The Tampa Bay Rays found themselves off to one of the hottest starts in MLB history, winning a record tying 13-straight games to open up the 2023 season.

The ball club would inevitably slow down, but remained atop the American League at the end of June with a 57-27 record with a 6.5 game cushion over the 2nd place Baltimore Orioles. The success of the ball club was highlighted with four players selected to participate in the 2023 All Star Game, and Randy Arozarena coming just two home runs from the Home Run Derby championship. From April to June, this was a roster filled with rock stars… Until July rolled around.

The Rays have a record of 4-12 since July 1st, tied for the fewest wins over that span. After only managing to pick up one win of a four-game series in front of their home crowd against the Orioles, the Rays grip of the American League slipped away, and Tampa now sits two-games back.

The Rays now hold just a 4.5 game advantage in the wildcard race over the Rangers and Astros, and if they continue on this trajectory, they are at risk of missing the playoffs completely despite their unblemished start to the season.

Why have the Rays slipped? Injuries in the pitching rotation and a major slip in batting averages amongst the squads top hitters certainly doesn’t help.

For full details on the Rays post All Star Game slip, tune in to ‘In The Zone’ on 96.9 The Game from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. where Brandon and Tyler will break it all down.

For full details on the Rays post All Star Game slip, tune in to ‘In The Zone’ on 96.9 The Game from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m where Bradnon and Tyler will break it all down.For full details on the Rays post All Star Game slip, tune in to ‘In The Zone’ on 96.9 The Game from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m