Tampa Bay Rays: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights

Rays place LHP Steven Matz (ankle sprain) on IL

The Tampa Bay Rays placed struggling left-hander Steven Matz on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a sprained left ankle. Matz, 35, gave up five runs in two innings of relief in Tuesday's 12-5 loss to the visiting Kansas City Royals.

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The Quiz of the Day

Yandy Diaz, Rays carry 'positive mindset' into finale vs. Royals

Following a rough start to the week, the Tampa Bay Rays now have a chance to split a four-game home series with the Kansas City Royals. Standing in their way Thursday afternoon in St.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 25

Rays Wisely Predicted to Trade for Orioles Slugger

Even though the Tampa Bay Rays have been off to a great start to the campaign and are still comfortably over .500, there have been some concerns of late with how the team has performed. Coming into the season, the Rays were not expected to be nearly as good as they have been.

Cam Schlittler News / Yardbarker Quizzes

The 'Most K's through 30 MLB starts' quiz

How many of the starting pitchers in the MLB Live-Ball Era (since 1920) to strike out at least 180 batters in their first 30 starts can you name in six minutes?

The 'MLB playoff debut strikeouts leaders' quiz

The 'Multiple 30/30 Club MLB seasons' quiz

The 'MLB all-time strikeout leaders' quiz

Tampa Bay Rays News / Field Level Media / June 24

Yandy Diaz collects four hits as Rays defeat Royals

Yandy Diaz had four hits with an RBI in leading the Tampa Bay Rays to a 5-3 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night at St. Petersburg, Fla.

MLB News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players most likely to be traded by the deadline

The MLB Trade Deadline has been quieter in recent years, in part due to playoff expansion, but 2026 is shaping up to be a more exciting one with several big names.

MLB News / DRaysBay / June 24

I Love Winning, Man. It’s Like, Better Than Losing: Rays 5, Royals 3

This game was far from an attractive product as four runs were scored on defensive misplays, but the Rays added enough around the comedy of errors by both teams to come out on top in this one.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 24

What Durham’s Down Year Says About the State of the Rays Organization

The Tampa Bay Rays’ front office couldn’t be happier with how the 2026 season has gone thus far. They’ve far exceeded expectations after a scorching hot May that propelled them to being squarely in the thick of a playoff spot, while getting expected production from star names like Junior Caminero and Shane McClanahan.

Yandy Diaz News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 24

Yandy Diaz Slugged His Way To Impressive Rays History

The Tampa Bay Rays have received a lot of stellar production from players up and down the roster thus far this season. It is a major reason why they have exceeded expectations in 2026.

Tampa Bay Rays News / DRaysBay / June 23

Rays Got Jac’d Up: Rays 5, Royals 12

Sometimes past results do not predict today’s performance. Shane McClanahan came into the night having allowed only two home runs over his last 56.0 innings pitched.

MLB News / Yardbarker / June 24

Three potential landing spots for Marlins' Sandy Alcantara

Pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been the subject of trade rumors for years as his salary continued to increase.

Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins outlines team's most pressing need ahead of trade deadline

What should Cardinals do with Dustin May at trade deadline?

Three potential landing spots for Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman

Three potential landing spots for Twins' Joe Ryan

The 'Last complete game shutout by team' quiz

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 23

Rays Have Turned Tropicana Field Into House of Horrors for Visiting Teams

The Tampa Bay Rays have regressed to the mean in some areas, but they built such a large buffer to start the season that they are still in a great spot in the American League playoff picture.

Athletics News / Yardbarker

25 MLB players who could be first-time All-Stars in 2026

Being named to the Midsummer Classic is one of the biggest honors for MLB players. These 25 players have a chance to make their first All-Star appearance in 2026 based on their first-half performances.

Shane McClanahan News / Field Level Media / June 23

Rays' Shane McClanahan strives for success at home again in matchup vs. Royals

The Tampa Bay Rays own the majors' best record at home but have struggled against the Kansas City Royals there lately. However, the Rays are perfect in St.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 23

Rays Hold Steady in MLB Power Rankings Despite Uneven Week

Following the great start to the campaign, the Tampa Bay Rays have been facing a little bit of adversity of late. However, they still have one of the best records in the American League and are trying to keep pace with the New York Yankees in the division. Coming into the season, the Rays were not expected to be the team that they are.

