The big picture
Tampa Bay owns 87-59 and the American League top seed because two frontline arms and a lockdown back end steal tight games while one star bat covers a contact first lineup.

Updated Sep 11 · 6:25 AM EDT · via Tampa Bay local desk
Read the reporting →Tampa Bay owns 87-59 and the American League top seed because two frontline arms and a lockdown back end steal tight games while one star bat covers a contact first lineup.
Tampa Bay has real starter quality behind the plate, at the corners and in the late innings, but the middle of the roster still drags and center field remains the lineup hole.
Tampa Bay wins with contact, speed and run prevention, a .260 average with 147 steals backed by a 3.81 ERA, until a quiet power night leaves no comeback swing.
September funnels Tampa Bay through a home heavyweight stretch before a Bronx doubleheader and a Philadelphia finish decides the top seed.
Tampa Bay owns 87-59 and the American League top seed because two frontline arms and a lockdown back end steal tight games while one star bat covers a contact first lineup.
Official totals show 662 scored and 606 allowed across 146 games, good for plus 56 and a three game lead. Starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and starting pitcher Nick Martinez give October legitimacy while closer Bryan Baker shortens finishes. That formula must now survive a home run through Houston, Boston and a Bronx doubleheader, which makes schedule order the immediate pressure point.
Plus 56 trails the New York Yankees at plus 131 and the Boston Red Sox at plus 82, which points to close wins more than separation.
Watch closer Bryan Baker usage through the Houston Astros series, whether starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and starting pitcher Nick Martinez stay on turn, and whether the East lead stays above two entering the Boston Red Sox set.
Ah, baseball. The Rays looked unimpressive as they lost a series to the lowly New York Mets last week, and I’ll bet I am not the only Rays fan who watched those games and thought, “THIS is a playoff team?” And when they came into Atlanta to play a Braves team that leads the division […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISEarly on, this game had the feeling of a barn burner. A pair of 85-win teams, both atop their divisions, clashing in Atlanta. Heading into the second inning, both teams had already scored and the game was tied at one. Both starting pitchers looked shaky in the first and it felt like we were headed […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISHouston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays - Where to Watch, Stream Info, TV Channel, and Live Updates (September 11, 2026) Fubo
REPORTEDThe Rays were among at least four teams that placed a claim for Luis Robert Jr. when the Mets waived him in late August, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Kevin Acee of The San Diego-Union Tribune previously reported that San Diego placed a claim as well. Robert ended up with the Orioles, while […]
REPORTEDTampa officials delay Rays-related redevelopment area changes 2 months tampabay.com
REPORTEDThe Tampa Bay Rays have announced the winners of their 2026 Minor League awards: Minor League Co-Player of the Year: Catcher Caden Bodine Bodine, 22, has slashed .344/.411/.519 (156-for-453) with 27 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 97 RBI, 49 walks, and 81 runs scored over 112 games across four levels of the Rays system […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISRays' clinch will have to wait after Martinez's gem goes for naught MLB.com
OFFICIALGo Rays!
REPORTED_ANALYSISRun differential: +56 · 662 scored · 606 allowed
Tampa Bay is 28 games over .500 with a +56 run differential. The Rays have gone 5-4 across the last 9 games, which is the current form beneath the season record.
The catch: The standings establish the race. Rotation health, bullpen leverage and lineup depth determine whether Tampa Bay can control it through September.






September funnels Tampa Bay through a home heavyweight stretch before a Bronx doubleheader and a Philadelphia finish decides the top seed.
A 2-1 series win at Atlanta banked road equity before nine straight home games with Houston, the Athletics and Boston. Three home games with the Athletics offer the only soft pocket left on the supplied slate. That sequencing raises the cost of burning closer Bryan Baker and reliever Kevin Kelly early, which ties schedule order directly to roster health.
Soft does not mean automatic after the 0-6 shutout at Texas on Sep 3 and dropping two of three at home to the New York Mets including a 4-10 loss on Sep 2.
