We have reached what might be the most pivotal series of the 2025 Rays season…at least for now.
The Tampa Bay Rays continue their two week journey out west by traveling up north to Seattle as they’ll face the Mariners in a three game set.
The Rays are coming off of a much needed series victory over the Los Angeles Angels; it was the first time the Rays won consecutive games since late June. This improved the Rays record to 57-59, and 4.5 games back of the 3rd Wild Card spot with three teams between them and the New York Yankees.
Meanwhile, the Mariners enter play on Friday having just swept the Chicago White Sox and winners of four straight. This has allowed them to slide into the second Wild Card spot with a 1.5 game advantage over the Yankees.
The Mariners have been led this season by Cal Raleigh, an MVP hopeful behind the plate that may challenge Aaron Judge’s AL single-season HR mark. The switch-hitting backstop enters play on Friday hitting .248/.356/.583 with 42 HR, registering a 158 wRC+ and accruing 6.2 fWAR over 113 games this season. Raleigh has been supported this season by former Ray Randy Arozarena (3.2 fWRA | 134 wRC+), who has turned in another 20-20 campaign and just tied his career high in HR. Julio Rodriguez has also been surging as of late and is up to 3.5 fWAR on the season. The Mariners also added two hitters to their lineup at the trade deadline in Josh Nayor and Eugenio Suarez (Naylor may be going on the IL with shoulder soreness).
Meanwhile the Mariners boast one of the best starting rotations in baseball and the Rays will face two of their best in Bryan Woo and Luis Castillo, both of whom are having excellent seasons. The bullpen is about as lockdown as it gets with Andres Munoz, Gabe Speier, and Matt Brash being their among their most dependable arms this season.
Probable pitchers are projected by MLB
Friday, August 8th9:40 pm EDT
RHP Drew Rasmussen vs RHP Luis Castillo
Saturday, August 9th9:40 pm EDT
RHP Joe Boyle vs RHP Logan Evans
Sunday, August 10th4:10 pm EDT
RHP Adrian Houser vs RHP Bryan Woo
