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The Rays lost to the Astros in a way that ordinarily would have been heartbreaking, but instead was just sort of interesting. The best news is, the game didn’t go to extras. Other good news: Wander extended his on-base streak to 42 (without batting gloves? that’s new, right?). The worst news was, Yandy Diaz left early with an injury.
Cash says Yandy Diaz left the game tonight with an injury "in the lat area." Should know more Wednesday. #Rays
— Steve Carney (@stevecarney) September 29, 2021
The Mariners beat the A’s AGAIN.
Wait for it... @heygoldy's home run call is EPIC. #SeaUsRise pic.twitter.com/bKagmbJgux
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 29, 2021
Combined with the Boston loss to the Orioles, the win pulled the Mariners within a half-game of the Red Sox for the second wild card.
Absolutely, we do https://t.co/jRSDAkIoWL
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 28, 2021
The Cardinals clinched the second NL Wildcard by winning their 17th game in a row.
✨ VIBES ✨ pic.twitter.com/m6rBrZDiwN
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 29, 2021
The big Rays story of the weekend (beside clinching the AL East) was that stupid Tampontreal sign. Well, during yesterday’s pregame, an chastened and apologetic Stu Sternberg backpedaled on the idea.
BREAKING: #Rays drop plans for Montréal sign at Trop during postseason https://t.co/5EwEJPrXcr
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 28, 2021
Evan Drellich on the split city plan.
The Tampa Bay Rays’ plan to split time between Montreal, Florida still draws skepticism two years on: https://t.co/Bljyi5eEoy
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) September 28, 2021
Topper on Chad Mottola.
From , https://t.co/Ar666VTmUk, hitting coach Chad Mottolo on working with players: "He encourages them to say no — “Tommy Pham-style” — if he suggests something they don’t want to try...." Love the idea of "Tommy Pham-Style being our new way of saying a definitive NO.
— Sports are the reward for a functioning society (@HerrLizzie) September 29, 2021
Adam Conley hits the COVID IL.
#Rays LH reliever Adam Conley has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be quarantined for 10 days, putting his availability at least early in the postseason in jeopardy. Is not having symptoms
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 28, 2021
Wisler is on hand.
Wisler is also here with #Rays and will play catch today with the potential to be activated in next few days, Cash said.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) September 28, 2021
ZiPS projects the stretch run. Go Team Chaos!
In affiliate news, the Charleston RiverDogs won the Low A East title, beating the Down East Wood Ducks three games to two.
Also, the Bowling Green Hot Rods won the High A East title, beating Greensboro Grasshoppers three games to two.
But the Montgomery Biscuits were unable to complete the affiliate sweep, dropping their series to the Mississippi Braves two games to one.
From the Athletic ($) a retrospective on the legacy Game 162.
From the Ringer, baseball analysts take on the deceptive delivery.
A sweet story about Ryan Yarbrough that started with the time he hit Mike Trout with a pitch.
When @RyanYarbrough2 threw a pitch that hit @MikeTrout, no one expected it would become a heartwarming story.
— MLB Players Media (@MLBPlayersMedia) September 28, 2021
But it did. @RaysBaseball pic.twitter.com/Wxcjo7rGxP
Not baseball move, but this happened during the Monday Night Football Manning-cast. I can totally see Brian Anderson doing this.
Eli Manning with the double bird on live TV. pic.twitter.com/LPU41kdFVO
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 28, 2021
Cuuuuuuuute!
Hello I am a Blep expert #dogs #dogsoftwitter #DogsofTwittterpic.twitter.com/V48GxBIJWd
— dog lovers (@doglovers2020) September 28, 2021