trip miller tampa bay rays

Report: Tampa Bay Rays being eyed up by Trip Miller for US$1.85bn takeover

Franchise's principal owner stuart sternberg said to be 'testing the market'..

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• Miller plans to be the Rays’ control person and to invest US$200m in cash
• Family of Dan Doyle Jr. will also make a large investment backing Miller’s bid

Trip Miller, the founder of hedge fund Gullane Capital Partners, is putting together a consortium to buy Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Tampa Bay Rays for US$1.85 billion, according to Forbes.

The Rays’ principal owner is Stuart Sternberg, who led a group that acquired the Rays for US$200 million in 2004. Forbes reports that it is currently unclear whether Sternberg, who owns 49 per cent of the team, is looking to sell the franchise, with the investor thought to be testing the market.

According to the outlet, Miller plans to be the control person of the Rays, and would make an investment of US$200 million in cash. The family of Dan Doyle Jr., whose interest in the franchise was first by The Athletic last month, would invest the biggest amount of money as part of the bid.

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While Sternberg has yet to comment on Forbes’ report, he did issue a statement replying to The Athletic’s story last month signaling his intention to keep control of the Rays.

“I expect we will build a ballpark in Tampa Bay that will keep the Rays here for generations to come,” Sternberg said to the Tampa Bay Times. “I also plan on remaining the Rays owner.”

According to Forbes’ latest list of MLB franchise valuations, the Rays are worth US$1.25 billion, ranking them as the 26th most valuable team in the league.

SportsPro says…

The Rays have become one of the most cost-efficient teams in the league, given they currently lead the American League East division ahead of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox despite having one of the lowest payrolls. They also have a lucrative TV rights deal that sees their games air on Bally Sports Sun, with a reported 15-year deal said to be worth US$82 million on average per year.

Yet the franchise is still dogged by issues concerning its ballpark, with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred having previously called for the franchise to find a replacement for their Tropicana Field home. The Rays are currently working towards building a new stadium near their current venue, with the proposed 30,000-seater arena reportedly set to cost more than US$1 billion to construct.

Sternberg also is currently embroiled in a legal battle against some of the team’s minority partners, after they filed a lawsuit claiming he ‘wrongfully and surreptitiously’ transferred legal ownership of the Rays away from the existing partnership structure to a separate entity, resulting in them losing out in monetary benefits.

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Investors want to raise $1.85 billion to buy mlb’s rays.

Tampa Bay Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg has said he doesn’t plan on selling the team. 

But that isn’t stopping potential bidders. 

Trip Miller of Gullane Capital Partners and Tampa businessman Don Doyle Jr. are trying to attract investors to buy the franchise for $1.85 billion,  according to a report from Forbes . 

Miller is looking to be the “control person” with $200 million while Doyle Jr. would be the top investor, according to Forbes.

In late May,  The Athletic reported  that Sternberg was receiving interest from Doyle Jr. and other “groups that would relocate the club.” 

Sternberg refuted that reporting at the time,  telling the Tampa Bay Times  that he plans “on remaining the Rays owner” and that he expects they “will build a ballpark in Tampa Bay that will keep the Rays here for generations to come.”

Sternberg led a partnership that bought the Rays for $200 million in 2004.

The Rays have been trying to build a new ballpark in the Tampa Bay area for more than a decade amid potential relocation rumors. 

The team has played its home games at Tropicana Field, which is considered one of the worst in baseball since it began play in 1998.  

The team is currently in talks to build a new stadium near the Tropicana site.

The buzz around the Rays comes as the A’s also appear on the verge of leaving Oakland, as the latter entered a binding agreement centered around a ballpark with a retractable roof in Las Vegas.

The A’s seemingly plan to move to a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip after years of tense negotiations for a new Oakland ballpark. 

Despite excellent play on the field, the Rays have struggled to fill Tropicana Field. 

With the best record in baseball this season (51-25), the Rays have drawn just 17,186 per game this season, the fourth-fewest in baseball. 

The Rays drew just 13,927 fans per home game last season, ahead of just the A’s and Miami Marlins. 

