The bullpen let Tampa Bay down in the third game as the Jays got the better of them 6-4. Jeremy Begley homered for the third straight day (#19), this time leading off the game, and after they fell behind 3-1 Billy Doughty belted a 2-run blast to tie the game. Unfortunately though Danny Mauricio (4-1), who had given up the third Toronto run, yielded another in the bottom of the 7th and then the Jays scored two more against Walt Kelly in the 8th. Doughty's second homer of the game (#8), a solo shot, completed the scoring. Sebastian Burns turned in another solid start going 5 6 2 2 1 4. The Rays bounced back to take the finale 8-2 from Toronto, despite managing only six hits. That's because four of those six hits were home runs as they clouted a dozen in the four-game series. After Victor Gonzalez broke the ice with a 2nd-inning solo shot (#24), Willis Ramirez delivered the big blow, a 3rd-inning grand slam (#6) to break the game open. Justin Blackwell added a 2-run bomb (#12) in the 4th and Rogelio Fitzgerald put the cherry on top with his 18th/26th. This made it all fun and games for Brad Paquette (7-6), who went 6.2 7 2 2 1 9 for the win. One sour note though: RF Danny Rivera suffered a severe ankle sprain and will miss 5 weeks. Team record: 63-28. Next up: Home for a 2-game mini-series against Boston.

02-11-2026, 02:23 PM	#1627
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 16-17, 2040: vs Boston (2) The Rays took a pair of thrilling extra-win wins from the Red Sox at Tropicana Field, but lost yet another key regular as the injuries pile up. Thankfully they've built an 11 1/2-game lead in the AL East so they should withstand things. Transaction: Starting RF Danny Rivera hits the IL with the severe ankle sprain he suffered in Toronto and OF Willie Maldonado is up from Durham. Rookie Isaac Gardener will be the full-time RF for now. Rogelio Fitzgerald hit a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 9th to dramatically tie the game and then Billy Doughty came off the bench to deliver a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 14th as the Rays beat Boston 5-3, but the win was a costly one. That's because in the 13th Rays do-everything superstar Jeremy Begley was hit on the hand with a pitch and suffered a fractured finger which will sideline him 6-7 weeks. This after he already missed a month with a strained back muscle, so at least the team knows how to cope in his absence. As for the game a couple of errors helped Boston to a 3-1 lead against Leo Gutierrez, who went a solid 6 6 3 1 0 5. The bullpen was brilliant from there, going a combined 8 2 0 0 1 9 with Stephen Farrior (3-0) going the final two innings for the win. Earlier Victor Gonzalez put the Rays on the board with a solo shot (#25), Fitzgerald's game-tying blast was his 19th as a Ray and 27th overall, and Doughty's walk-off winner was his 9th. Transaction: Begley goes on the IL and SS Jim Vroom is recalled from Durham. Vroom, who was up briefly earlier this year when Begley was out the first time, will job-share at the position with Ray Green. Runs were at a premium in the second game but the Rays got one across in the bottom of the 10th to win 2-1 when Ray Green delivered a sac fly to walk it off after Tampa Bay had loaded the bases. Danny Morales was excellent at 7.2 8 1 1 0 7 but went one batter too long trying to cover a tired bullpen, allowing a 2-out homer in the 8th to last man he faced to let Boston tie it up. Jamie Arnold (1-0) retired all five men he faced to earn the win. Team record: 65-28. Next up: Another 2-game mini-series at home, this time against the Yankees. Last edited by Art Deco; 02-11-2026 at 02:25 PM.

02-15-2026, 09:05 PM	#1628
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 18-19, 2040: vs NY Yankees (2) Perhaps as a result of missing three key regulars the offense took a holiday in this two-game mini-series with the Yankees, scoring a grand total of one run as the Rays dropped both games. The opener was a 2-1 defeat to New York, a game in which Ruben Cerrillo (10-4) pitched well (6 5 2 2 2 6) but took an undeserved loss. Rookie Isaac Gardener was the lone bright spot on offense, going 2-4 and singling in the Rays' only run. Sebastian Burns suffered his first defeat since joining the Rays' rotation but (stop me if you've heard this before) hurled a quality start as Tampa Bay dropped the second game 4-0 to the Yankees. Burns (3-1) held the score at 1-0 until he surrendered a 2-run homer in the 6th and he ended up going a season-high seven innings with his final line 7 4 3 3 1 8. The bats got six hits (including two more from Isaac Gardener, who's up to .406) in another quiet night. Team record: 65-30. The two-game sweep did see the Yankees gain ground on the Rays but the division lead remains a comfortable 9 1/2 games. Next up: They'll try to scratch some runs together against Oakland, which visits the Trop for 3 games.

