4 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A second straight game without Yordan Alvarez reinforced a reality. The Houston Astros need more consistent sources of offense, with time running short for them to emerge.
A lineup missing its leading threat mustered five hits in a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, undermining a determined start by right-hander Peter Lambert and ensuring a series loss to the American League's first playoff entrant at Tropicana Field.
The Astros, who entered with the fifth-fewest runs in the majors since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, scored three or fewer for the 21st time in 35 games in that stretch. The offensive downturn might be presenting a direr threat to their playoff hopes if not for an inept division. The loss left Houston with a 2 ½-game AL West lead over the Rangers, who entered the day four games under .500, pending Texas' result.
The Astros are 75-74 with 13 games remaining on their schedule. Yainer Diaz had three of their five hits Saturday, including a run-scoring single in the sixth inning. Isaac Paredes' solo home run in the first against Rays starter Ian Seymour, who worked six strong frames, provided their only other run. Houston hitters were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.
The first was Seymour's rockiest inning, as three straight batters reached. Daulton Varsho and Christian Walker struck out to defuse the threat. Richie Palacios' two-run single wrought the first blemish against Lambert in his six-plus innings. Nick Madrigal broke a 2-2 tie for the Rays with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.
#houston #astros #rays #lambert
A lineup missing its leading threat mustered five hits in a 3-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday, undermining a determined start by right-hander Peter Lambert and ensuring a series loss to the American League's first playoff entrant at Tropicana Field.
The Astros, who entered with the fifth-fewest runs in the majors since the Aug. 3 trade deadline, scored three or fewer for the 21st time in 35 games in that stretch. The offensive downturn might be presenting a direr threat to their playoff hopes if not for an inept division. The loss left Houston with a 2 ½-game AL West lead over the Rangers, who entered the day four games under .500, pending Texas' result.
The Astros are 75-74 with 13 games remaining on their schedule. Yainer Diaz had three of their five hits Saturday, including a run-scoring single in the sixth inning. Isaac Paredes' solo home run in the first against Rays starter Ian Seymour, who worked six strong frames, provided their only other run. Houston hitters were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position and stranded six men on base.
The first was Seymour's rockiest inning, as three straight batters reached. Daulton Varsho and Christian Walker struck out to defuse the threat. Richie Palacios' two-run single wrought the first blemish against Lambert in his six-plus innings. Nick Madrigal broke a 2-2 tie for the Rays with a pinch-hit sacrifice fly in the bottom of the seventh.
#houston #astros #rays #lambert
4 days ago
Rays news: What Junior Caminero said after walking off Astros with 2-run bomb appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Tampa Bay Rays star Junior Caminero delivered a two-run walk-off homer Friday night, beating the Houston Astros 3-1 and clinching the Rays' first postseason berth since 2023. His 40th homer ended the series opener at Tropicana Field and made Tampa Bay the first MLB team to secure a 2026 playoff spot. Afterward, theScore's Bryan Mcwilliam shared Caminero's postgame message as the All-Star third baseman made clear reaching October wasn't his final goal.
"We're going to enjoy this, we're going to have a lot of fun, we're going to enjoy the moment, but the job is not finished. We're going to win the division," Caminero said before yelling, "Tampa, this is for you."
Caminero delivered his first career MLB walk-off hit with one out in the ninth and the score tied 1-1. Jonathan Aranda doubled off the right-field wall before Jonny DeLuca replaced him as a pinch-runner. Caminero then attacked Bryan Abreu's first pitch, sending a 96.6 mph four-seam fastball 417 feet to left-center at 107.2 mph.
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#caminero #first #going #junior
Tampa Bay Rays star Junior Caminero delivered a two-run walk-off homer Friday night, beating the Houston Astros 3-1 and clinching the Rays' first postseason berth since 2023. His 40th homer ended the series opener at Tropicana Field and made Tampa Bay the first MLB team to secure a 2026 playoff spot. Afterward, theScore's Bryan Mcwilliam shared Caminero's postgame message as the All-Star third baseman made clear reaching October wasn't his final goal.
"We're going to enjoy this, we're going to have a lot of fun, we're going to enjoy the moment, but the job is not finished. We're going to win the division," Caminero said before yelling, "Tampa, this is for you."
Caminero delivered his first career MLB walk-off hit with one out in the ninth and the score tied 1-1. Jonathan Aranda doubled off the right-field wall before Jonny DeLuca replaced him as a pinch-runner. Caminero then attacked Bryan Abreu's first pitch, sending a 96.6 mph four-seam fastball 417 feet to left-center at 107.2 mph.
Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)
#caminero #first #going #junior
5 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - An unorthodox pitching plan worked about as well as the Houston Astros could have hoped Friday. Their offense could not capitalize against another American League contender.
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
Junior Caminero cranked a walk-off, two-run home run against Bryan Abreu to send the Astros to a 3-1 loss in the opener of a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, who became the first American League team to clinch a spot in this year's playoff field. Houston, which entered the day with a three-game lead in the AL West, ended it with a 75-73 record.
Using an opener, three Astros pitchers combined to hold the Rays to two hits before the ninth inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a one-out double against Abreu. With first base open, the Astros opted to face Caminero, the AL home run leader, who crushed a first-pitch fastball 417 feet to ignite a celebration at Tropicana Field.
The Astros totaled nine hits. But they were 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position, with neither of the hits scoring a run, and stranded six men on base.
A 1-1 tie reached the ninth inning. The teams took different routes there. Rays starter Drew Rasmussen worked seven innings, navigating eight hits. One run against him scored on a fielder's choice. He threw 92 pitches before Tampa Bay turned to its bullpen.
#astros #houston #abreu #tampa
12 days ago
PepsiCo's 54 consecutive dividend increases and Colgate-Palmolive's 61.5% gross margin show how essential, habitual products keep compounding through every market cycle.
3M's specified industrial materials lock customers in through full qualification requirements, delivering 5.4% organic growth and 24.9% operating margins in Q2 2026.
Just released. Our **** ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Boring works. Over a market cycle, essential-service businesses tend to keep selling toothpaste, chips, and industrial adhesives regardless of what the S&P 500 is doing on any given afternoon. Consider PepsiCo's own dividend record: management has committed to a 4% increase in the annualized dividend per share beginning with the June 2026 payment, which will represent the 54th consecutive annual increase. A streak that long spans every officially declared bear market since the mid-1970s. The three names below are held together by that same idea: durable demand, unglamorous products, and customers who do not easily leave.
PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) sells convenient foods and beverages: Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Quaker, Tostitos, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Aquafina, and Tropicana. These are low-ticket, habitual purchases. When households tightened budgets in 2008-2009 and again in 2020, they did not stop buying salty snacks or sports drinks; they traded down within the aisle, and PepsiCo's multi-tier portfolio caught them on the way. On the most recent call, CEO Ramon Laguarta described the international business plainly: "The truth is that all those markets have remained very resilient."
#consecutive
3M's specified industrial materials lock customers in through full qualification requirements, delivering 5.4% organic growth and 24.9% operating margins in Q2 2026.
Just released. Our **** ysts combed the entire stock market and named the ten best stocks to buy right now. The report is free. Enter your email and see if any of your stocks made the cut.
Boring works. Over a market cycle, essential-service businesses tend to keep selling toothpaste, chips, and industrial adhesives regardless of what the S&P 500 is doing on any given afternoon. Consider PepsiCo's own dividend record: management has committed to a 4% increase in the annualized dividend per share beginning with the June 2026 payment, which will represent the 54th consecutive annual increase. A streak that long spans every officially declared bear market since the mid-1970s. The three names below are held together by that same idea: durable demand, unglamorous products, and customers who do not easily leave.
PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) sells convenient foods and beverages: Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Quaker, Tostitos, Pepsi, Gatorade, Mountain Dew, Aquafina, and Tropicana. These are low-ticket, habitual purchases. When households tightened budgets in 2008-2009 and again in 2020, they did not stop buying salty snacks or sports drinks; they traded down within the aisle, and PepsiCo's multi-tier portfolio caught them on the way. On the most recent call, CEO Ramon Laguarta described the international business plainly: "The truth is that all those markets have remained very resilient."
#consecutive
13 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Throughout Jared Young's nine-year journey in pro ball, a winding path featuring a stop in Korea and more than 2,500 at-bats in the minor leagues, the belief that he would one day thrive in the big leagues never wavered.
To Young, it was only a matter of time. He's been waiting for an extended opportunity at this level and knew he'd be ready to take advantage whenever he got that chance.
"I always fully believed it," Young told NJ.com this week at Tropicana Field. "You just gotta keep believing in yourself and keep playing because there's a ton of good players that have opportunities and rightfully so, so when you get yours, you just gotta be ready for it."
With a runway of playing time this season in a Mets uniform, Young has capitalized in a big way. The 31-year-old is hitting .265 across 91 games with eight home runs, 16 doubles and 35 RBI. Other than Juan Soto, who is in his own category offensively, Young is tied with rookie phenom Carson Benge for the highest OPS among all active Mets (.758).
"This is where talent and character finally ran into opportunity," Mets interim manager Andy Green said recently. "Opportunity just never met him before, and it's finally there for him. We're getting to see who he is ... and he's been everything we could hope for."
#young
To Young, it was only a matter of time. He's been waiting for an extended opportunity at this level and knew he'd be ready to take advantage whenever he got that chance.
"I always fully believed it," Young told NJ.com this week at Tropicana Field. "You just gotta keep believing in yourself and keep playing because there's a ton of good players that have opportunities and rightfully so, so when you get yours, you just gotta be ready for it."
With a runway of playing time this season in a Mets uniform, Young has capitalized in a big way. The 31-year-old is hitting .265 across 91 games with eight home runs, 16 doubles and 35 RBI. Other than Juan Soto, who is in his own category offensively, Young is tied with rookie phenom Carson Benge for the highest OPS among all active Mets (.758).
"This is where talent and character finally ran into opportunity," Mets interim manager Andy Green said recently. "Opportunity just never met him before, and it's finally there for him. We're getting to see who he is ... and he's been everything we could hope for."
#young
15 days ago
Riley Greene returns to the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, September 1, as one of the club's call-ups after the rosters expand. The three-time All-Star has been on the IL for almost three weeks with a hamstring injury, and the Tigers have been struggling mightily in his absence. The team went 4-14 in the 18 games since the injury, and have gone from fringe contenders in the playoff hunt to non-factors in the Wild Card race. Although the bullpen has continued its season-long struggle during this time, the team's offense has really struggled. Here is how he can help his team as Riley Greene returns from the IL.
The Tigers are currently in fourth place in the AL Central and are just one win up from the Kansas City Royals, who have dwelt in the basement all season long. They sit six whole games back from the last Wild Card spot as Riley Greene returns, and are really struggling at the plate. Although Dillon Dingler has been one of the best catchers in baseball, he hit a severe slump right around the time that Greene hit the IL. Others like Spencer Torkelson have found it tough to get their game going all season long. Meanwhile, injuries have also been a factor as Kerry Carpenter and as mentioned Greene have found themselves hitting the IL in recent weeks.
Although he hasn't hit the same heights as the last two seasons, Riley Greene remains one of the Tigers' most productive bats. Through 177 games in 2026, he's slugged 16 home runs and driven in 54 runners, with an OPS of .816, making him the team's most dangerous hitter this season. Rookies Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark have made waves in recent weeks, but the team can't rely on their young players to deliver when it really matters, that's when veterans need to step up to the plate, literally.
Jun 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
McGonigle continues to make a great case for AL Rookie of the Year honors, and Clark who has collected 23 hits in his first 28 games in the big leagues. They will get a boost as Riley Greene returns to lengthen this lineup and give protection to the two of them, as well as the struggling Dingler and Torkelson. Knowing that Greene is in the lineup is going to make pitchers want to challenge these other batters a bit more than they have, so the other starters should see more fastballs in the zone. Fans will worry whether or not it is too late for 2026.
#tigers
The Tigers are currently in fourth place in the AL Central and are just one win up from the Kansas City Royals, who have dwelt in the basement all season long. They sit six whole games back from the last Wild Card spot as Riley Greene returns, and are really struggling at the plate. Although Dillon Dingler has been one of the best catchers in baseball, he hit a severe slump right around the time that Greene hit the IL. Others like Spencer Torkelson have found it tough to get their game going all season long. Meanwhile, injuries have also been a factor as Kerry Carpenter and as mentioned Greene have found themselves hitting the IL in recent weeks.