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Investor looking to form group to buy Rays

Gullance Capital Partners founder Trip Miller is “tying to put together a group of investors” to buy the Rays for $1.85B. Sports bankers said that it is “not clear" that Rays owner  Stuart Sternberg  is looking to sell the team but believe that he “may be testing the market.” Miller’s plan is that he is “looking to be the control person of the Rays” with an investment of $200M cash. The “biggest investment” would come from the family of Nashville businessman Dan Doyle Jr . Sternberg led a partnership that purchased the Rays for $200M in 2004 and it is believed that he “owns 49% of the Rays" ( FORBES, 6/16 ).

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Rays Owner Adamant About Not Selling Team Despite Buyer Interest

• First-place team continuing to receive unsolicited offers
• Latest salvo leaves club leadership bewildered

Stu Sternberg has been publicly clear in his intent to remain the Tampa Bay Rays’ majority owner. But that hasn’t stopped offers heading his way for the MLB team.

Just weeks after Tampa businessman Dan Doyle Jr. offered unsolicited interest in acquiring the Rays, Forbes reports that Doyle is working with Trip Miller, founder of Tennessee-based hedge fund Gullane Capital, to mount a bid for the club.

The report said Miller and Doyle are preparing a $1.85 billion offer for the club, which would represent a 48% premium on Forbes’ estimated value earlier this year. Sternberg shot down the prior sale chatter and said, “I expect we will build a ballpark in Tampa that will keep the Rays here for generations to come. I also plan on remaining the Rays owner.”

Now, the latest salvo is being greeted with a sense of bewilderment. When asked by Front Office Sports about the reported Miller interest, a senior-level Rays source said, “I hadn’t seen it until you emailed.”

The Rays have been locked in a years-long struggle to develop a new facility to succeed the outdated Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

As the layers of franchise turmoil continue, the team on the field remains MLB’s best. And while the Rays are still lagging behind in MLB attendance — ranking 27th in the league with a per-game average of 17,187 — the team’s 24% boost compared year-over-year is part of a larger surge for the league at the gate.

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Shohei Ohtani hits walk-off grand slam to join 40-40 club, lift Dodgers past Rays 7-3

LOS ANGELES - Shohei Ohtani hit a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th home run after earlier stealing his 40th base, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

Ohtani became the fastest player in major league history and sixth ever to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a season. He’s also the first Dodger to do so.

He broke the record held by Alfonso Soriano, who reached the mark in Game 148 for the Washington Nationals in 2006. Ohtani did it in his 126th game and the Dodgers’ 129th of the season.

"He’s definitely known for the dramatics and this is something I’ll remember for a long time," Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. "What a way to cap off a great night."

The Japanese superstar came out of the dugout to wave at 45,556 fans who gave him a standing ovation. His teammates showered Ohtani with water on the field.

Will Smith was hit by Manuel Rodriguez (2-3) leading off the ninth and Tommy Edman followed with a single. Smith and Edman moved up on Miguel Rojas’ sacrifice. Colin Poche came in and walked Muncy to set up Ohtani’s 389-foot slam to center.

"He’s just dangerous any time he puts that uniform on," Roberts said.

Center fielder Jose Siri gave chase and the home run ball bounced back onto the field. He threw it back into the stands, leaving Ohtani without the keepsake, according to Ohtani’s interpreter Will Ireton.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 23: Jonny DeLuca #21 of the Tampa Bay Rays slides into second base against Miguel Rojas #11 of the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on August 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo b

Tied 3-3, the Rays had the go-ahead run on in the ninth. A ball hit by Jonny DeLuca hit off the heel of reliever Michael Kopech’s glove for an error. DeLuca was caught stealing before Siri struck out on a 101-mph pitch from winning pitcher Kopech (4-8) to end the inning.

In the eighth, the Rays had the potential go-ahead run on third. Brandon Lowe doubled into the left field corner and took third on Junior Caminero’s groundout before Evan Phillips struck out Christopher Morel to end the inning.

Tampa Bay led 3-0 on a pair of two-out homers off Bobby Miller. Caminero blasted a 417-foot solo shot to center with two strikes in the first. Six of the Rays’ first seven hits came with two outs.

Morel added a two-run homer in the third, going deep for his 21st homer and third since coming to the Rays from the Chicago Cubs last month.