02-19-2026, 07:24 PM	#1629
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 20-22, 2040: vs Oakland (3) After only seven runs were scored combined by both teams in their last three games, offense returned to Tropicana Field as the A's and Rays combined for 32 runs over the weekend. And Tampa Bay came out on top in all three affairs to get things going again. Victor Gonzalez was the star in the opener, punctuating a great debut season to date with his best game yet as he homered twice, was 3-3 and drove in five runs to lead the Rays to a 9-5 win over Oakland. After the A's grabbed a 3-1 lead in the 3rd against Brad Paquette, Willis Ramirez went solo (#7) and then Gonzalez put the Rays ahead with the first of a pair of 2-run shots. And in the 5th Gonzalez put the game out of reach with his second (#27) with Rogelio Fitzgerald adding a 2-run jack (#20/28) in the 8th for good measure. Paquette (8-6) wasn't at his best (6 9 4 4 1 5) but had more than enough run support for the win. The second game wasn't pretty but the Rays squeezed out a 4-3 win over Oakland. All of their offense came in a 4-run 3rd which was highlighted by Rogelio Fitzgerald's bases-clearing double. Leo Gutierrez got the start but left after retiring the first five men he faced with back tightness though he'll be fine for his next start. Chris Ericson (2-0) picked up the slack and although he wasn't that great at 4.1 6 2 2 2 1 in long relief it was good enough for the win. Eric Lewis struck out two in a perfect 9th for his 21st save. Tampa Bay capped a sweep with a back-and-forth 6-5 win in the finale thanks to Rogelio Fitzgerald's dramatic 2-run homer (#21/29) in the bottom of the 8th inning. After Oakland drew first blood the Rays went up 4-1 in the 4th on Ray Green's 3-run blast (#5) but Danny Morales couldn't hold the lead, giving up a pair of homers and finishing 6 6 4 4 2 4. The A's then got a run across in the top of the 8th off Jamie Arnold (2-0) to go up 5-4, but Fitzgerald had other ideas in the home half of the frame. Eric Lewis was brilliant again, this time striking out the side in a 1-2-3 9th for save #22. Team record: 68-30. Next up: A day off then we hit the road starting with 3 in Baltimore.

02-24-2026, 04:11 PM	#1630
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 24-26, 2040: at Baltimore (3) Before we dive into the games it's time to recap a major trade the Rays pulled off with the deadline approaching: We hooked up with our in-state rivals to upgrade the bullpen (and the rotation in the future). Started shopping Moorer around to see what he would fetch and Rodriguez came up. He's one of the best relievers in baseball (rated 80/70/55) and is only in his second MLB season with 144 whiffs in 103 career MLB innings. He'll be the 8th-inning guy for now setting up Eric Lewis but is obviously the closer of the future (or sooner). But the real need was for a bullpen lefty with Jamie Arnold the only option right now so the deal was expanded to add Kadare, another second-year guy. He's rated 60/65/55 and has three 60 or better pitches to go with 60 stamina so his future is as a starter but for now he gives us a multi-inning weapon from the left side. The cost to get both these guys was high with #92 overall prospect Moorer, who projects as 60/70 hitter but is a butcher in the field (40 LF) and future DH, and #36 overall prospect in Rios. Rios underwent Tommy John surgery though, so there's a risk element there. To make room for the duo from Miami, Omar Sears was optioned back to Durham and we shipped Chris Ericson to Minnesota for a 29-year-old AAA lefty vet Aiden White, who could be a passable fifth starter if we need him (White pitched a shutout in his Durham debut but only fanned three). As for the Baltimore series the squad continued to roll despite key players being out as they took 2 of 3. The Rays rode a 4-run 2nd inning to beat Baltimore 8-3 in the opener. Billy Doughty had a 2-run single and rookie Jim Vroom drove in his first MLB run with a single to cap the big inning. Vroom also doubled and tripled in his best game to date and Justin Blackwell drew a pair of bases-loaded walks. Ruben Cerrillo (11-4) went 7 3 3 2 3 7 in rolling to victory. Another big early inning enabled Tampa Bay to overcome the Orioles as a 7-run 3rd led to a 10-2 rout, the team's 70th win this season in their 100th game. The Rays got a pair of 3-run homers in that frame, first from Willis Ramirez (#8) and then from Victor Gonzalez (#28). Billy Doughty added a 2-run shot (#10) later in the game. Sebastian Burns (4-1) turned in another great outing, going 5 4 2 0 1 4 for the win. It took 12 innings but the Rays finally succumbed to Baltimore, losing a 5-4 game they really were lucky to have taken as far as they did given the Orioles left a ridiculous 15 men on base. Still it was one they should have won as Eric Lewis shockingly did not hold a 4-3 lead in the 9th, only the second time this season he's blown a save. They had taken a 3-1 lead in the 6th on yet another Victor Gonzalez homer (#29) but Brad Paquette, who was fortunate to have allowed only one run to date, made a mess in the 5th which forced him out and Stephen Farrior allowed his men to score to tie it. Still when Isaac Gardener restored the lead with a solo homer (#2) in the 7th the game was there for the winning. Paquette had a rough 5 10 3 3 2 2 line and the tilt was ultimately lost when Jerry Baylor (1-1) gave up a 2-out, 2-run homer in the bottom of the 12th. Team record: 70-31. Next up: The road trip continues with 3 in Seattle.

