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TAMPA BAY RAYS NEWS

Astros and Dodgers, MLB's regular-season kings, face precarious winner-take-all Game 5s

The idea of two teams with so many wins — and the two best records in baseball — going home in the first round got us thinking about baseball history. Has this ever happened before?

Ryan Fagan

Verlander: Bad slider to blame

"I felt like the velocity was there, but the control wasn't and the slider wasn't," Verlander said after the 4-1 ALDS loss to the Rays.

Chelsea Howard

It's time to start giving the Tampa Bay Rays some gosh darn credit

It's always easy to make jokes about the Rays, but come Thursday there might not be anyone laughing.

Joe Rivera

This Diego Castillo pitch to Jose Altuve is just absolutely stupid and unholy

Seriously, baseballs are not supposed to do this.

Joe Rivera

3 takeaways from Rays' Game 4 win

The Astros have what's probably MLB's best pitching rotation, but its poor management of that led to its downfall.

Ameer Tyree

Verlander pushed for Game 4 start

Justin Verlander threw seven shutout innings in a 6-2 Game 1 ALDS win over the Rays.

Thomas Lott

Astros' Justin Verlander to start ALDS Game 4 on short rest

Verlander will have had three days of rest when he takes the mound Tuesday.

J Crabtree-Hannigan

Three takeaways from Astros' win

Roberto Osuna nearly blew it in the ninth inning, but a man left off of last year's playoff roster saved the day.

Thomas Lott

MLB playoffs 2019: ALDS preview

We now know the Astros will face off with the Rays while the Twins will take on the Yankees.

Thomas Lott

MLB playoffs: Astros tab Verlander

Astros manager AJ Hinch said Gerrit Cole is slated to start Game 2, while Zack Greinke will get the ball for Game 3.

Kirstie Chiappelli

Athletics' tradition of playoff failure sends rare sellout crowds wrong message

The team needs to shine in October to win over skeptical locals.

Dan Bernstein

Three takeaways from AL WCG

Charlie Morton was solid and the Rays hit four home runs. There's not much more to say.

Thomas Lott

Rays vs. Athletics final score: Early home runs propel Tampa Bay to win in AL wild-card game

Four home runs from Tampa Bay, including two from Yandy Diaz, proved to be more than enough to lead the Rays to a 5-1 win against the Athletics on Wednesday.

Edward Sutelan

Rays vs. Athletics prediction, odds, betting trends for AL wild-card game

Here's everything you need to know about betting on American League wild-card game between the Rays and Athletics, including updated odds, trends and our expert's prediction.

Ryan Fagan

What channel is Rays vs. Athletics on today? Time, TV schedule for AL wild-card game

The A's host the Rays in the 2019 AL wild-card game. Here's everything to know about how to watch, including starting time and TV channel.

J Crabtree-Hannigan

One reason A's, Rays could win WS

Make no mistake, the Rays and A's are World Series contenders.

Thomas Lott

MLB playoff odds, predictions, favorites to win 2019 World Series

Here's everything you need to know about futures bets for the 2019 MLB postseason, including World Series picks.

Dan Bernstein

AL Wild Card Game: DraftKings Showdown picks, advice for Rays vs. A's MLB DFS

The AL Wild Card Game pits two teams with young talent in the Rays and the A's. See our DraftKings Showdown lineup picks, and get more DFS lineup advice.

Billy Heyen

MLB playoffs 2019: Athletics to lean on the rookies who earned their trust in September

A.J. Puk, Jesus Luzardo and Sean Murphy hold key roles heading into wild-card game.

Dan Bernstein

MLB postseason: SN's guide to October

Find everything you need for the baseball postseason in this comprehensive guide to October.

Dan Bernstein

Nationals secure home field in WCG

Gerardo Parra hit a grand slam in a whopping nine-run second inning to highlight the victory, which is Washington's seventh consecutive win.

Alexis Mansanarez

Athletics, Rays clinch wild cards

The Rays vastly exceeded expectations this year, thanks in part to right-hander Tyler Glasnow.

Arthur Weinstein

Nationals clinch wild-card spot

The Nationals topped the Phillies 4-1 before beating them 6-5 later on in the day.

Ameer Tyree

Nats move into first wild-card spot

The Nationals moved 1/2-game in front of the idle Brewers, who have won four in a row and pulled even in the standings one day earlier.

E.Jay Zarett

Astros clinch AL West title

George Springer hit three home runs in four innings and added four RBIs.

