The Tampa Bay Rays have been an afterthought on June 15.
The Rays had suffered a 9-2 loss to the Braves, dropping to 33-38 on the season and 16 video games out of first. Their struggles made the them doubtless sellers, with outfielder Randy Arozarena seen as one of many high commerce chips.
The issue was that Arozarena had been in a season lengthy hunch, posting a .175/.284/.325 batting line in his 278 plate appearances, hitting simply 9 homers and 9 doubles. Though the Rays had struggled offensively, Arozarena’s hunch was magnified because of their disappointing document.
Nonetheless, the Rays have begun to play to their capabilities over the previous few weeks. Tampa Bay is 16-11 since June 15, again to .500 and inside hanging distance of a playoff berth (4.5 video games again of ultimate wild-card spot). Arozarena has heated up as nicely, posting a .305/.391/.558 batting line with 5 homers and 9 doubles in his 110 plate appearances since that date, culminating with a two homer recreation on Saturday.