02-27-2026, 12:03 PM	#1631
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	July 27-29, 2040: at Seattle (3) Seattle is probably the toughest run environment in the game, and this series bore that out with the teams combining for 9 runs total over the three games. As they've been doing of late the Rays took two of these affairs. Tampa Bay could only manage three hits in the opener but one of them was a 2-run Billy Doughty double in the 5th after a pair of walks and that was all they needed to get by the Mariners 2-1. Leo Gutierrez (9-4) lowered his AL-leading ERA to 2.51 after a 6.1 4 1 1 3 3 outing, new acquistion Jose Rodriguez bridged the staff until the 9th by retiring all five men he faced, and Eric Lewis finished it off for save #23. If you thought the opener had too much scoring you'd absolutely love the second game as neither team could cross home plate until the 15th inning. The team that did was the Rays as they squeezed out a 1-0 win when Justin Blackwell singled and stole second and then came home on Isaac Gardener's single. Until then it was zero after zero led by Danny Morales, who was excellent at 6 5 0 0 0 6. The Rays then got 9 more shutout innings with Walt Kelly (6-3) going the final three for the win. The Mariners did salvage the final with a relatively high-scoring 3-2 win. Ruben Cerrillo (11-5) pitched well at 6 7 2 2 1 6 but he couldn't get enough support. One bright spot was the slumping Danny Rodriguez's first 2-hit game in forever and he drove in a run as well. Team record: 72-32. Next up: The two-week road trip continues with 3 games in Philadelphia. MLB News: A couple of long-time MLBers still playing and notable IRL today had diverging outcomes. 41-year-old Royal Vlad Guerrero Jr. may finally be done thanks to a concussion which will end his season while Padres OF Julio Rodriguez belted career homer 600.

03-02-2026, 05:16 PM	#1632
Art Deco Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2020 Posts: 7,697	August 3-5, 2040: at Philadelphia (3) Once again the Rays took 2 out of 3, this time in the City of Brotherly Love. It was 6-0 Tampa Bay by the 4th and the Rays went on to pop the Phillies 8-3 in the opener. The big hit which put them ahead to stay was the first MLB homer for Willie Maldonado, whose 2-run shot in the 3rd broke the ice and they also got a big hit from another rookie as Jim Vroom's 2-run single capped a 4-run 4th. That was enough for Sebastian Burns to keep rolling as a starter, going to 5-1 after a 6 4 3 3 0 5 outing while Chad Montgomery nabbed his 3rd 3-inning save of the year. Brad Paquette's recent struggles continued and he was unable to hold a 5-2 lead but the Rays picked up a couple of late runs to beat the Phillies again 7-5. Paquette was a rough 4.1 11 5 5 0 3 and has allowed 30 hits and 12 runs over his last 15.1 IP covering three starts. The bullpen was magnificent though with Stephen Farrior (4-0) getting the win and Eric Lewis notching save #24. The big blow early was Victor Gonzalez's grand slam (#30) in the 4th but it was Justin Blackwell's RBI double in the 8th which broke a 5-5 tie and Isaac Gardener added a solo shot (#3) in the 9th for insurance. Leo Gutierrez came into the finale with the best ERA in the AL but to say he labored in a 4-1 loss to the Phillies would be an understatement. The lefty (now 9-5) threw 93 pitches and couldn't even finish the third inning as he went 3-2 on seemingly everyone and ended up 2.2 7 4 3 4 1. His ERA rose to 2.68 but it's still the league's lowest. And while the bullpen was fantastic again with 5 1/3 scoreless innings the bats couldn't get anything going with only Isaac Gardener (3-4, now hitting .355) looking decent. Team record: 74-33. Next up: An off-day then 3 games in Miami.