Ameer Tyree

MLB: Rays take lead over Indians

The Rays sit in the second spot in the wild-card race, with a one-game lead over the Indians, after a 5-4 win over the Red Sox.

Alexis Mansanarez

Indians, Brewers making moves

The Indians are tied once again with the Rays for the second wild-card spot in the AL while the Brewers are now one game up on the Cubs.

Thomas Lott

Wild-card races as close as ever

The Cubs lost to the Reds and remain locked up with the Brewers in the National League wild-card race.

Thomas Lott

Brewers top Cardinals on grand slam

Milwaukee (80-69) is one game back of the Cubs, who hold the National League second wild-card spot.

Ameer Tyree

Mets shut out Dodgers

Rajai Davis hit a three-run double in the eighth inning to give his team the lead, helping keep the Mets' postseason hopes alive.

Ameer Tyree

MLB wrap: Sept. 7

Arizona has gone 11-1 in its last 12 games with its most recent win Saturday over Cincinnati.

Alexis Mansanarez

Tyler Glasnow set to start Sunday

Glasnow had a 6-1 record and 1.86 ERA in eight starts this year for the Rays, showing much better control than he exhibited with Pittsburgh.

Arthur Weinstein

MLB September call-ups: Players who could have an impact in September

Rosters are expanding in Major League Baseball, and many call-ups will be able to have an impact on teams in the hunt for postseason spots.

Edward Sutelan

Rays' Tommy Pham 'wanted to kill' Orioles pitcher, then delivered walk-off single

Pham does not like right-hander Dillon Tate.

Dan Bernstein

MLB wrap: Rangers shut out Yankees

The Rangers' pitching staff handed New York its first shut out in 220 games to break the second-longest streak in MLB history.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: Verlander throws no-no

Verlander struck out 14 and walked only one in the Astros' 2-0 win over the Blue Jays and is now 17-5 this season.

Alexis Mansanarez

Naquin out for season with torn ACL

The 28-year-old's injury weakens the Indians in their late-season playoff push.

Ameer Tyree

Bivens pens heartfelt goodbye

"Two days ago my heart was turned to ash," Bivens wrote on Instagram. "My life as I knew it is destroyed."

Thomas Lott

Rays end Astros' win streak

Josh Reddick struck out on a 3-2 pitch which was clearly low in the ninth inning and was ejected after protesting.

Thomas Lott

MILB pitcher's wife, child killed

Double-A pitcher Blake Bivens' 18-year-old brother-in-law was caught jogging naked and unarmed but didn't succumb to multiple pepper sprays.

Thomas Lott

Astros dismantle Charlie Morton

The Astros' offense has quietly been on par with the best in MLB all season

Thomas Lott

Behind the demise of on-field bullpens in MLB and their lasting imprint on the game

There's a complex timeline and plenty of emotions behind on-field bullpens.

Dan Bernstein

Devil Rays owner Naimoli dies at 81

His feat of landing the expansion Devil Rays frequently became overshadowed by his impulsive, at times explosive, behavior and outsized ego.

Bob Hille

Mets set record in loss to Braves

The Mets had an impressive pitching performance against the Braves on Friday, but fell short 2-1 in the end.

Ameer Tyree

Brandon Lowe out for season

Lowe has not played since July 2, but did enough in his first three months (16 home runs, .862 OPS) to make the All-Star team.

Arthur Weinstein

Orioles allow record 259th HR

The Orioles are giving up more than two HRs per game, and with 34 games to play they'll smash the single-season mark for long balls allowed.

Bob Hille

Cardinals take no-hit bid into 8th

Dakota Hudson pitched 6 2/3 no-hit innings before he handed it over to the bullpen

Alexis Mansanarez

Zack Greinke gets 200th career win

The feat came exactly one year and one day after Justin Verlander joined the 200 club.

Alexis Mansanarez

Rays keep A's at bay in WC race

It took 13 innings but the Rays beat the Tigers 1-0 to keep their half-game lead on the Athletics in the AL wild-card race.

Thomas Lott

Kyle Seager hits 3 homers

Seager became the 11th Mariner in team history with three home runs in a single game.

Alexis Mansanarez

Indians inch ahead in AL Central

The Indians are heating up at the right time.

Alexis Mansanarez

Bo Bichette sets MLB record

Bichette has 10 extra-base hits in his first nine career games, despite suffering a leg injury in Monday's game.