Although he hasn't hit the same heights as the last two seasons, Riley Greene remains one of the Tigers' most productive bats. Through 177 games in 2026, he's slugged 16 home runs and driven in 54 runners, with an OPS of .816, making him the team's most dangerous hitter this season. Rookies Kevin McGonigle and Max Clark have made waves in recent weeks, but the team can't rely on their young players to deliver when it really matters, that's when veterans need to step up to the plate, literally.
Jun 3, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene (31) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
McGonigle continues to make a great case for AL Rookie of the Year honors, and Clark who has collected 23 hits in his first 28 games in the big leagues. They will get a boost as Riley Greene returns to lengthen this lineup and give protection to the two of them, as well as the struggling Dingler and Torkelson. Knowing that Greene is in the lineup is going to make pitchers want to challenge these other batters a bit more than they have, so the other starters should see more fastballs in the zone. Fans will worry whether or not it is too late for 2026.
#tigers
15 days ago
With a market cap of $192.5 billion, PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) is a global leader in the manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of a broad range of beverages and convenient foods. The company distributes its products through direct-store-delivery, customer warehouses, third-party networks, and e-commerce platforms, serving a wide variety of retail and foodservice customers worldwide.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as "large-cap" stocks, and PepsiCo fits this criterion perfectly. Its diverse portfolio includes iconic brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Frito-Lay, Quaker, Gatorade, Tropicana, and Mountain Dew, operating across seven segments spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Asia Pacific region.
Wu-Tang Clan Member Raekwon Is a Palantir 'OG,' Visiting Headquarters 16 Years After Receiving His Custom PLTR Jacket
Tesla Stock Could Benefit as Trump Locks Down the U.S. Power Grid
Tesla Just Killed Its Solar Roof After Years of Struggling to Scale. What It Means for TSLA Stock.
#tesla
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as "large-cap" stocks, and PepsiCo fits this criterion perfectly. Its diverse portfolio includes iconic brands such as Pepsi-Cola, Frito-Lay, Quaker, Gatorade, Tropicana, and Mountain Dew, operating across seven segments spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and the Asia Pacific region.
Wu-Tang Clan Member Raekwon Is a Palantir 'OG,' Visiting Headquarters 16 Years After Receiving His Custom PLTR Jacket
Tesla Stock Could Benefit as Trump Locks Down the U.S. Power Grid
Tesla Just Killed Its Solar Roof After Years of Struggling to Scale. What It Means for TSLA Stock.
#tesla
16 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Robert Stock pitched shutout ball into the sixth inning for his first major league win in seven years, Mark Vientos homered in his return from the injured list and the New York Mets beat the Tampa Bay Rays 3-2 on Monday night.
Francisco Alvarez had an RBI single and left fielder Christopher Morel made two pivotal defensive plays as the last-place Mets stopped Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak. New York, which snapped an eight-game skid at Tropicana Field, had lost six in a row and 11 of 13 to the Rays overall.
Liam Hicks and Chandler Simpson each had an RBI single with two outs in the eighth to pull the Rays to 3-2.
Kodai Senga worked a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.
Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League at 82-55 and began the day with a 4 1/2-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees.
#rays
Francisco Alvarez had an RBI single and left fielder Christopher Morel made two pivotal defensive plays as the last-place Mets stopped Tampa Bay's four-game winning streak. New York, which snapped an eight-game skid at Tropicana Field, had lost six in a row and 11 of 13 to the Rays overall.
Liam Hicks and Chandler Simpson each had an RBI single with two outs in the eighth to pull the Rays to 3-2.
Kodai Senga worked a scoreless ninth for his fifth save.
Tampa Bay has the best record in the American League at 82-55 and began the day with a 4 1/2-game lead in the AL East over the New York Yankees.
#rays
16 days ago
TAMPA, Fla. — As September call-ups lurk, the Mets had a pair of major moves on Monday afternoon.
They reinstated Mark Vientos from the injured list after he missed a month with a fractured right wrist. Luis Robert Jr. also went out the door after being claimed by the Orioles off waivers.
Vientos returned to the lineup as the Mets' designated hitter for their Monday series opener against the Rays at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fla.
Juan Soto will get the night off while Christopher Morel is lined up for a start in left field.
The Mets are coming off their second straight series loss after the Astros took their second of three games in a 6-3 result on Sunday afternoon.
#tampa #series
They reinstated Mark Vientos from the injured list after he missed a month with a fractured right wrist. Luis Robert Jr. also went out the door after being claimed by the Orioles off waivers.
Vientos returned to the lineup as the Mets' designated hitter for their Monday series opener against the Rays at 6:40 p.m. at Tropicana Field in Tampa, Fla.
Juan Soto will get the night off while Christopher Morel is lined up for a start in left field.
The Mets are coming off their second straight series loss after the Astros took their second of three games in a 6-3 result on Sunday afternoon.
#tampa #series
17 days ago
The San Diego Padres were able to build a 6-3 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays thanks to a three-run top of the seventh inning. The Rays responded with a four-run bottom of the seventh inning, which handed the Padres a 7-6 loss at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburgh on Saturday. The loss is critical to San Diego's push for the postseason, but even worse was the loss of Luis Rengifo who was injured and carted off the field in bottom of the seventh.
Bradgley Rodriguez started the seventh inning on the mound for the Padres with a 6-3 lead. San Diego appeared to have the recipe for a win in place. Rodriguez would work the seventh and pass the ball to Adrian Morejon in the eighth and eventually Mason Miller in the ninth if it was still a three-run game to secure a win. Rodriguez immediately got into trouble with a walk and back-to-back singles to load the bases. Yandy Diaz then lined a ball over the head of Jackson Merrill in centerfield that one-hopped the wall. Merrill threw the ball back to the infield where Rengifo took the ball at second base.
Tampa Bay had a runner caught between second and third and Rengifo ran toward him. At the same time, the runner on third base sprinted toward home and when Rengifo planted to stop his momentum and throw to the plate, he suffered what manager Craig Stammen said after the game was a knee sprain. The throw from Rengifo sailed past home plate and allowed the tying runs to score to tie the game at 6-6.