Kiké Hernández’s three-run shot tied the game 3-3 in the fifth, chasing Tyler Alexander. Edman singled and Lux walked to set up Hernández’s eighth homer.

Alexander gave up three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out one and walked two.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Dodgers: RHP Tyler Glasnow (elbow) is expected to start ramping up Saturday. ... RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (triceps) will throw a bullpen session Monday and go on a rehab assignment Wednesday.

Rays: RHP Taj Bradley (6-8, 3.55 ERA), who was born in Los Angeles, makes his first career start against the Dodgers.

Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 2.63) scattered four hits over six shutout innings in his last start at St. Louis.

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Dodgers' Bobby Miller Reveals What Went Right For Him Against Rays

Eva geitheim | 18 hours ago.

• Los Angeles Dodgers

On Friday, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Bobby Miller made his second start for the Dodgers since he was recalled to the majors last week. Miller, who began the season as part of the Dodgers' starting rotation, pitched six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. He allowed six hits, three earned runs, and two home runs, but gave up zero walks and struck out nine as the Dodgers earned a 7-3 win.

The start proved to be one of Miller's best since his first start of the season. In Miller's opening start last March, he gave up just two hits while allowing zero earned runs and striking out 11 in six innings against the St. Louis Cardinals.

In Friday's start, Miller not only showed some of the pitching he did when he began the year but generated a season-high 18 swings and misses to go with the nine strikeouts.

"Yeah, 100%," Miller told reporters, via Dodgers Nation's Doug McKain . "That's the best my curveball has felt in a very long time. I was able to rip out there and throw it as hard as I could ... I had full trust in every single one of my pitches tonight. You've got to finish this year strong."

Bobby Miller had his best start since late March generating a season-high 18 swings and misses with 9 Ks: "Yeah, 100% that's the best my curveball has felt in a very long time. I had full trust in every single one of my pitches tonight. You've got to finish this year strong." pic.twitter.com/Z4b8nmvdIg — Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) August 24, 2024

Friday's pitching was also a marked improvement from Miller's first start in his return to the majors. Miller got the start last week on Aug. 15, but gave up eight hits and four earned runs while striking out just one hitter.

Miller has had a rocky second season to his major league career. He went on the injured list in April as he dealt with inflammation in his shoulder. He returned in late June, but struggled as he gave up at least three earned runs in three of his four starts back then. After giving up nine earned runs over four innings in a disastrous 9-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in early July, Miller was optioned to Triple-A.

The season has been disappointing for Miller, who is coming off a promising 2023 rookie campaign. In 2023, Miller made 23 starts. He went 11-4 with a 3.76 ERA and 119 strikeouts. He is looking to get back to that form as the 2024 campaign weans down.

EVA GEITHEIM

Eva graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Communication. She has been covering college and professional sports since 2022.

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Rays: 1, Athletics: 0 - The Wonderful Wizard of Baz

Baz and Uceta combine to shut out A’s and Siri blasts a solo HR for Rays win

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Share All sharing options for: Rays: 1, Athletics: 0 - The Wonderful Wizard of Baz

First game of the road trip was not great, lets see if the Rays can bounce back for game 2 of a 4 game series against the Oakland Athletics.

Another DeLate one pic.twitter.com/ZMNdNyIfgI — Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) August 21, 2024

How we're lining up behind Joey ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fPifTxzic6 — Oakland A's (@Athletics) August 20, 2024

Chat, I’m not going to lie, for most of this game, it looked like neither team could buy a run if they wanted to. Rays had a baserunner in the 1st inning via a Morel walk, but couldn’t do anything else. Rays got their first hit on a Yandy Diaz single in the 3rd, but the scoreless streak continued. It looked like the Rays would finally get a run in the 6th inning, after Yandy Diaz doubled with only 1 out, and moved over to third base on a Brandon Lowe groundout. And then Christopher Morel ended the threat on a brutal strike 3 call by Home Plate umpire Tripp Gibson

Rays offense has been abysmal as of late, but as long as the pitching held up, Rays have a chance.

And boy did it. Shane Baz reminded everyone why he was a coveted player, and although his wipeout pitches weren’t all the way back, you could see his confidence building as the game went on.