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The 'Multi-time NBA MVPs' quiz

The 'No.1 NBA Draft picks' quiz

The 'Most K's through 30 MLB starts' quiz

The 'College World Series winners' quiz

Theo Gillen News / Minor League Baseball on SI / June 22

Rays Reportedly Set to Bump Top Prospect Theo Gillen Up to Next Level

The Tampa Bay Rays have seen enough from the franchise's No. 1 prospect at High-A to reportedly move him one step closer to the ultimate goal of his minor league journey.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 22

Return To Form for Rays Relief Pitcher Has Greatly Helped Bullpen

The Tampa Bay Rays are in a great spot with how they are performing at the Major League level this season, knowing that the future holds for the franchise.

Tampa Bay Rays News / DRaysBay / June 22

Tampa Bay Rays 2026 Minor League Roundup: Week 11

This was the 11th week of full minor league play (stats are entering play on Sunday, June 21st). According to FanGraphs (which factors in age and proximity to the big leagues), the Rays top overall prospect Theo Gillen has taken over at the top performer in the system.

MLB News / Tampa Bay Rays on SI / June 22

Rays Pitching Staff Stepped up Against High-Powered Nationals

The Tampa Bay Rays' pitching staff faced a stiff test this past weekend, going up against a surprisingly productive Washington Nationals offense. Entering play on June 21, the Nationals were the highest-scoring offense in baseball, averaging 5.36 runs per game.

Drew Rasmussen News / Field Level Media / June 22

Dominant but not undefeated, Rays RHP Drew Rasmussen takes on Royals

Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Drew Rasmussen is enjoying arguably the roll of his career, even if his last trip to the mound resulted in a hard-luck loss.

Tampa Bay Rays News / Just Baseball / June 20

The Rays Are Proving You Don’t Need Homers To Win

In recent memory, many competing teams tend to share similar traits that help them charge towards October with authority. Whether it’s a strong pitching staff, a bullpen full of flamethrowers, or a strong lineup built with plenty of protection for the club’s stars, these factors can be found in most competing teams.

Austin Slater News / MLB Trade Rumors / June 19

Rays Designate Austin Slater For Assignment

The Rays have designated veteran outfielder Austin Slater for assignment, per a club announcement. His spot on the roster goes to fellow outfielder Jonny DeLuca, who’s been reinstated from the injured list after missing nearly a month due to a hamstring strain.

Chandler Simpson News / Just Baseball / June 13

Chandler Simpson’s True Value Remains Difficult to Assess

Through April 14, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson had a .407 average and a .910 OPS, recording hits in 15 of his first 16 games of the 2026 season.

Drew Rasmussen News / Yardbarker / June 11

Drew Rasmussen has been a dominant weapon in Rays rotation

His pitching efficiency and resiliency are two factors that have played a significant role in his ongoing prosperity.

The 'MLB 300-saves club' quiz

MLB News / Yardbarker / June 10

Top of Red Sox lineup sets new mark for single-game futility

Things have not been going well for the Boston Red Sox lineup this season, and the top of their lineup reached a new historic low on Wednesday afternoon.

Drew Rasmussen dominates as Rays finish sweep of Red Sox

Red Sox likely to recall Jake Bennett in bid to avert sweep vs. Rays

Red Sox prospect Henry Godbout undergoes surgery for broken left hand

Notable update emerges about the future of Red Sox executive Craig Breslow

The 'Gold Glove and Silver Slugger seasons' quiz

Tampa Bay Rays News / MLB Trade Rumors / June 8

Rays To Select Austin Slater

The Rays will select the contract of outfielder Austin Slater from Triple-A Durham, reports Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Slater signed a minor league deal with Tampa Bay late last month but is now headed to the major league club as the Rays gear up for a slate of left-handed pitchers.

Steven Matz News / MLB Trade Rumors / June 6

Rays Move Steven Matz To Bullpen

Left-hander Steven Matz is heading to the Rays’ bullpen, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. The veteran failed to escape the second inning on Tuesday against the Tigers.

Chandler Simpson News / Larry Brown Sports / June 1

Chandler Simpson suffers a bizarre injury on a stolen base

Chandler Simpson was a victim of his own blinding speed during Monday’s game. The Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Simpson suffered an unusual injury in the middle of his team’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers.