Rays Face Astros, Eye First Playoff Berth Since 2023
By: Norah Wright
All eyes will be on Tropicana Field this weekend as the Tampa Bay Rays take on the Houston Astros in a series that has the potential to determine playoff clinching spots and determine the fate of the American League. The Rays currently sit atop the AL East, while the Astros are leading the AL West.
What’s at stake?
Whether the Rays clinch a playoff spot is completely in their hands this weekend. If they win just one game of three against the Astros, they will have a postseason slot secured. However, the Rays’ push for the AL East title may be dependent on both their series this weekend and the performance of the New York Yankees, who are No. 2 in the AL East.
If Tampa Bay drops Friday’s matchup with Houston, it will still make the postseason if New York drops its contest with the Mets at 7:05 p.m. Friday.
Although the Rays have a three-game lead on the Yankees, their path to winning is not easy. Before playing the Yankees in the final week of the regular season on Sept. 22, the Rays must face the Phillies and Red Sox, who are No. 2 and No. 3 in the NL East, respectively. On the other hand, the Yankees face lower-ranked opponents in the Mets, Twins and Orioles in the next few weeks which may assist their attempt to make up ground between them and the Rays.
So, for Tampa Bay to head into the series against the Yankees comfortably, they need as many wins as possible against tough opponents, starting with Friday’s series against the Astros. The stakes aren’t just high for the Rays, though, as Houston is in a very similar position with a slim three-game lead in the AL West over the Rangers.
What Are the major factors?
Across the past few weeks, the Rays have been very strong in all aspects of the game. In particular, their pitching has stood out as it historically does during the regular season.
However, they have been struggling with injury in the past week, while the Astros have been much healthier and have retained talent. Notable players out for the weekend for the Rays include southpaws Shane McClanahan and Garrett Cleavinger, righty pitcher Manuel Rodriguez and shortstop Taylor Walls. The Rays will have to rely on their depth Friday and down the stretch of the regular season.
What does this series mean for the Rays?
If the Rays secure their spot in the playoffs, it will be their first time since 2023. Additionally, as they attempt to win an American League East title, it would be their first since 2021. A win tonight in the first game of the series would also set them as the first team to secure a playoff spot this season, showcasing their dominance across the division and league.
Category: Baseball, MLB, Tampa Bay Rays