Watch whether Tampa Bay takes the Houston Astros home set, how the Athletics series lines up the Boston Red Sox series, and bullpen usage for closer Bryan Baker and reliever Kevin Kelly across short rest.
Ah, baseball. The Rays looked unimpressive as they lost a series to the lowly New York Mets last week, and I’ll bet I am not the only Rays fan who watched those games and thought, “THIS is a playoff team?” And when they came into Atlanta to play a Braves team that leads the division […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISGo Rays!
REPORTED_ANALYSISGo Rays!
REPORTED_ANALYSISWhat you need to know for Rays' Spring Breakout game (7:10 p.m. ET) MLB.com
OFFICIALRays' struggles in Arlington continue in series-opening loss to Rangers MLB.com
OFFICIALOrioles' No. 8 prospect Aloy mashes 2 more homers amid extended hot streak MLB.com
OFFICIAL
























Tampa Bay has earned the top seed at 87-59 with two trustworthy starters, a lockdown late pen and a star bat, yet plus 56 against direct rivals leaves a front runner that must win close rather than command October.
Official totals verify 87-59 with 662 scored and 606 allowed, good for the top seed and a three game lead over the New York Yankees. Starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen and starting pitcher Nick Martinez give two trustworthy October starts, while closer Bryan Baker and reliever Kevin Kelly anchor a pen that survives one run scripts. Third baseman Junior Caminero with 39 homers plus designated hitter Yandy Diaz and catcher Liam Hicks supply thump for a contact and speed offense at .260 with 147 steals. The Sep 10 official 1-3 loss at Atlanta delayed the clinch without changing the shape, and single-source reporting on starting pitcher Freddy Peralta rebound and second ranked positioning defense adds intrigue without independent proof. The failed claim for waived player Luis Robert Jr., reported as single-source reporting from reporter Jon Heyman, shows search for outfield help without changing the roster. Schedule order sharpens the point, with Houston and Boston at home before a Bronx doubleheader decides seeding. The strongest countercase is arithmetic, with New York at plus 131 and Boston at plus 82 plus shaky season lines for starting pitcher Freddy Peralta and starting pitcher Steven Matz and a .204 line from center fielder Cedric Mullins.
Plus 56 against the New York Yankees at plus 131 is the strongest case the seed outruns the margin.
Watch starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen command, closer Bryan Baker usage if Houston produces more one run finishes, third baseman Junior Caminero power output against Houston and Boston arms, and any official injury clarity.
Orioles' No. 8 prospect Aloy mashes 2 more homers amid extended hot streak MLB.com
OFFICIALDeadline acquisitions coming up big for Rays in stretch run MLB.com
OFFICIAL'Little Tony Gwynn' the prospect to watch for Rays MLB.com
OFFICIALThe latest episode of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast is now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you subscribe as well! You can also use the player at this link to listen, if you don’t use Spotify or Apple for podcasts. This week, host Darragh McDonald is joined by Anthony Franco of […]
REPORTEDAh, baseball. The Rays looked unimpressive as they lost a series to the lowly New York Mets last week, and I’ll bet I am not the only Rays fan who watched those games and thought, “THIS is a playoff team?” And when they came into Atlanta to play a Braves team that leads the division […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISEarly on, this game had the feeling of a barn burner. A pair of 85-win teams, both atop their divisions, clashing in Atlanta. Heading into the second inning, both teams had already scored and the game was tied at one. Both starting pitchers looked shaky in the first and it felt like we were headed […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISThis was the 22nd week of full minor league play (stats are entering play on Tuesday, September 8th). According to FanGraphs (which factors in age and proximity to the big leagues), prospect Theo Gillen tops the system and might just find himself in the running for Minor League Player of the Year. Gillen ranks 3th […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISHouston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays - Where to Watch, Stream Info, TV Channel, and Live Updates (September 11, 2026) Fubo
REPORTEDRun differential, lineup depth, rotation innings, bullpen performance and the remaining opponents tell us whether Tampa Bay is built to hold its place.
