Despite operating with a low payroll, the Tampa Bay Rays have made it to the postseason the last five years in a row. This includes winning the AL East in 2020 and 2021. However, the Rays have been struggling this season. They’ve been consistently hovering between third and fourth place so far this season. Like every team that has success, none of them can stay on top forever and Tampa is no exception. The Tampa Bay Rays luck appears to be finally running out.
The Rays Have Been On An Impressive Run The Last Five Years
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Rays’ run over the last five years has been very impressive. They’ve been able to make it to the postseason despite having a payroll ranked towards the bottom of the league. This includes winning the AL East in 2020 and 2021. They also advanced to the World Series during the COVID-19-shortened season.
The Offense Is Struggling
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Rays offense has regressed badly from last season. They are only averaging 4.09 runs per game, which is good enough for 10th in the American League. The only teams averaging fewer runs than the Rays are the Tigers, Athletics, Mariners, Blue Jays, and White Sox. Stars Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz, and Harold Ramirez have been surprisingly bad so far this season. The only consistent offensive players are Richie Palacios and Isaac Paredes. It also hasn’t helped that Brandon Lowe has been once again hampered by injuries. Perhaps Tampa’s struggles could also be attributed to the absence of Wander Franco. Franco has been away from the team since August of last season due to his ongoing legal issues.
The Rotation Isn’t Healthy And Is Also Struggling
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile the Rays traded ace Tyler Glasnow in the offseason, nobody expected the Rays starting rotation to struggle badly. The only reliable starter in the rotation right now is Zach Littell. Aaron Civale and Tyler Alexander have a combined ERA of 5.69. Zach Eflin hasn’t been nearly as good as he was last season. The jury is still out on Ryan Pepiot who’s been on the injured list since early May. It certainly doesn’t help that ace Shane McClanahan will be missing the entire season recovering from Tommy John surgery. While starters Jeffrey Springs, Drew Rasmussen, and Shane Baz are expected to return at various points of the season, it might be too late. It should be noted that Baz hasn’t pitched since 2022 due to Tommy John surgery.
The Bullpen Is A Big Weakness
Embed from Getty ImagesThe bullpen has been Tampa Bay’s Achilles heel this season. The Rays bullpen has blown an American League-worst nine saves. As a unit, Tampa’s bullpen ERA is 4.49 which is 10th in the American League. The only teams with higher earned run averages are the Blue Jays, Rangers, and Angels. The Rays have also given up an American League-high 26 home runs. To have success, having a formidable bullpen is a must in today’s game. Unless the Rays bullpen turns it around quickly, it’ll be difficult for them to keep their postseason streak alive.
Struggling Against Contending Teams
Embed from Getty ImagesThis might be the trade deadline where the Rays will find themselves as sellers. This is not what they wanted when they extended the contracts of Baseball Operations Head Erik Neander and manager Kevin Cash. However, it’s going to be very difficult to catch either the Yankees or Orioles in the division. The Rays have gone 2-4 against New York so far this season and have yet to face Baltimore. They’ve also struggled against teams with a .500 or better so far this season.
The AL Central Has Better Teams This Year
Embed from Getty ImagesDuring most seasons, the AL East is arguably the strongest and most competitive division in the league. In recent years, the Rays have done good enough to clinch a Wild Card spot. However, this season, the American League Central division is significantly more competitive than last year. Given the early successes of the Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, and Cleveland Guardians, all three of those teams are in a much better position than the Rays to clinch the two Wild Card spots.
All Streaks Come To An End
No team stays on top forever and all postseason streaks come to an end. The Tampa Bay Rays and their postseason streak aren’t an exception. Given the struggles of both their offense and pitching staff, those issues often prevent a team from going to the postseason. The AL Central is also more competitive this year and the Guardians, Royals, and Twins are much better than the Rays. It’s been a good run for Tampa the last five seasons, but magic doesn’t last forever.
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