Baz went 7.2 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, and 4 Ks , with his fastball still hitting 97 MPH deep in the 7th inning.

Shane Baz, 97mph Paint. ️ pic.twitter.com/dLNkLhRaK5 — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 21, 2024

Back-to-back starts of 7 IP or more for Shane Baz, and his stuff gets better and better.

As for the offense, it was still not great, but it was enough!

Jose Siri breaks the Rays and himself out of the offensive slump and blasts a solo HR to give the Rays a 1-0 lead.

Edwin Uceta came on relief for Shane Baz, and a multi - inning save on NINE pitches. TOTAL.

FINAL: Rays - 1, Athletics - 0

Rays squeak out a win, but as Dominic Toretto says “It don’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile, winning’s winning.”

Rays will be back at the Coliseum tomorrow with Ryan Pepiot taking on Oakland’s Mitch Spence. Gametime is at 9:40 PM EST.

More From DRaysBay

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• GDT: Maybe it’s good these games are late
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• GDT: Finally, a game in the afternoon!

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Dodgers Notes: Bobby Miller’s Future, Miguel Rojas Sidelined, Shohei Ohtani Triple Crown Update

The Dodgers completed a three-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday, and can enjoy an off-day at home on Thursday before welcoming the Tampa Bay Rays to Dodger Stadium on Friday.

Here’s all the headlines you might have missed:

Dodgers Persist with Bobby Miller Despite Ongoing Struggles

Bobby Miller’s return to the Dodgers’ rotation after a rocky patch in Triple-A hasn’t gone as hoped. Despite his difficulties, which included a loss to the St. Louis Cardinals where he allowed four runs and two homers in just under five innings, the team plans to keep him starting while Tyler Glasnow is sidelined.

Hamstring Issue Sidelines Miguel Rojas

Just hours before a scheduled game against the Seattle Mariners, infielder Miguel Rojas was scratched from the lineup due to a flare-up of a pre-existing left hamstring injury. Rojas’ absence was a last-minute call, but he’s expected to return Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays .

Ohtani’s Plate Discipline Questioned Amid Slump

August has proven challenging for Shohei Ohtani, whose batting average saw a significant decline, complicating his Triple Crown aspirations. His decreased walk rate and batting issues are relatively minor points of concern for a player on track for a 40-40 season .

Freddie Freeman Soldiers On Despite Finger Fracture

Freddie Freeman has opted to continue playing despite a hairline fracture in his right middle finger. The first baseman insists the injury, sustained during last Saturday’s game, is manageable and won’t sideline him .

Dodgers Prospect Hospitalized Following on-Field Accident

In a concerning incident, Dodgers prospect pitcher Patrick Copen was hospitalized after being struck by a line drive during a minor league game. The Great Lakes Loons game against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers was delayed 21 minutes as he was carted off the field .

Justin Turner Open to Returning to Dodgers

In a poignant homecoming, former Dodger Justin Turner expressed his openness to returning to the team in some capacity in the future. During a pregame ceremony at Dodger Stadium, emotions ran high as Turner reminisced about his career highs with the team.

Dodgers Video of the Day

Dodgers Tweets of the Day

No way Will Smith had a Kobe moment last night while talking to Gavin Lux ?? pic.twitter.com/p280IEwHlM — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 21, 2024

Tommy Edman will be back at SS tonight for the Dodgers ? pic.twitter.com/XMtjwpvzHX — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 21, 2024

Yoshinobu Yamamoto threw a simulated game at Dodger Stadium today ? Can’t wait to see him pitching for the team again soon. pic.twitter.com/aZvwPwRMFO — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 21, 2024

Jason Heyward’s go-ahead 3-run homer last night for the Dodgers was absolutely incredible ? LA will have some big roster decisions to make for the postseason and J-Hey is making sure he stays in the mix pic.twitter.com/NeMdrKRzMi — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 21, 2024

Walker Buehler speaks on his upcoming free agency: "There’s just not a whole lot to talk about, I have a six ERA… Free agency is for talking about when you have a two-five and you’re rolling through the league. I really don’t care." (H/T @dylanohernandez ) pic.twitter.com/qGva0uKQ62 — Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 21, 2024

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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Dodgers 'likely' to take a gamble on former cy young winner: report, justin turner would strongly consider opportunity to return to dodgers, leave a reply cancel reply.

