The Tampa Bay Rays were victorious last night, sealing another series victory as they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks, 6-3.

The Rays improved to 23-12 on the season and maintained a two game lead over the New York Yankees for the division lead.

Brandon Lowe had an excellent day at the plate as he homered and doubled. Lowe now leads all qualified MLB rookies in fWAR (1.6). Yandy Diaz and Mike Zunino also had doubles for the Rays offense, meanwhile Kevin Kiermaier snagged two bases. Pitching wise, the only Rays pitcher to struggle was Adam Kolarek, who gave up two solo home runs during the ninth inning.

This afternoon, the Rays will go for the sweep with Charlie Morton going to the mound and being opposed by Robbie Ray.

Rays News

• Meadows (thumb) targeting Friday for return - Juan Toribio, Rays Baseball
• MLB announces honorary bat girl for each club - David Adler, MLB.com
• Here’s what you have to say about the Rays attendance problems - John Romano, Tampa Bay Times
• Michael Perez out of lineup - Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times
• Also, per Topkin:

Radio guys Andy Freed and Dave Wills will broadcast Wednesday’s game from seats in the stands in Section 104.

Other Links

• Oakland A’s starter Michael Fiers threw his 2nd career no-no on 131 pitches last night

• Cubs investigating a fan allegedly flashing a “white power” sign behind NBC Sports reporter
• Phillies Chairman David Montgomery has passed away

• How Sinclair’s Purchase of Baseball Sports Networks Will Affect You - Craig Edwards, FanGraphs
• The curious case of an accomplished free-agent pitcher (James SHields) still looking for work - Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic

“I definitely can tell you I’ve had no formal offers,” Shields repeats. “(Teams) have thrown a lot of things out there. But I’ve had no formal offers whatsoever.” [...]

“James Shields is going to take the ball every fifth day and he’s gonna give his team a chance to win!!” Price said in a text message. “He’s the guy that teaches all the young guys the right way to go about their business. It’s a joke to me he doesn’t have a job.”

• How Clayton Kershaw and Chris Sale are evolving — and what other pitchers can learn from them - Peter Gammons, The Athletic (including quotes from Kyle Snyder)
• An early look at the best hitters who could be available at the trade deadline - Jim Bowden, The Athletic