The Rays are technically still in the playoff race, but only nominally. They're 6.5 games out of a wild card spot, and while the Mariners are dropping like a stone the Rays are steadily winning around as many as they're losing. The main issue is that because they lightened the load and sent some of their big pieces packing, they no longer hold a candle to the Yankees, Orioles, Red Sox or even the lighter-but-still-hot Blue Jays. The Jays at least have someone like Vlad Jr. hitting like a storm, and the Rays really don't have an everyman type of guy like that anymore.
So really, it's been on Brandon Lowe's shoulders for a lot of the year. Lowe was a big deal in 2019, coming in as a defensively-inclined rookie with power perks, and made waves with an incredible 2021 where he chased 40 homers, but never really provided consistent offensive support after that. 2024 has been something of a return to form for Lowe, as he's hit .248 with 14 homers and 48 RBIs, while also fully embracing the leadership position that's no doubt been placed upon him. Lowe is a rare above-average hitter that's stayed consistent in Tampa this year, and it's really only him and Yandy Diaz left who can be really relied upon at the plate right now.
However, the Rays have recently been revitalized by the activations of Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen, who'd both been hurt for a year. Springs' activation came at the same time Jason Adam was dealt, meaning Springs found a very funny way of becoming the last remaining member of the Pride Month holdouts in Tampa. Since coming back, Springs has been...reminiscent of his 2022 self without completely bowling people over. He's got a 3.86 ERA and 21 Ks in 4 starts, meaning his 0.00 start to 2023 may have just been very circumstantial. Rasmussen is similarly mediocre so far, with a 5.40 ERA in 3 appearances, only 1 of them starting. Rasmussen will likely get more starts now that Zach Littell is hurt, but he'll need to quickly return to form. Taj Bradley and Ryan Pepiot are still strong at the head of the rotation, but this is a team that's seen pitchers really dominate, and the bar is 'well he's doing well enough right now' this year.
Additionally, we're seeing Junior Caminero back in the majors, and he's already got 3 hits in as many games. The general idea right now seems to be, instead of embracing the low budget, for-rent strategy that got the Rays this far, trying to plug in as many people that worked last year [a year where they actually made the playoffs] and hoping that works. And at the moment it's only working so much. They do match up well against Arizona, but they've had a dismal August so far, and seeing that it ends with games against the Dodgers, Mariners and Padres, it may not be a given that things improve. I think the Rays can never be completely counted out, but if someone like Springs can't provide much of a spark then I don't know what to tell you.
Coming Tomorrow- After people left at the deadline he was brought up to conserve energy, and I'd say he's been doing a good job of that.
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