So this is it, we’ve reached the final home series of the 2025 MLB regular season. The next time the Rays play a home game after Sunday, it’ll be at Tropicana Field on April 6th, 2026 aganist the Chicago Cubs. George Steinbrenner Field will be a distant memory and baseball will be back to normal under the domed canopy and catwalks of the beloved Trop.
But, before that, there is more baseball to be played.
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The Rays managed to split a series with the Toronto Blue Jays, the team with the best record in the American League, and now they’ll pivot to the Boston Red Sox. Boston enters play clinging to the third Wild Card spot as they are a game behind the Mariners/Astros for the 2nd spot and have a 1.5 game lead over the Guardians who have suddenly won 7 games in a row.
Boston enters play on Friday having split their last 10 games, losing their past two series including two of three to the Athletics.
Boston is being led this year by a veteran core of players with Jarren Duran, Trevor Story, and Alex Bregman all turning in solid seasons. They’ve been complimented by key supporters such as Ceddanne Rafaela, Carlos Narvaez, Wilyer Abreu, and 21-year old top prospect Roman Anthony who is currently on the Injured List.
Meanwhile on the mound, Garrett Crochet seems like he’ll finish runner-up for the American League Cy Young award behind Tarik Skubal. In the bullpen, 37-year old Aroldis Chapman is having one of the best seasons of his 16-year career. Garrett Whitlock has been excellent in the bullpen as well.
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Frivolities
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The top players by career bWAR to have played for the Rays and Red Sox:
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The Rays best player offensively against the Red Sox all-time (min. 25 PA):
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Dan Johnson: .360/.448/.840 with 4 HR over 29 PA
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The next four are Hunter Renfroe, Paul Sorrento, Travis d’Arnaud, & Wilson Ramos
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The Rays most previous transacation with the Red Sox:
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3/17/24: Rays trade Naoyuki Uwasawa to the Red Sox
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The Rays first transaction with the Red Sox:
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7/21/99: Rays trade Julio Santana to the Red Sox for Will Silverthorn
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Probable pitchers are projected by FanGraphs
GAME ONE
Friday, September 19th
7:35 pm EDT
RHP Drew Rasmussen vs LHP Garrett Crochet
GAME TWO
Saturday, September 20th
7:05 pm EDT
RHP Adrian Houser vs LHP Kyle Harrison
GAME THREE
Sunday, September 21st
7:35 pm EDT
RHP Ryan Pepiot vs LHP Connelly Early