After a long injury delay and Rengifo being driven off the field while lying on his back on the cart, Stammen replaced Rodriguez with Adrian Morejon since there were no outs in the inning and the winning run on third base. Morejon induced a groundout for the first out of the inning and then allowed an intentional walk to setup the double play possibility. Morejon struck out Ryan Vilade for the second out of the inning but then allowed a single to Chandler Simpson which put the Rays ahead of the Padres, 7-6. The inning ended on a strikeout one batter later.
San Diego appeared deflated after the injury to Rengifo and surrendering the lead and went down in order in the top of the eighth. Manny Machado drew a one-out walk in the top of the ninth, but Ty France followed with a strikeout and Merrill grounded out to end the game.
#rengifo #rays
Bradgley Rodriguez started the seventh inning on the mound for the Padres with a 6-3 lead. San Diego appeared to have the recipe for a win in place. Rodriguez would work the seventh and pass the ball to Adrian Morejon in the eighth and eventually Mason Miller in the ninth if it was still a three-run game to secure a win. Rodriguez immediately got into trouble with a walk and back-to-back singles to load the bases. Yandy Diaz then lined a ball over the head of Jackson Merrill in centerfield that one-hopped the wall. Merrill threw the ball back to the infield where Rengifo took the ball at second base.
Tampa Bay had a runner caught between second and third and Rengifo ran toward him. At the same time, the runner on third base sprinted toward home and when Rengifo planted to stop his momentum and throw to the plate, he suffered what manager Craig Stammen said after the game was a knee sprain. The throw from Rengifo sailed past home plate and allowed the tying runs to score to tie the game at 6-6.
After a long injury delay and Rengifo being driven off the field while lying on his back on the cart, Stammen replaced Rodriguez with Adrian Morejon since there were no outs in the inning and the winning run on third base. Morejon induced a groundout for the first out of the inning and then allowed an intentional walk to setup the double play possibility. Morejon struck out Ryan Vilade for the second out of the inning but then allowed a single to Chandler Simpson which put the Rays ahead of the Padres, 7-6. The inning ended on a strikeout one batter later.
San Diego appeared deflated after the injury to Rengifo and surrendering the lead and went down in order in the top of the eighth. Manny Machado drew a one-out walk in the top of the ninth, but Ty France followed with a strikeout and Merrill grounded out to end the game.
#rengifo #rays
19 days ago
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Rays got county approval Friday on a financing plan that will allow them to build a new stadium, a day after city officials approved their part for the $2.3 billion ballpark project that will replace the domed Tropicana Field.
The Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 on Friday to approve its $796 million share of the mixed-use entertainment district that includes a new 31,000-seat stadium that will be near Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Rays' new stadium is expected to open in 2029. The Tampa City Council city voted 4-3 on Thursday to approve $80 million.
Rays CEO Ken Babby said the team's partnership with the county and city on the project secures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay.
"We now look forward to celebrating before breaking ground with Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa on a future that has long been doubted, but will indeed happen," Babby said. "By making the Forever Home a reality, the Rays are now home forever in Tampa Bay."
The Rays have committed to contributing at least $1.3 billion, plus any cost overruns. Another $30 million will come from federal disaster recovery funds.
#county #home #million #hillsborough
The Hillsborough County Commission voted 5-2 on Friday to approve its $796 million share of the mixed-use entertainment district that includes a new 31,000-seat stadium that will be near Raymond James Stadium, home of the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Rays' new stadium is expected to open in 2029. The Tampa City Council city voted 4-3 on Thursday to approve $80 million.
Rays CEO Ken Babby said the team's partnership with the county and city on the project secures the long-term future of Major League Baseball in Tampa Bay.
"We now look forward to celebrating before breaking ground with Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa on a future that has long been doubted, but will indeed happen," Babby said. "By making the Forever Home a reality, the Rays are now home forever in Tampa Bay."
The Rays have committed to contributing at least $1.3 billion, plus any cost overruns. Another $30 million will come from federal disaster recovery funds.
#county #home #million #hillsborough
24 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - MAY 04: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays takes the field prior to the game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field on Monday, May 4, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Alex Zadorozny/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Toronto Blue Jays have leaned heavily on Max Scherzer's experience throughout this season and last, even when the veteran right-hander has been dealing with health issues or struggling to find his best form on the mound.
That value extends beyond what Scherzer can provide on the mound. With more than a decade of postseason experience, three Cy Young Awards and a place among baseball's all-time strikeout leaders, Scherzer remains one of the most respected voices in the Blue Jays' clubhouse. His competitive edge has never really disappeared, either, even if he isn't still the frontline ace he once was.
"I never once lost belief in my ability, if I'm healthy, to be able to go out there and get outs, compete and try to win ballgames," Scherzer recently told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Yeah, I've had little ailments pop up; OK, great, move on. No one feels sorry for you, so you've got to get back out here and start competing."
That mentality was on full display on Friday, although Scherzer wasn't the pitcher taking the mound. Instead, he found himself expressing the frustration felt by many Blue Jays in the dugout as New York Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler inexplicably delayed the start of the rivalry matchup.
#field #even
The Toronto Blue Jays have leaned heavily on Max Scherzer's experience throughout this season and last, even when the veteran right-hander has been dealing with health issues or struggling to find his best form on the mound.
That value extends beyond what Scherzer can provide on the mound. With more than a decade of postseason experience, three Cy Young Awards and a place among baseball's all-time strikeout leaders, Scherzer remains one of the most respected voices in the Blue Jays' clubhouse. His competitive edge has never really disappeared, either, even if he isn't still the frontline ace he once was.
"I never once lost belief in my ability, if I'm healthy, to be able to go out there and get outs, compete and try to win ballgames," Scherzer recently told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. Yeah, I've had little ailments pop up; OK, great, move on. No one feels sorry for you, so you've got to get back out here and start competing."
That mentality was on full display on Friday, although Scherzer wasn't the pitcher taking the mound. Instead, he found himself expressing the frustration felt by many Blue Jays in the dugout as New York Yankees rookie Cam Schlittler inexplicably delayed the start of the rivalry matchup.
