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Long Ball Haunting Tampa Bay Rays Pitching Staff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Troy Brock | Last updated May 14, 2025 3:14 PM ET

While many expected the number of home runs hit in Tampa Bay Rays home games to increase this year, with the contests taking place in a minor league park, not many expected George M. Steinbrenner Field to be this hitter-friendly.

Balls have left the park at an alarming rate this year in Rays games, particularly at home, but nearly two-thirds of those home runs have come from the opposition.

It has been a struggle that has haunted Tampa Bay all year, and with the weather heating up, it does not look to be getting any better anytime soon.

Jarren Duran (1)
2-Run Home Run

Opponent: Tampa Bay Rays
Pitcher: Ryan Pepiot
Date: 4/15/25 pic.twitter.com/ms9WW97fgP
— Red Sox Home Runs (@RedSox_HR) April 15, 2025

Before diving into the splits of home versus away, the Rays as a team have hit 35 home runs this year through 41 games. Their 35 homers rank 22nd in MLB. The pitching staff has allowed an astounding 58 long balls to this point in the season, tied for the second most in baseball.

On the road, the pitching staff has done a much better job of keeping the ball in the yard. In road contests, Rays pitchers have allowed only 18 home runs in 13 games. For those keeping track, that leaves 40 home runs allowed in Tampa across 28 games.

It is a troubling trend in dire need of improvement before the season gets too out of hand.

Four of those 18 road home runs allowed came in Tuesday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays alone.

Ernie Clement (1)

Opponent: Tampa Bay Rays
Pitcher: Garrett Cleavinger
Date: 5/13/25 pic.twitter.com/Ql574q7mDv
— TOR Home Runs (@TOR__HR) May 14, 2025