Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Did you know Tampa is the lightning capital of the USA?

Rays News

• Sure, blame the birds.

• What’s wrong with Rays reliever Chaz Roe? - Ryan Kolakowski, Tampa Bay Times: The man with the most gif-able Slider in baseball has faltered in 2019.

• Rays place infielder Arroyo (tendinitis) on IL - Juan Toribio, MLB.com: Plus, Juan has info on another Rays draft pick signed, and the plan for the returning Wendle.

• Stat of the Week: Kevin Kiermaier’s amazing Defensive Runs Saved total - Mark Simon, ACTA Sports: KK is a wizard in CF and now is in the top 10 in overall Defensive Runs Saved since the DRS stat came into existence (2003).

• Speaking of Kiermaier accomplishments:

• Video proof Matt Duffy is alive

• Tommy Pham honored as NKCF Ambassador

• Bucs 1st round pick, and noted horse aficionado, Devin White threw out the first pitch yesterday. Plus video of the pitch from the field level.

• A look at Trade Deadline questions in AL East - Bryan Hoch, MLB.com: No surprises where the Rays could look to upgrade, but the how and who still remain a mystery.

• Brendan McKay seems to be enjoying the major league balls in Durham:

Around the League

• Shohei Ohtani became the first Japanese born player to hit for the cycle.

• Brad Miller on the move again, this time to Philadelphia after the Yankees traded him to the Phillies for cash considerations.

• Why haven’t you heard of Derek Dietrich before now? - Hannah Keyser, Yahoo!Sports

• Blue Jays made a trade with the Pirates for RHP Nick Kingham (in another cash considerations deal).

• Scary sight for the Tigers star prospect RHP Casey Mize as he leaves his Double-A game early after noticeable drop in velocity.