#field #even
27 days ago
The Toronto Blue Jays have plenty of recognizable stars, but one of their most valuable players is quietly putting together an outstanding stretch in MLB.
Alejandro Kirk has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball since the All-Star break, and his numbers make a compelling case that he deserves far more attention.
MORE: Astros call up top prospect, make multiple changes to rotation
Aug 18, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) rounds third base to score a run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Among qualified catchers since July 17, Kirk ranks first with a .361 batting average, .439 on-base percentage and .969 OPS. His .530 slugging percentage ranks second, while his .350 xwOBA ranks third.
#ranks #make
Alejandro Kirk has been one of the best offensive catchers in baseball since the All-Star break, and his numbers make a compelling case that he deserves far more attention.
MORE: Astros call up top prospect, make multiple changes to rotation
Aug 18, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) rounds third base to score a run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Among qualified catchers since July 17, Kirk ranks first with a .361 batting average, .439 on-base percentage and .969 OPS. His .530 slugging percentage ranks second, while his .350 xwOBA ranks third.
#ranks #make
29 days ago
Blue Jays 10 Rays 5
A win at Tropicana. I always think I'm more likely to find a $20 bill on the ground than to see the Jays win at that House of Horrors.
The Jays, very democratically, scored two runs in each of five innings:
In the first: With two out, Alejandro Kirk doubled. A 'hustle double', just safe at second on ball hit into the right field corner. George Springer singled him home. A0nd Jesús Sánchez doubled him home. I wonder if we have ever scored in the first in St. Petersburg before?
In the third: Nathan Lukes led off with a walk. And Kirk homered (two at bats and six total bases).
#kirk #doubled #home #tropicana
A win at Tropicana. I always think I'm more likely to find a $20 bill on the ground than to see the Jays win at that House of Horrors.
The Jays, very democratically, scored two runs in each of five innings:
In the first: With two out, Alejandro Kirk doubled. A 'hustle double', just safe at second on ball hit into the right field corner. George Springer singled him home. A0nd Jesús Sánchez doubled him home. I wonder if we have ever scored in the first in St. Petersburg before?
In the third: Nathan Lukes led off with a walk. And Kirk homered (two at bats and six total bases).
#kirk #doubled #home #tropicana
29 days ago
The Toronto Blue Jays are getting hot just in time.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk led the Blue Jays to a 10-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Kirk finished the game 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. He recorded a single and a double, missing the cycle by only a triple.
Kirk is not known for his speed, so the idea of him securing a triple to pull off the cycle always seemed a little far-fetched. He does, however, have one triple in his career, having hit a three-bagger in 2024 against the Rays at Tropicana Field, where Tuesday's game was held.
The Toronto catcher is having another solid season. Kirk came into Tuesday hitting .271 with a .351 on-base percentage. He has five home runs and 22 RBI in 50 games.
Toronto is starting to heat up down the stretch of the season. Tuesday's win was the Blue Jays' sixth win in their past eight games. They've also won 10 of their past 15 games, and six of those wins have come against AL East opponents in what is projected to be a tight race as the postseason nears.
#kirk
Catcher Alejandro Kirk led the Blue Jays to a 10-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday. Kirk finished the game 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. He recorded a single and a double, missing the cycle by only a triple.
Kirk is not known for his speed, so the idea of him securing a triple to pull off the cycle always seemed a little far-fetched. He does, however, have one triple in his career, having hit a three-bagger in 2024 against the Rays at Tropicana Field, where Tuesday's game was held.
The Toronto catcher is having another solid season. Kirk came into Tuesday hitting .271 with a .351 on-base percentage. He has five home runs and 22 RBI in 50 games.
Toronto is starting to heat up down the stretch of the season. Tuesday's win was the Blue Jays' sixth win in their past eight games. They've also won 10 of their past 15 games, and six of those wins have come against AL East opponents in what is projected to be a tight race as the postseason nears.
#kirk
29 days ago
The Toronto Blue Jays are getting hot at the right time.
Catcher Alejandro Kirk led the Blue Jays to a 10-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Kirk finished the game 3-5 with a home run and three RBI. He added a single and a double to his line, missing the cycle by just a triple.
Kirk is not known for his speed, so his securing a triple to pull off the feat seemed a little far-fetched. He does have one triple in his career, hitting a three-bagger in 2024, ironically, against the Rays at Tropicana Field, where Tuesday night's game was held.
The Toronto catcher is having another solid season. Kirk came into Tuesday's game hitting .271 with a .351 on-base percentage. He had five home runs and 22 RBI in 50 games.
Toronto is starting to heat up down the stretch of the season. Tuesday's win was the Blue Jays' sixth win in their last eight games.
#toronto #triple #catcher
Catcher Alejandro Kirk led the Blue Jays to a 10-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Kirk finished the game 3-5 with a home run and three RBI. He added a single and a double to his line, missing the cycle by just a triple.
Kirk is not known for his speed, so his securing a triple to pull off the feat seemed a little far-fetched. He does have one triple in his career, hitting a three-bagger in 2024, ironically, against the Rays at Tropicana Field, where Tuesday night's game was held.
The Toronto catcher is having another solid season. Kirk came into Tuesday's game hitting .271 with a .351 on-base percentage. He had five home runs and 22 RBI in 50 games.
Toronto is starting to heat up down the stretch of the season. Tuesday's win was the Blue Jays' sixth win in their last eight games.
#toronto #triple #catcher
30 days ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Pinch-hitter Jonny DeLuca put the Rays in front with a two-run single in the seventh inning, and AL-best Tampa Bay rallied for a 7-6 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night to avoid a four-game sweep.
Yandy Díaz, Ryan Vilade and Jorge Mateo homered for Tampa Bay. Mateo's two-run shot with two out in the fourth was his first for the Rays and gave them a 4-3 lead.
Coby Mayo hit a 468-foot homer, and Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand also went deep for Baltimore (61-64), which moved into the AL's third wild-card spot by taking the first three games against its division rival at Tropicana Field.
Jonathan Aranda's RBI single against Yennier Cano (2-3) got the Rays within 6-5 in the seventh. After Junior Caminero hit an infield single to load the bases, Josh Walker came in and gave up DeLuca's go-ahead single to center, the last of four lead changes in the game.
