Tampa Bay Rays News and Links: Kimbrel and Kuechel head to the NL

Plus: is Travis d’Arnaud doing enough to stick on the Rays?

By Darby Robinson@darby_robinson Jun 7, 2019, 9:00am EDT

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Tampa Bay Rays v Houston Astros

Rays News

d’Arnaud delivers with two HRs in rubber match - Juan Toribio, MLB.com: d’Arnaud making his case to keep and hold his roster spot this year.

Chad Mottola effect... it’s actually a thing https://t.co/k1TkGJsimG
— Jp Arencibia (@jparencibia9) June 6, 2019

It’s the Travis d’Arnaud and Jalen Beeks show as Rays beat Tigers 6-1 - Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times: Not to be lost in the win yesterday was Jalen Beeks continued impressive 2019 campaign.

Beeks breaks #Rays team record with 10th straight winning decision going back to last year.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) June 6, 2019

Rosenthal: The Rays came in second in the Kimbrel bidding, but still figure to reinforce their roster - Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic: The Rays continue to be very active in efforts to upgrade the club in 2019.
MWL notes: Baz on the attack with Hot Rods - Curt Rallo, MiLB.com: The “third piece” of the Archer trade has been impressive so far.
Why the Rays drafted a pitcher who threw only 2 innings this season - Marc Topkin, Tampa Bay Times: A closer look at one of the interesting pitcher selections made by the Rays in this years draft.
Don’t sleep on these All-Star picks in AL East - Jesse Sanchez, MLB.com: Avi Garcia gets some well deserved attention and love.

Around the League

And then there was none: Braves reach deal with Dallas Keuchel - Dave Sheinin, The Washington Post: Atlanta lands Keuchel on a 1 year $13M deal, outbidding the Yankees among others by rumored $1-2M.