Gabrielle McMillen

Greinke picks up W in Astros debut

The ace pitched six innings, allowing five runs off seven hits while striking out two and walking two in his debut.

Alexis Mansanarez

Rays manager Kevin Cash burned by top-notch Players' Weekend prank

He said he was not in on the jersey name submitted for him.

Dan Bernstein

Dodgers acquire Adam Kolarek

The Dodgers wanted to land a certain lefty reliever and didn't so they went out and got another one.

Thomas Lott

Yanks, Rays interested in Giles

Ken Giles has not pitched for a few days due to a sore elbow, but the Yankees and Rays have at least inquired about him.

Thomas Lott

Rays acquire Jesus Aguilar

Aguilar, 29, has struggled this year, batting .225 with eight home runs and 34 RBIs.

Thomas Lott

MLB wrap: Braves hold off Nationals

The 11-8 Atlanta victory came a day after Washington won with a similar margin of victory, 6-3, and was led by the efforts of Adam Duvall.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: July 28

"All our goals are still here," J.T. Realmuto said after the game. "We feel like we have a team here to do something special."

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB trade news: Blue Jays deal Eric Sogard to Rays

The 33-year-old had 45 runs scored and 86 hits in 73 games with Toronto this season.

Sammi Silber

Mets exploring Syndergaard trade

The trade would send Noah Syndergaard to the Padres while getting pieces to New York that would help land Marcus Stroman.

Thomas Lott

Blue Jays top Rays with walkoff

The Blue Jays trailed the Rays by four runs entering the ninth inning, but rallied to tie it up and win it in extra innings.

Ameer Tyree

Blake Snell has elbow surgery

The Tampa Bay ace is set to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove "loose bodies" in his left elbow.

Gabrielle McMillen

Rays have asked about Castellanos

Castellanos, 27, is slashing .284/.342/.480 with 11 home runs and 36 RBIs in 93 games for Detroit this season.

E.Jay Zarett

MLB wrap: July 22

Minnesota turned a 5-4-3 triple play in the first inning against New York.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: Dodgers shut out Marlins

The Dodgers notched three home runs in the shutout but starter Walker Buehler stole the show.

Ameer Tyree

Rays' Oliver Drake drives internet wild by throwing just another nasty pitch

To be clear, Rays pitcher Oliver Drake threw a beautiful split changeup, but its movement wasn't unique.

Tom Gatto

Smith, Alonso shine in Mets' win

The Mets lost to the Giants in dramatic fashion on Friday but came back to claim a huge win on Saturday at Oracle Park.

Ameer Tyree

Yankees manager Aaron Boone tells umpire to 'F—ing get better' after being ejected

The Yankees skipper wasn't happy with a called third strike on Brett Gardner, and he vented his frustration loudly and profanely.

Drew Nantais

Two minutes with Kevin Kiermaier

One of the more underrated players in baseball talks about what separates good defenders from great ones.

Joe Rivera

The Rays' underdog attitude paving road for future

The Tampa Bay Rays are in the midst of another great season. While some are quick to dismiss Tampa Bay, they're not going anywhere anytime soon.

Joe Rivera

Two minutes with Austin Meadows

Austin Meadows is in the middle of a breakout season with the Rays. He spoke with SN about how he's been able to do it.

Joe Rivera

Felix Pena, Ryan Yarbrough show pitching in bulk can be a winner

Two by two, baseball convention regarding pitchers is changing. Openers and bulk relievers together are pitching a lot like solo starters.

Tom Gatto

MLB wrap: July 15

Bellinger managed to steal the show after he hit two home runs to now lead the major league with 33 on the season.

Alexis Mansanarez

Travis d'Arnaud played the game of his life to beat the Yankees

The veteran catcher has never lived up to his top prospect status. However, he did sink the Yankees with three home runs Monday night.

Dan Bernstein

Glasnow may miss rest of season

The 25-year-old starter has been shut down from throwing for two more weeks, Rays manager Kevin Cash told reporters Monday.

E.Jay Zarett

Giannis plays baseball with Yankees

Antetokounmpo had never before touched a baseball, but that changed Monday at Yankee Stadium.

Alexis Mansanarez

Two minutes with Nate Lowe

The 24-year-old Rays infielder took home MLB Player of the Week honors and chatted with Sporting News in the latest edition of "Two minutes with…"

Joe Rivera

MLB wrap: Rays almost make history

Tampa Bay was close to pitching the first combined perfect game in MLB history.