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Los Angeles Dodgers News

Dodgers' Bobby Miller looks for better showing in opener vs. Rays

While the Los Angeles Dodgers have shored up their leaky division lead for the time being, they will head into a three-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays looking to solidify their rotation for the path ahead.

Dodgers right-hander Bobby Miller will take the mound in the series opener Friday night looking to deliver on the promise that had him listed as one of the organization's rotation mainstays moving forward. Instead, a disappointing season has cast doubt on his prospects.

After their National League West lead was sliced to two games, the Dodgers have used a 5-1 stretch to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks by four games heading into Friday's play.

Miller (1-3, 8.02 ERA) will make just his second start since returning from a demotion to Triple-A, and Los Angeles will need to see more than what he showed in his latest appearance. On Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals, the hard-throwing Miller gave up four runs on eight hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 5-2 loss.

Having shown command issues earlier this season, Miller walked just one batter against the Cardinals. But he struck out just one and gave up two home runs in an opportunity that was afforded him when Tyler Glasnow went on the injured list with a sore elbow.

"It's just hard to pitch from behind, and he was behind hitters all night," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. "It took him three or four innings to find some semblance of a breaking ball. He couldn't land a curveball (for a strike). ... The changeup was a ball out of hand, and then he started to get a little feel for it, but at that time I thought he was out of gas."

Miller has yet to face the Rays in his career.

The Dodgers made a roster move Thursday, activating the versatile Chris Taylor (groin) from the injured list while outfielder Jason Heyward was designated for assignment. The move strips the Dodgers of a vital team leader and clutch performer down the stretch in Heyward.

The Rays will counter on Friday with Tyler Alexander (5-3, 5.17 ERA), who will not follow an opener while making his 17th appearance and seventh start of the season. By starting, the left-hander will face Dodgers left-handed hitters Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman in the opening inning.

Alexander has followed an opener in each of his last seven starts, and he is 3-0 with a 2.25 ERA over the last five. He gave up three runs in 5 2/3 innings of a no-decision Sunday at home against the Diamondbacks as the Rays won 8-7 in 12 innings.

Alexander's only career appearance against the Dodgers came in a 2022 start in which he gave up four runs in 2 1/3 innings and allowed two homers. Taylor hit one of the home runs for the Dodgers.

The Rays enter off a split of a four-game series on the road against the Oakland Athletics that immediately followed a three-game sweep of the Diamondbacks.

After Thursday's 3-1 loss at Oakland, Tampa Bay fell seven games out of the final wild-card spot in the American League.

"I don't think we should accept splits," Rays manager Kevin Cash said. "That's not the standard that we've set, but that's what we did. We've got to do a better job of finding ways to score runs for sure. For us to get back in the thing, we've got to really get hot."

This article first appeared on Field Level Media and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

• Freddie Freeman addresses Jason Heyward's status after DFA
• Rays OF addresses his big gaffe with Shohei Ohtani home run ball
• The 'Last MVP for every MLB team' quiz

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New haircut buys Caminero a big night in LA

Rays' top prospect clubs first homer, double of season before dodgers walk it off.

LOS ANGELES -- On the Rays’ last day in Oakland, manager Kevin Cash offered some big league advice for top prospect Junior Caminero . If he got his hair cut, he’d get more hits.

Sure enough, Caminero arrived at Dodger Stadium on Friday with a little less hair sticking out of his cap and batting helmet.

Shorn enough, the hits came in a big way.

Caminero crushed his first home run of the season and smashed a 111 mph double within the first three innings of Friday night’s series opener. But baseball’s brightest star stole the show in the end, as Shohei Ohtani swiped his 40th base and smashed a walk-off grand slam off Colin Poche to secure the sixth 40-40 season in MLB history and a 7-3 win for the Dodgers.

"He said it, and so I had to do it,” Caminero said about the haircut suggestion with a smile through interpreter Manny Navarro. "He might have been joking around a little bit, but for me, if he says it, then I'm doing it."

