Rays Lead AL Despite Weak WAR Rankings
Tampa Bay owns the best record in the American League but ranks outside the top 10 in both batting and pitching WAR, raising questions about sustainability.
The Rays entered the season projected for just under 80 wins and a last-place AL East finish. Despite that, they built the AL's top record at 34-18 through multiple winning streaks of five games or more. Their performance metrics tell a different story: they rank 14th in batter WAR and 12th in pitcher WAR, with no player in the top 50 on the combined WAR leaderboard. The gap between their win total and underlying production is a notable signal for projection systems.
More on the Rays wire.
Rays Converting Griffin Jax to Starting Role
Tampa Bay is reportedly working on transitioning reliever Griffin Jax into a starting pitcher, continuing the franchise's history of pitcher development projects.
Kimbrel hits IL after single outing with Rays
Tampa Bay's newly acquired closer Craig Kimbrel is sidelined after appearing in only one game, landing on the 15-day injured list.
Kimbrel Lands on IL With Right Wrist Strain
Tampa Bay's newly signed reliever is sidelined through at least June 4 after appearing in just one game with the club.
Rays Outright Jon Heasley to Triple-A After Brief MLB Stint
Heasley was designated for assignment one day after allowing five runs in four innings, then quickly cleared waivers and returned to Durham.
Rays Outright Jon Heasley to Triple-A After Brief MLB Return
Heasley was designated for assignment one day after allowing five runs in four innings, then quickly cleared waivers and returned to Durham.
Ben Williamson Reinstated From IL by Tampa Bay
The Rays activated infielder Ben Williamson from the 10-day injured list as part of a series of roster moves.