Tampa Bay Rays Edge Up In MLB Power Rankings

"Tampa Bay has been one of the hottest teams in baseball this month," McCullough wrote. "The club took two of three from Detroit over the weekend. Powered by the trio of first baseman Jonathan Aranda, designated hitter Yandy Díaz and third baseman Junior Caminero, the offense ranked seventh in runs heading into Monday’s games. 

Tampa Bay starting pitchers have contributed greatly to team's recent success

"Even more surprising: The starting rotation entered Monday ranked second in baseball in innings," McCullough wrote. "(Innings! Yes, the Rays, once the purveyors of the opener, are pushing their starters deeper into games). After a couple down seasons, Tampa Bay is competing for a postseason spot once again." 

Aranda has been scorching as of late, owning a .325 batting average with eight home runs and 41 RBIs. Aranda has a slash line of .486 (slugging percentage), .897 (OPS), and .154 (OPS+).

Rays manager Kevin Cash is pushing all the right buttons at this time. Tampa Bay is bearing down on the New York Yankees for the American League East Division lead. With the Yankees scuffling a bit right now, the Rays actually can see first place in a great light.

With this good news about Tampa Bay's current standing, there's nothing to hold back the Rays from a first-place spot...except themselves.