Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Happy Solar Eclipse Day

Yesterday, the Tampa Bay Rays avoided a sweep at the hands of the Seattle Mariners behind a wonderful performance from Blake Snell. The Rays ended the week on a good note, after having lost five of their past six games as well as 12 of their last 15.

The Rays are off today, but on Tuesday, they’ll welcome in the Toronto Blue Jays for a three game set.

The prolonged losing has shaken up the Rays playoff aspirations as they are now over 11 games back in the division. Meanwhile in the Wild Card chase, the Rays are 4 games back with five teams ahead of them in the race.

Some highlights to point out from yesterday’s game was Blake Snell’s performance as he worked seven shutout innings, delivering an efficient outing as he used just 101 pitches, walking one and striking eight, yielding just two hits. Kevin Kiermaier led off things for the Rays with a solo homer.

Adeiny Hechavarria provided a two run blast of his own to give the Rays some breathing room.

The Rays bullpen continued their recent run of excellence since being revamped as Tommy Hunter and Alex Colome worked the final two innings, completing the shutout. Hechavarria would also provide another incredible play to end the game.

• Over the weekend, MLB umpires started to wear white wristbands as a sign of protest for the league’s action against players ‘verbally attacking’ umpires. The protest is reportedly over though after one day.
• Former Rays catcher, Rene Rivera, is now a member of former Rays manager, Joe Maddon’s Chicago Cubs
• The St Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates played at the Little League World Series last night, providing the little leaguers as well as the major leaguers with some incredible memories
• This catch by a little leaguer is one of the best you’ll ever see

• Brendan McKay’s professional pitching career is off without a hitch