The New What Next: Rays vs Athletics, Part Two — A Series Preview

It would a massive understatement to say that the Tampa Bay Rays westward trip has been disappointing. First they were swept by the Rangers in three games, then, after piling on the runs in Monday’s series opener with the Astros, Tampa Bay dropped the next two games in walkoff fashion. The team closed out their stint in Houston with a big one-hit shutout of the Astros to split the series. That’s all in the past now, as the Rays prepare for the third (and final) leg of this western excursion in Oakland, where they’ll take on the Athletics in a three-game weekend series.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall Again in Extras, 3-2

The Tampa Bay Rays had a chance to hand Dallas Keuchel his first loss of the season at home, but for the second consecutive game the team couldn’t collect insurance runs late, and the bullpen lost a lead late. The Rays fell 3-2 in 13 innings, and are now 2-10 in extras this year. What follows isn’t a complete recap of the game, rather a few brief points of conversation to mull over.

Jake McGee to Receive Left Knee Surgery

Jake McGee’s status on the active roster could be jeopardy, as the left handed reliever departed Houston prior to Wednesday night’s contest against the Astros. Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash told the media that McGee felt something on the second to last pitch of his extended 1-2/3 IP outing Tuesday night, although he didn’t inform the training staff until after the game. As of now the extent of the injury is unclear.

Looking Backward While Moving Forward: Rays Fall in Extras Again, 3-2

All the chips were in place, Tuesday night, for the Tampa Bay Rays to make up some ground in the AL Wildcard race. Not only did the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, and the Minnesota Twins lose, but Tampa Bay rallied to take a late 2-1 lead. Yet a win and a move wasn’t to be. High leverage relievers Jake McGee and Brad Boxberger paired together for their latest meltdowns, and the Rays (59-60) fell in ugly fashion, 3-2. Tampa Bay is now 2-9 in extra inning games, three games off the pace in the hunt for a postseason berth.