Alexis Mansanarez

Rays dominate Orioles at the plate

Tampa Bay tallied a staggering 20 hits to Baltimore's five, and first baseman Nate Lowe went 4 for 5 with one home run.

Ameer Tyree

MLB Futures Game 2019: Five stud prospects you need to watch this year

SN, with the help of an expert on minor league prospects, has put together a short list of soon-to-be superstars.

Ryan Fagan

Yankees again top Rays in extras

A day after the Yankees scored five runs in the 10th inning, they scored four runs in the 11th on Friday night to topple the Rays again.

Arthur Weinstein

MLB Network's film on 1995 Mariners a reminder of bygone era when attendance was king

Something special may be lost by the declining importance of ticket sales.

Dan Bernstein

A's closing in on Rays, Indians

People seem to be forgetting that Oakland nearly won 100 games last year.

Thomas Lott

Trout pulling away in MVP race

Mike Trout is having a truly special season and that should not be ignored.

Thomas Lott

Sterling stepping back from booth

Sterling is stepping away Thursday, his 81st birthday, to focus on his health, the first time he'll miss calling a Yankees game since 1989.

Gabrielle McMillen

Bell hits 3 homers in Pirates' win

It was the 20th three-homer game in franchise history, according to MLB.com, and the first ever by a switch-hitter.

Alexis Mansanarez

Yankees complete sweep of Red Sox

Didi Gregorius added an insurance run in the eighth and extended the team's home run streak to 31 consecutive games.

Alexis Mansanarez

McKay dominates in debut

"It was fun to watch,'' Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "Just the way he carried himself, it was kind of unflappable.''

Alexis Mansanarez

Rays prospect Brendan McKay flashes potential in MLB debut

McKay retired the first 16 hitters he faced in a memorable beginning to his major league career.

Jacob Janower

Hapless Orioles destroy Indians

Baltimore was exceptional at the plate and racked up 16 hits to Cleveland's six on the night.

Ameer Tyree

Rays call up 2-way prospect McKay

McKay, the No. 4 pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, has dazzled as a pitcher at Double-A and Triple-A. The lefty will start Saturday against Texas.

Bob Hille

Twins, Rays struggle to hit

The Twins and Rays were tied 2-2 after the top of the second, but followed with 31 consecutive scoreless half innings.

Thomas Lott

Eddie Rosario limps off field

Rosario is a big reason the Twins lead MLB in runs scored and home runs, leading the team in home runs (20) and RBIs (60).

Arthur Weinstein

Rays elaborate on sister-city plan

The Rays asked people to just hear them out on their shared-team plan, but there are some serious questions after they elaborated on it.

Bob Hille

MLB wrap: Phillies swept by Marlins

Although the Marlins are last in the NL East standings, they beat the second-place Phillies three times in a row this weekend.

Ameer Tyree

Yankees homer in 25th straight

Gio Urshela's home run kept the historic streak going against the Astros as the Yankees went on to win 7-5.

Alexis Mansanarez

Keuchel pegged with loss in debut

Keuchel pitched in an MLB game for the first time since last year’s American League Championship series.

Alexis Mansanarez

Despite all of the jokes, Rays fans exist and their frustration is legitimate

Rays relocation talk just got real. What does that mean for the Florida fans still tolerating the team?

Dan Bernstein

The ExRays? Don't bet on Tampa Bay's two-city plan ever happening

There are many reasons why the Rays-in-two-cities plan would never work. Here are two of the biggest.

Ryan Fagan

Encarnacion excited by NYY trade

Encarnacion went 0 for 4 as the designated hitter Monday against the Rays two days after being traded from the Mariners.

Kirstie Chiappelli

Yanks, Tanaka shuts out Rays

The Yankees pitcher threw nine scoreless innings and struck out 10 in his team's 3-0 victory over the Rays.

Ameer Tyree

Blue Jays rout Astros in Texas

Two home runs came from outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, raising his 2019 total to six.

Ameer Tyree

Ohtani first from Japan to cycle

Shohei Ohtani may not be pitching this year, but he is helping the Angels win.

Thomas Lott

Angels' Shohei Ohtani hits for first-of-its-kind cycle vs. Rays

The two-way player is the first Japanese-born player to accomplish the feat in MLB.

Tom Gatto

Honeywell out for season again

Brent Honeywell can't catch a break.

Thomas Lott

Charlie Morton is making 29 teams look foolish with predictable dominance for Rays

The right-hander is enjoying a career year on a bargain contract. A handful of organizations should have done more to sign him.