Making the field is not the finish line. Tampa Bay has to arrive with a rotation and bullpen capable of surviving the American League bracket.
Tampa Bay has real starter quality behind the plate, at the corners and in the late innings, but the middle of the roster still drags and center field remains the lineup hole.
The listed group runs 28 names with 14 pitchers, three catchers, five infielders, five outfielders and designated hitter Yandy Diaz, a September sized roster with normal shape. Third baseman Junior Caminero, catcher Liam Hicks and starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen give proven star production, while four relievers under 2.55 ERA cover a light power profile. That tilt explains why run prevention must keep covering close games with Houston and Boston looming, which ties roster shape to schedule pressure.
Starting pitcher Freddy Peralta at 8-11 with a 4.82 ERA and starting pitcher Steven Matz at 5.72 ERA with negative WAR remain vulnerable turns.
Watch how starter Griffin Jax and pitcher Ian Seymour are deployed through Houston, whether reliever Alexander Cook earns trust after limited work, and playing time for center fielder Cedric Mullins if the average stays near .204.
The Rays announced three roster moves, including the news that left-hander Garrett Cleavinger has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left forearm tightness. Right-hander Ty Johnson’s contract was selected from Triple-A Durham to fill Cleavinger’s spot on the active roster, and infielder Oliver Dunn was designated for assignment to create space for […]
REPORTEDThe Rays announced that left-hander Shane McClanahan has been placed on the 15-day injured list with left forearm tightness. Right-hander Alex Cook has been recalled as the corresponding move. Thus far, the Rays have not provided many details about the severity of the injury. For what it’s worth, McClanahan tells Marc Topkin of the Tampa […]
REPORTEDHouston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays - Where to Watch, Stream Info, TV Channel, and Live Updates (September 11, 2026) Fubo
REPORTEDThe Rays were among at least four teams that placed a claim for Luis Robert Jr. when the Mets waived him in late August, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Kevin Acee of The San Diego-Union Tribune previously reported that San Diego placed a claim as well. Robert ended up with the Orioles, while […]
REPORTEDTampa officials delay Rays-related redevelopment area changes 2 months tampabay.com
REPORTEDThe Tampa Bay Rays have announced the winners of their 2026 Minor League awards: Minor League Co-Player of the Year: Catcher Caden Bodine Bodine, 22, has slashed .344/.411/.519 (156-for-453) with 27 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 97 RBI, 49 walks, and 81 runs scored over 112 games across four levels of the Rays system […]
REPORTED_ANALYSIS| # | Player | Pos | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #47 | Bryan Baker | RP | 31 | Active |
| #62 | Cam Booser | RP | 34 | Active |
| #54 | Alexander Cook | RP | 25 | Active |
| #22 | Griffin Jax | SP | 31 | Active |
| #55 | Ty Johnson | RP | 24 | Active |
| #49 | Kevin Kelly | RP | 28 | Active |
| #67 | Casey Legumina | RP | 29 | Active |
| #28 | Nick Martinez | SP | 36 | Active |
| #32 | Steven Matz | SP | 35 | Active |
| #51 | Freddy Peralta | SP | 30 | Active |
| #57 | Drew Rasmussen | SP | 31 | Active |
| #61 | Ian Seymour | SP | 27 | Active |
| #71 | Cole Sulser | RP | 36 | Active |
| #68 | Tyler Wells | RP | 32 | Active |
| # | Player | Pos | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #40 | Nick Fortes | C | 29 | Active |
| #34 | Liam Hicks | C | 27 | Active |
| #50 | Kenny Piper | C | 28 | Active |
| # | Player | Pos | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #8 | Jonathan Aranda | 1B | 28 | Active |
| #13 | Junior Caminero | 3B | 23 | Active |
| #20 | Nick Madrigal | 3B | 29 | Active |
| #9 | Jorge Mateo | SS | 31 | Active |
| #1 | Richie Palacios | 2B | 29 | Active |
| # | Player | Pos | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #21 | Jonny DeLuca | RF | 28 | Active |
| #25 | Victor Mesa Jr. | RF | 25 | Active |
| #31 | Cedric Mullins | CF | 31 | Active |
| #14 | Chandler Simpson | LF | 25 | Active |
| #26 | Ryan Vilade | RF | 27 | Active |
| # | Player | Pos | Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #2 | Yandy Diaz | DH | 35 | Active |
The paperwork produced no fresh September shape, with a failed waiver claim the only move and the 28 man pool left to carry October alignment.