All-Star Bryan Baker got the final five outs for his majors-leading 35th save. Left-hander Cam Booser (1-0) struck out the side in the seventh and earned his first win in a Rays.
#single #four #game #lead
Yandy Díaz, Ryan Vilade and Jorge Mateo homered for Tampa Bay. Mateo's two-run shot with two out in the fourth was his first for the Rays and gave them a 4-3 lead.
Coby Mayo hit a 468-foot homer, and Pete Alonso and Christian Encarnacion-Strand also went deep for Baltimore (61-64), which moved into the AL's third wild-card spot by taking the first three games against its division rival at Tropicana Field.
Jonathan Aranda's RBI single against Yennier Cano (2-3) got the Rays within 6-5 in the seventh. After Junior Caminero hit an infield single to load the bases, Josh Walker came in and gave up DeLuca's go-ahead single to center, the last of four lead changes in the game.
All-Star Bryan Baker got the final five outs for his majors-leading 35th save. Left-hander Cam Booser (1-0) struck out the side in the seventh and earned his first win in a Rays.
#single #four #game #lead
1 month ago
The blockbuster MLB trade that sent Adley Rutschman from the Baltimore Orioles to the Boston Red Sox is officially complete.
The final piece of the deal was revealed Wednesday, with Baltimore acquiring minor league outfielder Harold Rivas from Boston as the player to be named later.
Both organizations announced the move after Andrew Parker of Sox Prospects first reported the news. With Rivas now included, the full trade package is officially known.
MORE: 4 MLB teams most likely to win the World Series, not including the Dodgers
May 18, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
#harold
The final piece of the deal was revealed Wednesday, with Baltimore acquiring minor league outfielder Harold Rivas from Boston as the player to be named later.
Both organizations announced the move after Andrew Parker of Sox Prospects first reported the news. With Rivas now included, the full trade package is officially known.
MORE: 4 MLB teams most likely to win the World Series, not including the Dodgers
May 18, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman (35) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
#harold
1 month ago
The start of this week in MLB had a lot at stake. GMs and front offices have been busy working on deals they hope will pave the way to a deep postseason run. Monday was the trade deadline, and several teams saw player movement. For most teams, acquisitions were made to chase a playoff berth, while others brought in prospects for the future.
Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 starting pitchers after the MLB trade deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & **** ysis
Apr 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) walks off the field after pitching against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Rasmussen is having the best of his career. Entering the week, he has the fourth-best WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He has been Tampa Bay's best starting pitcher.
#tampa #week
Following the trade deadline, teams will be playing for crucial wins each day. Here are the top 10 starting pitchers after the MLB trade deadline.
MORE: 2026 MLB Trade Deadline deal tracker & **** ysis
Apr 12, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (57) walks off the field after pitching against the New York Yankees in the third inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Rasmussen is having the best of his career. Entering the week, he has the fourth-best WHIP among MLB starting pitchers. He has been Tampa Bay's best starting pitcher.
#tampa #week
2 months ago
Tampa Bay Rays' Junior Caminero hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox, Friday, July 31, 2026, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Few things stop people in their tracks like the sight of Junior Caminero taking batting practice. Seeing the Rays' third baseman step into the batter's box during a game can also grab one's attention. If anyone needed a reminder as to why, all they had to do was see the rocket he launched off Erick Fedde of the White Sox on Friday night.
The estimated distance of "Cami's" fourth-inning solo shot to the left of center was pegged at 453 feet, the second longest in an 82-homer career through Saturday. There is no telling how far the ball might have sailed as it clanged off the D-ring hanging from the roof of Tropicana Field and 59 feet above the playing surface.
The blast was Caminero's 75th since the start of last season, which was his first full season in the big leagues. It was also his 30th home run of 2026, good for second in the American League. It also snapped a 12-game homer drought, which is his longest of the past two years and second longest of his career behind a 15-gamer in September 2024 that began a couple of weeks after he called up from Triple-A Durham.
Reaching the 30-homer mark may not in and of itself raise eyebrows a year after Caminero hit 45. Consider, though, that there are two months and 50-plus games remaining on the schedule. Hence, it is easy to see how another 40-plus homer season could be in order.
#caminero #homer #second #white
Few things stop people in their tracks like the sight of Junior Caminero taking batting practice. Seeing the Rays' third baseman step into the batter's box during a game can also grab one's attention. If anyone needed a reminder as to why, all they had to do was see the rocket he launched off Erick Fedde of the White Sox on Friday night.
The estimated distance of "Cami's" fourth-inning solo shot to the left of center was pegged at 453 feet, the second longest in an 82-homer career through Saturday. There is no telling how far the ball might have sailed as it clanged off the D-ring hanging from the roof of Tropicana Field and 59 feet above the playing surface.
The blast was Caminero's 75th since the start of last season, which was his first full season in the big leagues. It was also his 30th home run of 2026, good for second in the American League. It also snapped a 12-game homer drought, which is his longest of the past two years and second longest of his career behind a 15-gamer in September 2024 that began a couple of weeks after he called up from Triple-A Durham.
Reaching the 30-homer mark may not in and of itself raise eyebrows a year after Caminero hit 45. Consider, though, that there are two months and 50-plus games remaining on the schedule. Hence, it is easy to see how another 40-plus homer season could be in order.
#caminero #homer #second #white
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Bryan Baker of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the ninth inning at Tropicana Field on July 26, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
In the aftermath of a 3-0 win over the Rangers on Wednesday evening, Ryan Vilade said he did not want to face Bryan Baker. The Rays' infielder/outfielder shares a clubhouse with the righthanded closer, so stepping into the batter's box against Baker is not a concern. For Rays' opponents, facing Baker has been a nightmare in 2026.
"To see 'Big Bake' running in from the bullpen with the lights (flashing on and off) and (music) playing, it gets everyone fired up," said Vilade, whose exceptional work (9 HR, 35 RBI, .804 OPS) in a part-time role has often aided the Rays in getting to their closer. "I'm glad he's on our team and whenever we get to the ninth with him on the ***** p, we feel pretty good."