Dan Bernstein

Rockies complete sweep of Blue Jays

The Rockies topped the Blue Jays, 5-1, with the help of David Dahl and Nolan Arenado, who both finished 2 for 4 at the plate.

Alexis Mansanarez

Hiura leads Brewers to win

Hiura hit the game-tying two-run home run in the ninth to force extra innings against the Pirates on Saturday.

Alexis Mansanarez

Rays beat Twins to win sixth in row

Unfortunately, only 8,076 fans turned out to see the Rays win, which was at least better than the record-low crowd of 5,786 on Tuesday.

Arthur Weinstein

Avisail Garcia hits easiest home run of his career after Randal Grichuk misjudges ball

This inside-the-park home run did not require much effort from Garcia.

Dan Bernstein

MLB wrap: May 27

Oakland won its 10th consecutive game after topping Los Angeles, 8-5.

Alexis Mansanarez

Twins complete sweep of White Sox

It is the first time the Twins (36-16) are 20 games over .500 since the end of the 2010 season.

Alexis Mansanarez

Two AL East teams after Keuchel

The two teams are expected to go after Keuchel at midnight on June 2 after the draft-pick compensation falls off the lefty.

Thomas Lott

Wacha 'unacceptable' in Cards loss

Wacha gave up six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in a loss to the Royals on Wednesday.

Thomas Lott

Astros win 10th straight again

Houston became just the third team in MLB history to have multiple 10-plus game winning streaks before June 1st.

Alexis Mansanarez

Braves youngsters shine in win

Mike Soroka and Austin Riley might have been the stories of the day in MLB.

Thomas Lott

Rays win behind 2 Diaz homers

Two home runs and four RBIs from third baseman Yandy Diaz helped Tampa Bay improve to 24-14 on the year.

Ameer Tyree

Glasnow leaves game arm tightness

Glasnow has posted a 1.86 ERA through the first eight games.

Ameer Tyree

Rays get catcher Travis d'Arnaud

Once one of the Mets' top prospects, d'Arnaud has seen his career hampered by injuries the past few seasons.

Arthur Weinstein

Orioles sting Red Sox, and the other coolest things in baseball last night

Baltimore continues to hurt Boston despite struggling against almost everyone else.

Dan Bernstein

Marte hits walk-off home run

"Those situations don't happen a lot, but there's something special about them," Marte said after the game.

Alexis Mansanarez

Brewers top Mets in 18 innings

Ryan Braun sealed the deal for Milwaukee with a two-run, bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 18th.

Ameer Tyree

Hoskins hits 10th HR in 31st game

Rhys Hoskins is doing something special right now for the Phillies.

Thomas Lott

Mets spoil great deGrom start

The Mets started the year 9-4, but are 6-11 since.

Thomas Lott

MLB wrap: April 29

The Cardinals scored all the runs they needed in the fifth inning of their 6-3 win over the Nationals.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: April 28

The Nationals had not one, not two, but three players 21 or younger hit home runs against the Padres on Sunday.

Alexis Mansanarez

Alex Gordon's unexpected turnaround, and the other coolest things from last night

Gordon hit his fifth home run of the season Monday, continuing his scorching start to the year.

Dan Bernstein

Freddy Galvis' barehanded catch and the coolest things from MLB last night

Freddy Galvis stole the show with his no-glove catch, but there were a lot of other entertaining moments among baseball's coolest happenings Saturday.

Jacob Janower

Cole Tucker's home run powers Bucs

Tucker, who was unexpectedly called up from the minors Saturday, drove a 431-foot home run into the wind to center for the game winner.

Arthur Weinstein

Week 4 Fantasy Baseball Waiver Pickups: Brandon Lowe, Franmil Reyes among players to monitor

Sporting News Fantasy breaks down emerging fantasy baseball sleepers who could be hot waiver wire pickups, including Brandon Lowe and Franmil Reyes, as we head into Week 4 of the season.

Dan Bernstein

Red Sox put Eduardo Nunez on IL

The infielder is off to a slow start in 2019, hitting .159 in 44 at-bats.

Arthur Weinstein

Dustin Pedroia injury update

Pedroia, who left Wednesday's game against the Yankees because of his surgically repaired left knee, reportedly avoided serious injury.

Bob Hille

Dustin Pedroia injury update

Pedroia 'was down' after leaving Wednesday's game against the Yankees after having more problems with his surgically repaired left knee.

