Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but the Tampa Bay Rays are doing Rays things again. However, they’ve cranked the volume up to eleven this time.
After hitting a snag earlier in the season, the Rays decided they were done losing. Going into Thursday’s action, the Rays have pushed their winning streak to six games and they have racked up 12 wins in their last 13 contests, cementing themselves as the hottest team in the American League. They are playing a brand of baseball that is low-scoring on the board but incredibly fun to watch if you love surgical precision.
Here is why the Trop has been absolutely buzzing, and why this six-game streak (and the 13-game stretch of allowing three runs or fewer) is truly special.
Why the Tampa Bay Rays are Absolutely Electric
1. Shane McClanahan is a Cheat Code
Remember when people were worried about Shane McClanahan‘s velocity dipping in April? Yeah, that seems like a lifetime ago. After struggling early, McClanahan has turned into a dominant force. He threw 5.2 shutout innings against the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday to secure the sweep, extending his personal scoreless streak to a staggering 16.2 innings. When he’s dialed in like this, he doesn’t just win games, he demoralizes opposing lineups.
2. The Rotation is Operating at “Devil Magic” Levels
It’s not just McClanahan. The Rays’ rotation has a 3.20 ERA, trailing only the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, but it’s their consistency that’s extremely impressive. They’ve allowed three earned runs or fewer in 30 of 36 games this season. Even with injuries, the Rays seem to just pluck another arm from their pitching factory. Drew Rasmussen has been rock-solid, and the starters are keeping this team in every single game, allowing Kevin Cash to bridge to the back end with ease.
3. A Bullpen That Forgot How to Give Up Runs
A few weeks ago, the bullpen was looking a little shaky. Now? They’ve thrown 14 consecutive scoreless innings and allowed just one run over their last 29.1 frames. It’s a collective effort, featuring stalwarts like Kevin Kelly and Garrett Cleavinger holding the line before the closing situation is handled. They have completely turned the narrative around from a tough start to being the most reliable late-inning unit in the AL East.
4. Tropicana Field is a Fortress
The Rays didn’t just win six in a row, they did it while establishing home-field dominance. After sweeping the Blue Jays, the Rays have won 10 straight games at the Trop, tied for the fourth-longest home winning streak in franchise history. Whatever repairs were made to that roof, it has brought some seriously good vibes back to St. Pete. The Rays are 14-4 at home and seem comfortable in their own stadium again. Most people knew the Rays would be good at the Trop, but this good? Probably not.
5. Yandy “The Anchor” Diaz
While the pitching gets the headlines for these low-scoring wins, Yandy Diaz is just out there being one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. His ability to rally the team in the 8th inning, like his RBI single on Tuesday to start a rally against Toronto, is legendary. He’s the steadying force in a lineup that can be, shall we say, eclectic. When the Rays need a clutch hit, they call on Yandy.
6. They Are Winning Ugly (And Loving It)
This team isn’t winning because they are launching 10 home runs a game. They are winning with elite pitching, fantastic bullpen work, and timely hitting. They’ve allowed three runs or fewer in 13 straight games, a franchise record. In a world of high-flying offense, the Rays are reminding everyone that a 3-0 or 4-3 win is just as beautiful as a blowout. It’s a take what the defense gives you approach that is frustrating the rest of the AL East.
What’s Next?
The Rays head to Boston for a series against the Boston Red Sox before traveling to Toronto for a rematch. If this pitching holds up, which there’s no reason to think it won’t, the Yankees might have a real fight on their hands for the AL East crown.
Main Image: Pablo Robles-Imagn Images
