Rays Roundtable: AL East Race, October Injuries and a Suddenly Dangerous Lineup
· Yahoo Sports
The Tampa Bay Rays will continue to look to hold off the New York Yankees for the AL East division lead and the best record in the American League, with just a few weeks left before the MLB postseason.
After the team secured a postseason bid for the first time since 2023, Tampa Bay has plenty to be excited about with this year's roster.
Visit betsport24.es for more information.
On this week's Rays Roundtable, the staff discusses some of the final things the Rays need to do to finish the job.
The Rays are coming off a strong road trip. What are your thoughts about the team with just a few weeks left in the season?
Michael Brauner: This team is hitting its stride. Pitching is always going to be solid, but if the offense can stay hot, an American League pennant is within their reach.
Christian Rauh: This team sure is fun to cover right now, with the offense rolling from top to bottom and the pitching staff consistently looking good. This team is peaking at the right time.
Tampa Bay is dealing with a few injuries to their main roster. Which one concerns you the most?
Michael Brauner: Taylor Walls. He is the key to this infield defensively and has had a tremendous year. Getting him back before the playoffs is critical.
Christian Rauh: Shane McClanahan. Last time this team was in the postseason, they couldn't use him as well, and it was a massive hit to the Rays' roster. This year, the pitching staff is better off, but having him in the rotation would be ideal and possibly needed for a deep postseason run.
The team is starting to get some production across the lineup. Do you believe this consistency can continue into the postseason?
Michael Brauner: It certainly has to if they are going to make a run. Things are starting to click at the right time though, and that is very exciting for Rays fans.
Christian Rauh: I think it can because it's coming from multiple different players that aren't your stars. You're seeing Victor Mesa Jr., Chandler Simpson, and Liam Hicks all succeeding well above their expectations.
Aaron Judge has returned for the New York Yankees. Can the Rays hold off them and win the AL East division?
Michael Brauner: I think there is enough cushion with four games and just a couple of weeks left in the season. If Tampa Bay can stay hot themselves, Judge's return will not cost them the division.
Christian Rauh: The Yankees are on a heater right now, so Tampa Bay has to keep their foot on the gas even though they just clinched the postseason. I think they can hold them off, but it won't be easy. The schedule is not in favor of the Rays the rest of the way. If they can hold them off, this team will be more than prepared for any team they face in the playoffs.