Current evidence shows a 28 man September group with 14 pitchers and no fresh major league move beyond game results in the supplied transaction window. The reported claim for waived player Luis Robert Jr. ended with Baltimore, so no outfield help arrived. That narrow transaction window keeps pressure on the standings cushion and the bullpen rather than the front office, which ties roster mechanics to schedule leverage.
No contract length, arbitration status or option remaining data was supplied, so trade value and offseason control cannot be graded.
Watch any injured list move touching starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen or starting pitcher Nick Martinez, any September recall that telegraphs the playoff bullpen, and any official 40 man addition.
The Rays have selected the contract of infielder Nick Madrigal, per a team announcement. He’ll replace Taylor Walls, who is headed to the 10-day IL with a right hip flexor strain. Tampa Bay also shared that infielder Oliver Dunn has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A. To clear a 40-man spot for Madrigal, the […]
REPORTEDThe latest episode of the MLB Trade Rumors Podcast is now live on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts! Make sure you subscribe as well! You can also use the player at this link to listen, if you don’t use Spotify or Apple for podcasts. This week, host Darragh McDonald is joined by Anthony Franco of […]
REPORTEDDeadline acquisitions coming up big for Rays in stretch run MLB.com
OFFICIAL'Little Tony Gwynn' the prospect to watch for Rays MLB.com
OFFICIALThe Rays announced three roster moves, including the news that left-hander Garrett Cleavinger has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left forearm tightness. Right-hander Ty Johnson’s contract was selected from Triple-A Durham to fill Cleavinger’s spot on the active roster, and infielder Oliver Dunn was designated for assignment to create space for […]
REPORTEDOrioles' No. 8 prospect Aloy mashes 2 more homers amid extended hot streak MLB.com
OFFICIALEvery promotion, DFA, trade and innings decision is graded against the Wild Card race, player development and the club-control window.
Tampa Bay controls the American League at 87-59 with the top seed and a three game cushion, yet plus 56 says cushion, not command.
Official table has Tampa Bay first at .596, three ahead of the New York Yankees and seven and a half ahead of the Boston Red Sox with 16 to play. Starting pitcher Nick Martinez and the rotation top give a path to hold that edge through Houston and Boston, which links pitching order to seeding stakes. The Yankees at plus 131 remain the clear regression threat because the record outruns the margin, which ties standings fragility to statistical profile.
Plus 56 trails New York at plus 131 and Boston at plus 82, which questions dominance.
Watch whether the lead dips under three entering Boston on Sep 18, Yankees run margin movement, and the Sep 22 doubleheader in the Bronx.
Go Rays!
