Rays Win In Extras Despite Injuries

BY LILY BELCHER

Wednesday night's 10-inning 6-4 win over the Orioles snapped a four game skid for the Rays, who continue to battle through injuries.

Before the game, relief pitcher Matt Wisler joined Jalen Beeks and Josh Fleming on the 15-day IL with a neck strain, becoming the 17th player on the IL for the Rays. The Rays currently have seven of their relief pitcher and four key starting pitchers out, leaving AAA callups responsible for defending whatever lead the Rays offense can put together.

Drew Rasmussen started on the bump in the bottom of the first with a two-run buffer, thanks to a two-run homer by Ji-Man Choi in the first half of the inning. After a quick three-up, three-down ten-pitch inning, Luke Raley tacked on another run with a solo shot against Orioles starter Taylor Wells.

Raley, who is still batting just .194, has had an impressive few days, picking up two singles, two doubles, and two homers in the first three games of the Baltimore series (not to mention the homerun robbing snag in right field Tuesday night). After a less than impressive first half of the season, he may be looking to prove his value at the plate as the Rays cling to a wildcard spot.

Rasmussen gave up a run in the second, third, and fifth, allowing Baltimore to threaten the Rays 4-3 lead before being pulled after 75 pitches and 4.2 innings. Three relief pitchers held the Orioles bats through the eighth, but it was Colin Poche who let Jorge Mateo tie it up in the bottom of the ninth (in true Colin Poche fashion.)

A two RBI double by Rays hero Randy Arozarena in the top of the tenth gave Tampa the edge in the third game of a three game series in Baltimore.

The win proved two things: The Rays still have the ability to put together runs, but the lack of experience in the starting lineup is dangerously close to spelling the end of the Rays season.

The trade deadline will be interesting.

Injury notes:

Earlier this week, Mike Zunino took a seat on the 60-day with plans to undergo season-ending thoracic outlet syndrome surgery and fellow catcher Francisco Mejia took his spot on the 10-day with shoulder impingement.

Kevin Kiermaier will undergo season-ending hip labrum surgery as fans question his future with the team. The 32-year-old, injury-prone centerfielder has stepped into the role as team captain since Evan Longoria left back in 2017, but has failed to play

On a more positive note, Manuel Margot could be making his return soon. The outfielder has been on the 60-day with a right knee sprain since June 20. He began running again yesterday. The Rays have certainly missed his offense and experience in the outfield, so his return could be the spark the Rays need to make the post season push.

Relief right-handers JT Chargois and Nick Anderson will begin their rehab assignments Friday and Jalen Beeks is set to return at the beginning of August after a short 15-day stint on the IL with a leg injury.