For good reason. The 6-foot-6 Baker nailed down his 30th save of the season Thursday afternoon in the series finale with Texas to tie with Cleveland's Cade Smith for the MLB lead. The 31-year-old heads into a weekend series versus the visiting White Sox having converted 19 straight save opportunities, a stretch that began May 17. During that span, which totals 24 appearances, Baker has allowed one run. That was a solo homer to Kansas City's Josh Rojas on June 24, an outing in which Baker shrugged it off to record his 20th save.
"I have been feeding off the catchers and going for what they see and what they've kind of seen the whole game and let the defenders work behind me," said Baker, when asked about the run he is on. "It's been a lot more (pitching to) contact lately, which as long as there's zeros are on board, I'm good."
#rays #ninth #work
In the aftermath of a 3-0 win over the Rangers on Wednesday evening, Ryan Vilade said he did not want to face Bryan Baker. The Rays' infielder/outfielder shares a clubhouse with the righthanded closer, so stepping into the batter's box against Baker is not a concern. For Rays' opponents, facing Baker has been a nightmare in 2026.
"To see 'Big Bake' running in from the bullpen with the lights (flashing on and off) and (music) playing, it gets everyone fired up," said Vilade, whose exceptional work (9 HR, 35 RBI, .804 OPS) in a part-time role has often aided the Rays in getting to their closer. "I'm glad he's on our team and whenever we get to the ninth with him on the ***** p, we feel pretty good."
For good reason. The 6-foot-6 Baker nailed down his 30th save of the season Thursday afternoon in the series finale with Texas to tie with Cleveland's Cade Smith for the MLB lead. The 31-year-old heads into a weekend series versus the visiting White Sox having converted 19 straight save opportunities, a stretch that began May 17. During that span, which totals 24 appearances, Baker has allowed one run. That was a solo homer to Kansas City's Josh Rojas on June 24, an outing in which Baker shrugged it off to record his 20th save.
"I have been feeding off the catchers and going for what they see and what they've kind of seen the whole game and let the defenders work behind me," said Baker, when asked about the run he is on. "It's been a lot more (pitching to) contact lately, which as long as there's zeros are on board, I'm good."
#rays #ninth #work
2 months ago
The Tampa Bay Rays couldn't end the first half of the season with a win, but they are still in a great spot as they arrive at the MLB All-Star Break.
The team fell short of completing the series sweep at Tropicana Field as the Seattle Mariners salvaged the final game, defeating the Rays 8-2. Here is what you need to know about the contest.
Ian Seymour got the start to end the first half of the season for the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, and it wasn't his best outing.
After starting off strong in the first inning, he allowed too much base traffic the next frame and allowed three runs to score. Seymour finished with 3.1 innings on the day, allowing five earned runs on six hits, striking out three but also walking three.
The four relievers that came out of the bullpen following Seymour did their best to play damage control but allowed two more earned runs across the final 5.2 innings in the game.
The team fell short of completing the series sweep at Tropicana Field as the Seattle Mariners salvaged the final game, defeating the Rays 8-2. Here is what you need to know about the contest.
Ian Seymour got the start to end the first half of the season for the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, and it wasn't his best outing.
After starting off strong in the first inning, he allowed too much base traffic the next frame and allowed three runs to score. Seymour finished with 3.1 innings on the day, allowing five earned runs on six hits, striking out three but also walking three.
The four relievers that came out of the bullpen following Seymour did their best to play damage control but allowed two more earned runs across the final 5.2 innings in the game.
2 months ago
On Friday night, the New York Yankees will open up a series with the Washington Nationals (at Nationals Park).
The Yankees are coming off an impressive 12-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays (on Thursday) in Florida.
Ben Rice finished with two home runs and five RBIs.
Getty Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field on July 09, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida.
Ahead of Friday's game, former Yankees manager Joe Girardi spoke about Rice (via YES Network).
The Yankees are coming off an impressive 12-4 win over the Tampa Bay Rays (on Thursday) in Florida.
Ben Rice finished with two home runs and five RBIs.
Getty Ben Rice #22 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the third inning against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field on July 09, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida.
Ahead of Friday's game, former Yankees manager Joe Girardi spoke about Rice (via YES Network).
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - As the Yankees' offensive malaise deepened, Aaron Boone acknowledged the uncomfortable rinse-repeat of this 20-game slide.
Managers can shake things up to some extent, but "I'm not going to do extreme, weird things'' Boone said of his lineup decisions.
Getting back to "controlling the strike zone better'' is one way to do it, and Boone's club hasn't drawn a walk since Monday's fifth inning.
And it doesn't get any easier Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field, with the Rays starting right-hander Drew Rasmussen and the Yankees going with a bullpen game.
Lefty and former Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is likely to be a multi-inning choice for Boone as the Yanks try to salvage a split of this four-game set against the AL East-leading Rays, who own a five-game lead over Boone's club.
Managers can shake things up to some extent, but "I'm not going to do extreme, weird things'' Boone said of his lineup decisions.
Getting back to "controlling the strike zone better'' is one way to do it, and Boone's club hasn't drawn a walk since Monday's fifth inning.
And it doesn't get any easier Thursday afternoon at Tropicana Field, with the Rays starting right-hander Drew Rasmussen and the Yankees going with a bullpen game.
Lefty and former Tampa Bay pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is likely to be a multi-inning choice for Boone as the Yanks try to salvage a split of this four-game set against the AL East-leading Rays, who own a five-game lead over Boone's club.
2 months ago
The New York Yankees continued their horrific slump on Wednesday, losing 3-0 to the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field.
The Yankees' offense continued to sputter, managing just six hits and no walks while striking out 11 times. New York's first shutout loss since May 21 came on the heels of back-to-back games with 17 strikeouts -- a Major League record.
The Yankees have now lost 11 of their last 13 games and 14 of their last 18. Over their last 20 games dating back to June 18, they have the worst record (5-15) and fewest runs (56) in baseball, averaging just 2.8 runs per game during that stretch.
New York has plummeted in the AL East standings as a result, blowing their 3.5-game lead and falling five games behind the first-place Rays.
While Aaron Boone remains publicly confident in the Yankees' offensive approach, Gerrit Cole expressed his disappointment in the team's poor play after taking the loss on Wednesday.
The Yankees' offense continued to sputter, managing just six hits and no walks while striking out 11 times. New York's first shutout loss since May 21 came on the heels of back-to-back games with 17 strikeouts -- a Major League record.
