The Tampa Bay Rays lead the American League East, but have a significant weakness that could be their downfall.
Heading into the season, the Tampa Bay Rays were one of the more intriguing teams in the game. After their improbable 90 win season, and the acquisitions of the likes of Charlie Morton and Yandy Diaz, the Rays were considered a favorite to reach the playoffs. With a 26-15 record, while standing atop the AL East, the Rays have certainly lived up to their billing thus far.
And yet, there are warts. The Rays have a meager 2-7 record in one run games, easily the worst in the division. Every other team has won at least five one run games, including the Orioles. Likewise, the Rays are 0-4 in extra innings, another area that could prove to be a detriment as the season continues.
Given the Rays strength in the bullpen, and the success they have had overall with their pitching staff, those records are surprising. Typically a team with a strong relief corps, as the Rays have, would perform well in those close games, and hold an advantage in extra innings. Yet, that has not been the case.
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Instead, the culprit in the Rays struggles in one run games, and in extra innings, has been the offense. They have been the worst team in the league when it comes to leaving runners on base, and have the third most unlucky team according to base runs.
Why has this been the case? Well, the Rays simply have not hit with runners in scoring position. Despite having the third most at bats (361) with a runner in scoring position, the Rays have scored just 131 runs, tied for 18th with the Washington Nationals. Their .238/.335/.399 batting line, leading to a .734 OPS, ranks 23rd in the majors.
That is a departure from how the Rays have performed offensively throughout the course of the year. Overall, Tampa Bay has posted a .767 OPS, the ninth best mark in baseball. At some point, those struggles with runners in scoring position should even out, allowing the Rays to have more success in those close games.
As successful as the Tampa Bay Rays have been this season, there is still room for improvement. If the Rays can start hitting with runners in scoring position, they could be in even better shape than expected.