REPORTED_ANALYSISWelcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rays fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys:
REPORTED_ANALYSISRays' struggles in Arlington continue in series-opening loss to Rangers MLB.com
OFFICIALOrioles' No. 8 prospect Aloy mashes 2 more homers amid extended hot streak MLB.com
OFFICIALThe Tampa Bay Rays have announced the winners of their 2026 Minor League awards: Minor League Co-Player of the Year: Catcher Caden Bodine Bodine, 22, has slashed .344/.411/.519 (156-for-453) with 27 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 97 RBI, 49 walks, and 81 runs scored over 112 games across four levels of the Rays system […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISAh, baseball. The Rays looked unimpressive as they lost a series to the lowly New York Mets last week, and I’ll bet I am not the only Rays fan who watched those games and thought, “THIS is a playoff team?” And when they came into Atlanta to play a Braves team that leads the division […]
REPORTED_ANALYSIS| Club | W | L | PCT | GB | DIFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Athletics | 59 | 88 | .401 | 28.5 | -187 |
Los Angeles Angels | 56 | 90 | .384 | 31 | -73 |
Tampa Bay Rays | 87 | 59 | .596 | - | +56 |
New York Yankees | 84 | 62 | .575 | 3 | +131 |
Boston Red Sox | 80 | 67 | .544 | 7.5 | +82 |
Chicago White Sox | 75 | 71 | .514 | 12 | +39 |
Houston Astros | 75 | 72 | .510 | 12.5 | -40 |
Cleveland Guardians | 74 | 73 | .503 | 13.5 | -16 |
Toronto Blue Jays | 73 | 74 | .497 | 14.5 | -39 |
Texas Rangers | 72 | 75 | .490 | 15.5 | -41 |
Baltimore Orioles | 71 | 76 | .483 | 16.5 | -27 |
Minnesota Twins | 69 | 77 | .473 | 18 | -53 |
Seattle Mariners | 69 | 78 | .469 | 18.5 | -74 |
Detroit Tigers | 67 | 79 | .459 | 20 | +55 |
Kansas City Royals | 65 | 82 | .442 | 22.5 | -88 |
Tampa Bay wins with contact, speed and run prevention, a .260 average with 147 steals backed by a 3.81 ERA, until a quiet power night leaves no comeback swing.
Official MLB Stats API totals verify a .260 average, .329 on base, .404 slug and 3.81 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP. Left fielder Chandler Simpson and catcher Liam Hicks fuel a low whiff attack that pressures mistake prone staffs. That style explains both the three game lead and the plus 56 margin that trails New York, which ties identity to seeding risk.
Isolated power at .144 with 31.7 at bats per homer is light for a contender, which strands the running game on nights like the 0-6 shutout and the 1-3 loss on Sep 10.
Watch team isolated power against Houston and Boston pitching, whether left fielder Chandler Simpson holds near .308, and bullpen ERA if Houston forces extra leverage innings.








The Tampa Bay Rays have announced the winners of their 2026 Minor League awards: Minor League Co-Player of the Year: Catcher Caden Bodine Bodine, 22, has slashed .344/.411/.519 (156-for-453) with 27 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 97 RBI, 49 walks, and 81 runs scored over 112 games across four levels of the Rays system […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISFreddy Peralta looks like he’s back to his old self. Over his last five starts with the Rays, he has a 2.73 ERA and 3.80 FIP while cutting his walk rate from 9.4% with the Mets to 4.5% with the Rays. Kyle Snyder and his team helped Peralta clean up some mechanical things to help […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISThis was the 22nd week of full minor league play (stats are entering play on Tuesday, September 8th). According to FanGraphs (which factors in age and proximity to the big leagues), prospect Theo Gillen tops the system and might just find himself in the running for Minor League Player of the Year. Gillen ranks 3th […]
REPORTED_ANALYSISDeadline acquisitions coming up big for Rays in stretch run MLB.com
OFFICIALHouston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays - Where to Watch, Stream Info, TV Channel, and Live Updates (September 11, 2026) Fubo
REPORTEDThe Rays were among at least four teams that placed a claim for Luis Robert Jr. when the Mets waived him in late August, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Kevin Acee of The San Diego-Union Tribune previously reported that San Diego placed a claim as well. Robert ended up with the Orioles, while […]
REPORTEDHouston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays - Where to Watch, Stream Info, TV Channel, and Live Updates (September 11, 2026) Fubo
I don’t want to hate on a player and staff that obviously know how to play winning baseball. However, when it comes to these next few games and the postseason, how can you justify starting the second worst hitter in the AL over players like DeLuca, Mesa Jr, and Vilade? Mullins obviously has a place on this team, I just don’t think it’s a starting role over the other guys mentioned. I just hope they can run a more con
The Rays were among at least four teams that placed a claim for Luis Robert Jr. when the Mets waived him in late August, reports Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Kevin Acee of The San Diego-Union Tribune previously reported that San Diego placed a claim as well. Robert ended up with the Orioles, while […]
Tampa officials delay Rays-related redevelopment area changes 2 months tampabay.com
The Tampa Bay Rays have announced the winners of their 2026 Minor League awards: Minor League Co-Player of the Year: Catcher Caden Bodine Bodine, 22, has slashed .344/.411/.519 (156-for-453) with 27 doubles, two triples, 16 home runs, 97 RBI, 49 walks, and 81 runs scored over 112 games across four levels of the Rays system […]
submitted by /u/Ranma_chan [link] [comments]
Rays' clinch will have to wait after Martinez's gem goes for naught MLB.com
Can we make this happen? submitted by /u/nevercouldsleep [link] [comments]
Hi everyone. Sharing an article my colleague u/south-grapefruit-292 wrote that gives a simple explainer of why the Rays are doing well in Defensive Runs Saved this season (with video examples) The gist of it is that the Rays are doing really well at using 'partial shifts' to put their fielders in position to make plays If you have any questions about it, feel free to ask. submitted by /u/MarkSimon1975 [link] [comment
Go Rays!
