The Rays ended the first half on a low note, swept by the Red Sox and losing 11 of their last 14 games, dropping to 50-47. They have pivotal upcoming series against the Orioles and White Sox that are crucial for their playoff aspirations. President of baseball operations Erik Neander emphasized the importance of the team's performance for trade deadline plans. Tampa Bay operates with a unique strategy, often blending buyer and seller approaches in roster management, particularly with low payrolls.
We've got to make up some ground,” Neander said of a team that sits a game and a half behind the Mariners for the last AL Wild Card spot. “There's a belief in this team. ... But these are really big games that will have some sort of influence on our decision-making as the month draws to a close.
I'd like to think that just about anything I think this group is capable of over these few weeks will lead us in a position where we're looking to at least improve somewhere on the roster, if not significantly so,
The Rays rarely operate as strict buyers or sellers. Remaining consistently competitive while operating with bottom five payrolls requires an openness to listening on veteran players even in years where they're simultaneously trying to add to the big league roster.
The Red Sox swept them in a four-game set at Fenway to conclude the first half. Tampa Bay has dropped 11 of their past 14 games.
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