Bob Hille

Blake Snell injury update

Blake Snell is 2-1 with a 2.16 ERA in four starts for the Rays this season.

Thomas Lott

MLB wrap: April 12

Arrieta, 33, gave up just one run in seven innings pitched. He has the 22nd most wins among active pitchers.

Ameer Tyree

MLB wrap: April 10

The Athletics outfielder had his 17th multi-home run game since 2016 against the Orioles.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: April 9

The Reds pulled off an impressive victory Tuesday, using a seven-run sixth inning to top the Marlins 14-0.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: April 8

The Cubs' 2-7 start had people asking questions, but Chicago had plenty of answers Monday with a 10-0 win over the Pirates.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: April 7

Los Angeles picked up a 7-2 win Sunday as Trout completed one of the best four-game series of all-time.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: April 5

The Dodgers and Diamondbacks just keep scoring runs.

Thomas Lott

Rockies, Marquez agree on extension

The deal includes a $1 million bonus if Marquez is traded. There are also incentives based on where he finishes in the Cy Young race.

Ameer Tyree

MLB wrap: April 1

The 444-foot homer was the last of New York's runs in its 7-3 victory over Miami.

Alexis Mansanarez

MLB wrap: March 31

Philadelphia started the Bryce Harper-era off on the right note.

Alexis Mansanarez

Astros appear to avoid catastrophe after Jose Altuve struck by batted ball in BP

Jose Altuve was hit by a line drive off the bat of Yuli Gurriel during batting practice Saturday, but he appears to be OK.

Thomas Lott

MLB wrap: Charlie Morton, Rays shut down Astros' potent lineup in emotional win

Charlie Morton made his first appearance against his former team, the Astros, with whom he won a World Series in 2017.

Thomas Lott

MLB wrap: Chris Sale, Blake Snell give fan bases something to worry about

It's just one start, so let's not go nuts, but there are legitimate warning signs for at least one of these pitchers.

Thomas Lott

MLB Opening Day 2019: Scores, results, highlights from every game

Sporting News tracked all the action from Opening Day for the 2019 MLB season. Catch up on the scores and highlights with our updates from Thursday's games.

Jacob Janower

MLB Opening Day 2019 TV schedule: How to watch, live stream every game

MLB's blackout policy makes it difficult to watch live out-of-market games on Opening Day. Here's a guide to finding your favorite team on TV and live-streaming online, including DAZN's new whiparound highlights show.

Thomas Schlarp

MLB Opening Day 2019: Schedule for all 30 teams

Every MLB team will be playing on Opening Day in 2019 for a second straight year. Here is everything to know about the unofficial national holiday for baseball fans, including first pitch times and TV information for all 30 clubs.

Jacob Janower

AL East guide for 2019: Biggest strength, weakness and question for each team

The AL East is a three-horse race in 2019, but that doesn't mean the top three squads are without their questions.

Joe Rivera

Big changes to MLB rosters, trade deadline, All-Star voting to be announced, report says

Separate from those changes, players and owners will begin negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement more than two years before the agreement is set to expire.

Tom Gatto

Blake Snell plans to use contract renewal by Rays as motivation

Tampa Bay's Cy Young-winning ace called management's decision to give him a minimal pay raise "disappointing."

Tom Gatto

Why the Rays are headed back to the playoffs in 2019

The Rays’ official depth chart lists only three starting pitchers, while the lineup is no more star-studded than it was last summer. But the ingredients are still there for them to make lots of noise for the second straight year.

Jared Wyllys

Tommy Pham: 'Truth hurts' about Rays' fan support, hopeful attendance improves

The outfielder isn't backtracking on comments he made last year about low attendance at Tropicana Field.

Tom Gatto

Should the defensive shift be banned? Not so fast, say MLB managers at winter meetings

A majority of the skippers, not surprisingly, want to keep something that gives them an advantage during games.

Ryan Fagan

AL Cy Young race: Sale, Snell, Verlander lead deep list of candidates with very different resumes

The arms race in the American League isn't short of talent, and the leaders of the pack have

Ryan Fagan

The Max Muncy All-Stars: Baseball's best surprise performers of 2018

While top prospects and returning stars are expected to produce somewhat, a long season of baseball lends itself to many surprises. Here are SN's best surprise performers of 2018.