Freddy Peralta looks like he’s back to his old self. Over his last five starts with the Rays, he has a 2.73 ERA and 3.80 FIP while cutting his walk rate from 9.4% with the Mets to 4.5% with the Rays. Kyle Snyder and his team helped Peralta clean up some mechanical things to help […]
submitted by /u/ashbourn36 [link] [comments]
submitted by /u/qawsedrf12 [link] [comments]
Pregame and Game Chat: 9/10/26 Rays (87-58) @ Braves (85-61) First Pitch: 12:15 PM EDT @ Truist Park - Magic Number Postseason Possible! LINEUPS RAYS DH Yandy Diaz R 1B Ryan Vilade R 3B J. Caminero R RF Jonny DeLuca R LF C. Simpson L 2B N. Madrigal R SS Jorge Mateo R C Nick Fortes R CF C. Mullins L Braves C D. Baldwin L RF Ronald Acuna R 1B Matt Olson L CF M. Harris L 2B M. Dubon R LF Lane Thomas R 3B Austin Riley R
Ah, baseball. The Rays looked unimpressive as they lost a series to the lowly New York Mets last week, and I’ll bet I am not the only Rays fan who watched those games and thought, “THIS is a playoff team?” And when they came into Atlanta to play a Braves team that leads the division […]
submitted by /u/Ranma_chan [link] [comments]
submitted by /u/scoop813 [link] [comments]
Smith, Taylor are major cogs in Sox postseason pitching plans MLB.com
Early on, this game had the feeling of a barn burner. A pair of 85-win teams, both atop their divisions, clashing in Atlanta. Heading into the second inning, both teams had already scored and the game was tied at one. Both starting pitchers looked shaky in the first and it felt like we were headed […]
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Rays fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys:
The Rays have selected the contract of infielder Nick Madrigal, per a team announcement. He’ll replace Taylor Walls, who is headed to the 10-day IL with a right hip flexor strain. Tampa Bay also shared that infielder Oliver Dunn has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A. To clear a 40-man spot for Madrigal, the […]
This was the 22nd week of full minor league play (stats are entering play on Tuesday, September 8th). According to FanGraphs (which factors in age and proximity to the big leagues), prospect Theo Gillen tops the system and might just find himself in the running for Minor League Player of the Year. Gillen ranks 3th […]
He's emerged as a slugger ... but don't forget about Caminero's defense MLB.com
Deadline acquisitions coming up big for Rays in stretch run MLB.com
Garrett Cleavinger had a 3.31 ERA and 3.40 FIP through July. Since the beginning of August, however, the results haven’t been there, with a 10.38 ERA and 6.79 FIP. He has even improved his first pitch strike rate from the high 50s to the low 70s between both samples, so it’s not like his command […]
What you need to know for Rays' Spring Breakout game (7:10 p.m. ET) MLB.com
'Little Tony Gwynn' the prospect to watch for Rays MLB.com