It was a crushing defeat for the Rays, one that dropped them back to the .500 mark for the Major League-leading 30th time. But Tampa Bay’s first trip to Dodger Stadium since Sept. 17-18, 2019, began with great promise, thanks in large part to Caminero.

As is the case with most special hitters, the ball sounds different coming off Caminero’s bat. The 21-year-old prospect possesses elite bat speed and tremendous raw power, leading to tape-measure shots and plenty of loud contact.

That sound rang out through Chavez Ravine twice on Friday night.

Facing right-hander Bobby Miller in the first inning, Caminero went up to blast a high, two-strike fastball at the top of the strike zone to center field. The pitch clocked in at 99.6 mph coming in and went a projected 417 feet at 109.2 mph, according to Statcast.

"I was up there looking for a pitch that I can attack,” Caminero said. “We didn't get the results that we wanted, but we've just got to keep going."

Then the rookie third baseman hit the ball even harder his next time up. With two outs in the third inning, Caminero ripped a hanging full-count curveball to the gap in right-center field for his first double of the season.

According to Statcast, the last Rays player with two hits of at least 109.2 mph in the same game was Yandy Díaz, who smashed a pair of hard-hit singles on April 24, 2023. Caminero pounded the ball again in the eighth, although his 112.6 mph smash off Evan Phillips resulted in a groundout.

“It’s loud. I mean, it's always been loud,” Cash said. “When he's locked in at the plate, we've got a really talented young player.”

Christopher Morel made the most of a two-out opportunity in the third, launching a two-run homer to left field off Miller to plate Caminero after his double. That swing produced Morel’s first home run and RBIs since July 31, his second game with Tampa Bay, and gave the Rays a 3-0 lead.

"Both those guys, there's a lot of talent sitting right there,” Cash said, “so happy that they had some success."

But that lead wouldn’t last. After working four shutout innings, lefty starter Tyler Alexander ran into trouble in the fifth and surrendered a game-tying homer by Kiké Hernández.

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Meanwhile, the Rays’ bats went quiet. Tampa Bay struck out 13 times overall and managed only two hits after the third inning: a Taylor Walls single and a double by Brandon Lowe, the 500th hit of his career.

But relievers Richard Lovelady, Edwin Uceta and Garrett Cleavinger kept the game tied heading into the ninth. Then Manuel Rodríguez, who hadn’t allowed an earned run in 22 of his last 23 appearances, hit Will Smith and gave up a single and a sacrifice bunt to put two runners in scoring position.

Poche entered to face pinch-hitter Max Muncy with two outs, but the lefty’s command didn’t immediately follow him to the mound. Poche fell behind by firing three pitches into the dirt and walked Muncy, bringing up the Rays’ worst-case scenario: Ohtani with the bases loaded.

Looking to get ahead, Poche fired a first-pitch slider over the plate. The two-time MVP blasted it out to center, earning the fastest entry into the 40-40 club with his first career-walk off home run.

"The whole lineup up and down is dangerous, so the key is to be in the strike zone early, which I wasn't able to do,” Poche said. “It kind of backs you up against the wall, and I wasn't able to dig out of it with Muncy. Tried to kind of get ahead early on Ohtani, and he's an aggressive hitter early and put a good swing on it.”

Shohei Ohtani hits walk-off grand slam to join 40-40 club, lift Dodgers past Rays 7-3

Shohei Ohtani hit a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th home run after earlier stealing his 40th base, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays

LOS ANGELES -- Shohei Ohtani hit a two-out grand slam in the ninth inning for his 40th home run after earlier stealing his 40th base , lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 7-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night.

Ohtani became the fastest player in major league history and sixth ever to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in a season. He’s also the first Dodger to do so.

He broke the record held by Alfonso Soriano, who reached the mark in Game 148 for the Washington Nationals in 2006. Ohtani did it in his 126th game and the Dodgers' 129th of the season.

“He's definitely known for the dramatics and this is something I'll remember for a long time,” Los Angeles manager Dave Roberts said. “What a way to cap off a great night.”

The Japanese superstar came out of the dugout to wave at 45,556 fans who gave him a standing ovation. His teammates showered Ohtani with water on the field.