Ryan Fagan

Blake Snell's 20-win season shows Rays still have some old school in them

Tampa Bay has created its own box when it comes to pitcher usage, but it still has space for a traditional ace and a conventional setup for pitchers who work the bulk of the innings.

Tom Gatto

Rays' Blake Snell 'not going to argue' with leaving perfect game days after DL stint

Tampa Bay's All-Star ace needed just 47 pitches to retire 15 Blue Jays hitters, but he was also coming off shoulder fatigue, so he was OK with pitching coach Kyle Snyder giving him an early hook.

Tom Gatto

MLB trade deadline winners, losers: Dodgers, Pirates, Yankees make good first impressions

It takes years to accurately gauge moves, but there can still be initial observations. That's our basis for examining trades made during the two weeks leading to the 2018 non-waiver deadline.

Ryan Fagan

Gary Sanchez's lack of hustle leads to Yankees loss

Gary Sanchez's no-hustle effort on the final play of the Yankees-Rays game ended New York's comeback hopes.

Kenan Goyette

Bautista launches grand slam against Rays for first career walk-off home run

Jose Bautista has swung the bat well since joining the Mets and on Friday, he continued his strong stint in Queens with a walk-off grand slam.

Mark Suleymanov

Jonathan Loaisiga, aka Johnny Lasagna, serves up win for Yankees in debut

The 23-year-old rookie with the New York-style nickname looks like he belongs in the bigs with five shutout innings in his first outing.

Tom Gatto

Rays' Kevin Cash hints that closers as starters could be a strategy for Tampa Bay moving forward

The Rays like to stay ahead of the curve, so expect more starts from Sergio Romo, the team's closer, as a one-inning starter in the future.

Joseph D'Hippolito

Shohei Ohtani free to compete in Home Run Derby, Mike Scioscia says

Shohei Ohtani's batting practice displays have people wanting to see him show off in a similar way the Monday before the All-Star Game in Washington.

Tom Gatto

Sergio Romo's very early entrance may signal start of big pitching change

Sergio Romo gave the Rays exactly what they wanted in his first major league start. The club, playing at the margins of baseball convention, is hoping he can do it on consecutive days.

Tom Gatto

Watch: Odell Beckham Jr. goes deep in a different way during MLB turn

The Giants receiver showed off his baseball skills as he took batting practice with the Tampa Bay Rays.

Tom Gatto

Evan Longoria: Rays should look to move with attendance still low

Tampa Bay's all-time leader in games played says the club might be better off getting out of the area altogether.

Tom Gatto

MLB's early disappointments: Will these five veterans bounce back from slow starts?

Some guys tend to be slow starters, but big questions remain for some bigger names in baseball.

Ryan Fagan

Jonny Venters completes historic injury comeback with appearance for Rays

Jonny Venters was back on a major-league mound after completing an odyssey that began in 2013.

Tom Gatto

Today's MLB DFS Picks: Top values for DraftKings, FanDuel daily fantasy baseball contests

RotoQL's Bennett Bedford breaks down his favorite DraftKings and FanDuel value picks for Tuesday's MLB DFS slate.

Bennett Bedford

Tampa native Denard Span at home in Rays uniform — and mom is thrilled

Denard Span, who used to go to Devil Rays games as a teen, is back in the Tampa Bay area as a member of his hometown team.

Gary Phillips

Rays' Matt Duffy not trying to replace Evan Longoria's presence in Tampa Bay

Matt Duffy now occupies the spot on the field that was Evan Longoria’s domain for more than a decade. Comparisons are bound to happen, but Duffy’s not worried about living up to Longoria’s reputation.

Gary Phillips

Maybe the Marlins and Rays should just combine to form the Marays

With baseball in Florida about to be really bad, the only responsible thing to do is to sardonically wonder whether the two teams could be competitive if they banded together and formed a joint roster. We’ll call this Frankenstein team the Marays.

Nick Stellini

Predicting surprise: Young players who could shine for Cardinals, Rays in 2018

The Cardinals need their pitching staff to be strong to return to the postseason after missing out the past two seasons, and in Alex Reyes they have a solid candidate to make that happen. Meanwhile, the Rays were part of a three-team deal a year ago that brought them Mallex Smith, a quality hitter and base runner who could lead off and play left field for them for years to come.

Jared Wyllys

MLB trade rumors: Chris Archer would really help these eight teams

The Rays are reportedly open to moving their marquee players in the name of lowering payroll. While pitcher Chris Archer isn’t the most expensive player on the roster, he is almost certainly the most valuable.

