Forbes Business SportsMoney One Of The Tampa Bay Rays’ Best Years Ever Was Also One Of Its Hardest
Key Highlights :
The Tampa Bay Rays are on the brink of one of their best seasons ever, despite a tumultuous year that has seen them lose their All-Star starting pitcher and two others of considerable quality. Injuries to the pitching staff, as well as the team’s best position player, have tested the Rays’ depth and resilience. However, the team’s spirit, the quality of their non-injured roster, and the depth of their system have allowed the Rays to remain in contention for the American League East title and a record-breaking win total.
The Rays’ pitching staff has been tested this season, with the team’s ace, Shane McClanahan, suffering his second Tommy John surgery. This was compounded by season-ending injuries to Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen, leaving the Rays without their numbers one, three and four starters. Tyler Glasnow, the team’s number two, has also been notoriously creaky.
The hitting line-up has also suffered, with Yandy Diaz, Randy Arozarena, Brandon Lowe, Jose Siri and Luke Raley all missing significant time due to injury. The most significant of these absences, however, was that of Wander Franco, the Rays’ generational talent, who was removed from the team pending an investigation into allegations of inappropriate relationships.
The Rays have had to rely on Osleivis Basabe, Curtis Mead and Junior Caminero, as well as Triple-A stud Jonathan Aranda, to fill the voids left by the injured players. Additionally, the Rays’ bullpen has been bolstered by the performances of Zack Littell, Shawn Armstrong and Robert Stephenson, all of whom were acquired by the team in the last year.
The fact that the Rays have remained in contention for the American League East title and a record-breaking win total despite all of these setbacks is a testament to the quality of the non-injured roster, the depth of the system, and the spirit of the clubhouse. “Next man up” has been the mantra for the Rays this season, and it has served them well.
The Rays’ performance this season has been a reminder that a team’s success in the playoffs often comes down to the quality of the starting pitching. With the team’s pitching staff being tested in such a way this season, it is a testament to the Rays’ resilience that they have been able to remain in contention.
Ultimately, the Rays have shown this season that any team that loses the All-Star starting pitcher and best position player should not be written off. The Rays’ ability to remain competitive despite the loss of such key players is a testament to their depth, quality, and spirit, and is a reminder that the Rays will always do things differently.