The Yankees have now lost 11 of their last 13 games and 14 of their last 18. Over their last 20 games dating back to June 18, they have the worst record (5-15) and fewest runs (56) in baseball, averaging just 2.8 runs per game during that stretch.
New York has plummeted in the AL East standings as a result, blowing their 3.5-game lead and falling five games behind the first-place Rays.
While Aaron Boone remains publicly confident in the Yankees' offensive approach, Gerrit Cole expressed his disappointment in the team's poor play after taking the loss on Wednesday.
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Anthony Volpe has no idea about the origin of a story that he refused a shift to second base while rehabbing from shoulder surgery in the minors earlier this season. But the Yankees shortstop insisted the report is not only false – the club never made such a request.
"Before I got optioned (to Triple-A on May 3) I told (Aaron Boone) I'd play catcher, I'd do literally anything the team needed and that's the truth," Volpe said before Wednesday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
"When I was getting ready to come back after surgery, when I could only start hitting, I was asking every night what was expected of me. What was told to me was to get ready to come back and play short.
"So for the opposite to be put out there, it's just confusing. I've never, ever felt that way."
The story originated on Tuesday's episode of the Michael Kay Show. Citing a rumor he had heard, Kay reported Volpe had turned down a request to play second for the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders.
"Before I got optioned (to Triple-A on May 3) I told (Aaron Boone) I'd play catcher, I'd do literally anything the team needed and that's the truth," Volpe said before Wednesday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field.
"When I was getting ready to come back after surgery, when I could only start hitting, I was asking every night what was expected of me. What was told to me was to get ready to come back and play short.
"So for the opposite to be put out there, it's just confusing. I've never, ever felt that way."
The story originated on Tuesday's episode of the Michael Kay Show. Citing a rumor he had heard, Kay reported Volpe had turned down a request to play second for the Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders.
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - During Wednesday night's top of the sixth inning, Yankees manager Aaron Boone and his bench coach, Brad Ausmus, were ejected at Tropicana Field.
It happened with the Rays leading 2-0, following a strikeout-throw out double play with Paul Goldschmidt batting and Jose Caballero attempting to steal second base.
Apparently, the Yankees' bid to video replay challenge the call at second base was denied by the umpiring crew, leading to Ausmus' ejection.
Boone reacted by bolting out of the Yankees' dugout and engaging in a heated argument with plate umpire and crew chief Doug Eddings, who quickly tossed the Yanks' manager.
It was Boone's third ejection of the season, his first since May 19, against Toronto. Ausmus hadn't been previously tossed from a game this year.
It happened with the Rays leading 2-0, following a strikeout-throw out double play with Paul Goldschmidt batting and Jose Caballero attempting to steal second base.
Apparently, the Yankees' bid to video replay challenge the call at second base was denied by the umpiring crew, leading to Ausmus' ejection.
Boone reacted by bolting out of the Yankees' dugout and engaging in a heated argument with plate umpire and crew chief Doug Eddings, who quickly tossed the Yanks' manager.
It was Boone's third ejection of the season, his first since May 19, against Toronto. Ausmus hadn't been previously tossed from a game this year.
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – So, this was unprecedented in franchise history before Tuesday.
Over the first two games of this important series at Tropicana Field, the Yankees have struck out in nearly half their plate appearances against Rays pitching.
That’s 34 Ks in 69 plate appearances, including 17 more in Tuesday night’s 6-4 loss, evening this four-game set at one game apiece.
“We just got to keep pushing,’’ said Paul Goldschmidt, who has struck out in each of his last seven at-bats, part of an 0-for-30 stretch for the veteran first baseman.
Goldschmidt and Jose Caballero, Monday's two-homer hero, combined for eight of the Yankees' strikeouts on Tuesday night.
Over the first two games of this important series at Tropicana Field, the Yankees have struck out in nearly half their plate appearances against Rays pitching.
That’s 34 Ks in 69 plate appearances, including 17 more in Tuesday night’s 6-4 loss, evening this four-game set at one game apiece.
“We just got to keep pushing,’’ said Paul Goldschmidt, who has struck out in each of his last seven at-bats, part of an 0-for-30 stretch for the veteran first baseman.
Goldschmidt and Jose Caballero, Monday's two-homer hero, combined for eight of the Yankees' strikeouts on Tuesday night.
2 months ago
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — The bat flip that won a Dominican championship in January 2025 went viral. Future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols has called him the future of the sport. He hit 45 home runs in his age-21 season and came up just one shy of a franchise record.
All that did not go to Junior Caminero’s head. Instead it taught him to keep things smaller.
“I feel more humble,” the Tampa Bay Rays’ slugger said before Tuesday night’s game against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. “The more I play, the more I learn, the more I feel humble.”
That must be getting hard as Caminero is emerging as the face of an organization that has hunted for a face for decades. He has earned his second All-Star nod and is heading into the Home Run Derby Monday night for the second straight year (he finished second in 2025).
The native of the Dominican Republic hit 78 home runs before he turned 23 on July 5, and last year’s 45 homers were the second most any hitter has ever hit in an age-21 season, behind only Eddie Mathews’ 47 in 1953. He's one of five players in history to finish a 45-homer season before turning 23, joining Mathews, Johnny Bench, Joe DiMaggio and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Three are in the Hall of Fame. The other is still playing.
All that did not go to Junior Caminero’s head. Instead it taught him to keep things smaller.
“I feel more humble,” the Tampa Bay Rays’ slugger said before Tuesday night’s game against the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field. “The more I play, the more I learn, the more I feel humble.”
That must be getting hard as Caminero is emerging as the face of an organization that has hunted for a face for decades. He has earned his second All-Star nod and is heading into the Home Run Derby Monday night for the second straight year (he finished second in 2025).
The native of the Dominican Republic hit 78 home runs before he turned 23 on July 5, and last year’s 45 homers were the second most any hitter has ever hit in an age-21 season, behind only Eddie Mathews’ 47 in 1953. He's one of five players in history to finish a 45-homer season before turning 23, joining Mathews, Johnny Bench, Joe DiMaggio and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Three are in the Hall of Fame. The other is still playing.