Nick Stellini

Rays' power surge may be the biggest surprise of homer-happy season

The Rays' 128 home runs in their first 84 games has them on a pace for 247 on the season. That would be the seventh most in MLB history.

Alex Stumpf

Bud Selig, Braves president John Schuerholz elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

Former MLB commissioner Bud Selig will be inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame next July.

Ron Clements

Chris Archer says Rays need to 'spend more money' to win

It has never been in the Rays' interest to pay for free agents the way the Yankees, Dodgers or Red Sox do.

Joe Rodgers

Giants clinch playoff berth on final day to avert second-half disaster

The Giants collapsed after leading MLB at the All-Star break, but the club avoided a worst-case scenario after sweeping the Dodgers Sunday.

Joe Rodgers

Orioles, Blue Jays control own fate heading into final day

The AL wild-card scenario still has some crazy possibilities, but if the Orioles and Blue Jays win Sunday, they're in the postseason.

Arthur Weinstein

MLB playoff picture takes shape as Rangers clinch top seed in AL

Texas locked up the top spot with a win over the Rays. It will face the winner of the wild-card game in the ALDS.

Joe Rodgers

Cubs sputter on rough right for division winners

Wednesday was not a good night for teams hoping to enter the postseason on a hot streak.

Ron Clements

Marlins top Mets in emotional first game without Jose Fernandez

Jose Fernandez would be proud.

Joe Rodgers

Baseball takes back seat as players, teams honor Jose Fernandez

Baseball took a back seat Sunday as the sport was shocked by the death of Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez.

Alec Brzezinski

Mets, Giants, Cards in virtual dead heat in wild-card race

The Giants and Cardinals won, the Mets lost, and now the race for two NL wild-card spots is a virtual dead heat with one week to go.

Arthur Weinstein

Justin Upton, Michael Fulmer help Tigers remain in final AL wild-card spot

The Tigers and Orioles won Friday, which keeps Detroit a half-game ahead of Baltimore for the final wild-card spot.

Alec Brzezinski

Red Sox's sweep of O's gives Tigers opening to grab second wild-card spot in AL

The Tigers had plenty of help to move into the second wild-card position.

Joe Rodgers

Red Sox turn O's gift into another victory, move game closer to AL East title

The Red Sox are closing in on an AL East title after another win over the Orioles, who only have themselves to blame for a sixth-inning meltdown Wednesday.

Joe Rodgers

Giants' bullpen overcomes Johnny Cueto injury to shut out Dodgers

While the win over the Dodgers was key, the Giants lost ace Johnny Cueto and Gold Glove shortstop Brandon Crawford to injury.

Joe Rodgers

Cardinals alive in NL playoff picture after shutting out Giants

Aledmys Diaz led the Cardinals to a key win against the Giants on Sunday.

Alec Brzezinski

Xander Bogaerts leads Red Sox past Yankees in AL East thriller

Bogaerts and the Red Sox moved seven games ahead of the Yankees in the AL East with Saturday's win.

Alec Brzezinski

Red Sox's rally, Ramirez's walkoff HR slow Yankees' run toward playoff spot

Boston's late-inning momentum began with an eighth-inning homer by David Ortiz, who passed Mickey Mantle for 17th on the all-time list.

Joe Rodgers

Blue Jays continue September slide with loss to pesky Rays

The Blue Jays have lost seven of their last 11 games against the Rays.

Joe Rodgers

Kyle Hendricks loses no-hitter on ninth-inning home run

The Cubs' Cy Young hopeful took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Cardinals, but Jeremy Hazelbaker broke it up with a solo shot.

Alec Brzezinski

Yankees, Blue Jays and Orioles muddle crowded AL East

The Yankees, Blue Jays and Orioles all won Saturday, earning a much-needed game on the division leading Red Sox.

Alec Brzezinski

Jose Fernandez steals spotlight in Clayton Kershaw's return

All eyes were on Clayton Kershaw on Friday as he made his first start since June 26, but Marlins ace Jose Fernandez stole the show in Miami.

Arthur Weinstein

Yankees, improbably, closing in on final AL wild-card spot

The Yankees, sellers at the deadline, are just 2 1/2 games back of the final playoff spot in the AL.

Alec Brzezinski

Brett Gardner's game-saving catch secures Yankees' comeback win

At a season-high seven games over .500, the Yanks closed within 4 1/2 games of first place in the East, their smallest deficit since April.

Joe Rodgers

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