Turning Points: Tampa Bay Rays Struggle Continues
TAMPA — Before Wednesday’s game, Rays manager Kevin Cash addressed the team’s frustrating inconsistency, drawing comparisons to last season’s struggles. He noted it felt “very similar” to their rollercoaster ride last year when they finished with an 80-82 record, yet expressed optimism that they wouldn’t end up in the same situation this year.
Unfortunately, Cash’s optimism may not reflect the team’s reality.
The Rays faced a tough loss against the Phillies, falling 7-0 and bringing their overall record to 16-20 as they grapple with several issues.
Struggling Offense
The most apparent problem is the offense. Following the game, Cash remarked that the team was “completely out of sync” offensively and admitted, “I feel like we don’t have any answers.” This has become a recurring issue.
At home, the Rays are on a six-game losing streak, with just one win in their last eleven games and only 15 wins in their past 24 outings.
Home Game Troubles
In their last homestand, they suffered their sixth shutout, the most for any team this season. Over the past six home games, they’ve scored a meager seven runs— the lowest in their franchise history over a similar span.
Facing Left-Handed Pitchers
The team really struggles against left-handed pitchers, managing just one hit against the Phillies’ Cristopher Sanchez in six innings. Their .182 batting average and .536 OPS against lefties are among the worst in the league.
Pitching Concerns
On the pitching side, the Rays allowed five or more runs for the third consecutive game, a trend not seen in nearly a year. Pitcher Shane Baz struggled during this outing, citing issues with execution.
Finding Solutions
While players are putting in the effort and preparing, Cash lamented the lack of answers for their struggles. “We are out of sync right now, especially facing left-handed pitching,” he stated.
The hitters discussed their approach in New York, aiming to be less aggressive and push opposing pitchers to work harder. Brandon Lowe emphasized, “Let’s see if we can’t get him to sweat a little bit.”
Keeping Up the Morale
Catcher Danny Jansen, new to the team but familiar with the Rays as an opponent, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back. “This team is too talented offensively, defensively, and with our pitching staff. We have what it takes,” he said.
“We’ve got to keep pulling for each other. It’s a tough stretch, but we have the talent to turn this around.”
Conclusion
The Rays are at a critical point and need to prove their worth on the field before their struggles reflect last season’s disappointment.
FAQs
What are the Rays’ current struggles? The Rays are struggling primarily with their offense, ranking low against left-handed pitchers and facing losing streaks at home.
How can the Rays turn their season around? They need to focus on execution at the plate, make adjustments against left-handers, and maintain morale as they support one another.
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