Will Smith was hit by Manuel Rodriguez (2-3) leading off the ninth and Tommy Edman followed with a single. Smith and Edman moved up on Miguel Rojas' sacrifice. Colin Poche came in and walked Muncy to set up Ohtani's 389-foot slam to center.

“He's just dangerous any time he puts that uniform on,” Roberts said.

Center fielder Jose Siri gave chase and the home run ball bounced back onto the field. He threw it back into the stands, leaving Ohtani without the keepsake, according to Ohtani's interpreter Will Ireton.

Tied 3-3, the Rays had the go-ahead run on in the ninth. A ball hit by Jonny DeLuca hit off the heel of reliever Michael Kopech’s glove for an error. DeLuca was caught stealing before Siri struck out on a 101-mph pitch from winning pitcher Kopech (4-8) to end the inning.

In the eighth, the Rays had the potential go-ahead run on third. Brandon Lowe doubled into the left field corner and took third on Junior Caminero’s groundout before Evan Phillips struck out Christopher Morel to end the inning.

Tampa Bay led 3-0 on a pair of two-out homers off Bobby Miller. Caminero blasted a 417-foot solo shot to center with two strikes in the first. Six of the Rays’ first seven hits came with two outs.

Morel added a two-run homer in the third, going deep for his 21st homer and third since coming to the Rays from the Chicago Cubs last month.

Kiké Hernández’s three-run shot tied the game 3-3 in the fifth , chasing Tyler Alexander. Edman singled and Lux walked to set up Hernández’s eighth homer.

Alexander gave up three runs and five hits in 4 1/3 innings. He struck out one and walked two.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Dodgers: RHP Tyler Glasnow (elbow) is expected to start ramping up Saturday. ... RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (triceps) will throw a bullpen session Monday and go on a rehab assignment Wednesday.

Rays: RHP Taj Bradley (6-8, 3.55 ERA), who was born in Los Angeles, makes his first career start against the Dodgers.

Dodgers: LHP Clayton Kershaw (2-2, 2.63) scattered four hits over six shutout innings in his last start at St. Louis.

AP MLB: https://www.apnews.com/hub/MLB

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Manuel Rodriguez's season has been another Tampa Bay Rays pitching success

By alfred ezman | aug 24, 2024.

There is a very long list of pitching success the Tampa Bay Rays have had over the last handful of seasons. They've added to that legacy this season as well, and that includes the development of Manuel Rodriguez . He has been a part of this 2024 bullpen that has consistently kept Tampa Bay in games, just the way they have for many seasons prior.

Tampa Bay's bullpen has been especially stellar since the All-Star break. They rank among the top five in ERA over that time and have clearly taken a step forward from their efforts prior to the break. Rodriguez has been a big cause of this turnaround that has kept Tampa Bay playing competitively.

Manuel Rodriguez has been an anchor in the Rays bullpen

His full season numbers show a 2.45 ERA in 25.2 innings of work across 27 games. His WHIP also sits at a strong mark of 1.09 this season. The strikeout number is not overbearing at 24, but it's how he limits barreled contact and any hard hits that keep teams from explosive offensive plays. He also has been effective in forcing tons of ground balls that can be nabbed by the Rays' infielders for quick outs. In fact, quick outs are the name of his game, as he averages less than four pitches per plate appearance.

Perhaps it was time this season in Triple-A that helped Rodriguez. His 1.09 ERA in 24.2 innings of work in Durham was indicative of what he could do at the major league level, and he is doing it.

Tampa Bay's backbone for good baseball has always been from its pitching staff, and the current iteration of their bullpen has shown its potential in the second half. It is what has kept them making postseason trips year after year. Although there is a chance they may not do that this season, players like Rodriguez show that the core of what Tampa Bay is about is still around, proving that they need to connect just a few more dots to get back to their full potential.

Hey Siri, who should play centerfield for Rays next season?

• Marc Topkin Times staff

In a season of mediocrity that would seem only fitting for the Rays to finish 81-81, time is running out to make the long-discussed run back into the thick of American League wild-card contention.

Even if they don’t, there will be some things to play for through September.

Milestones and contract incentives will soon come further into focus, but it’s prime time for a player to try to improve his standing for next season.

There could be some jockeying among starting pitcher candidates, a talented group that looks to be seven strong with Shane Baz, Taj Bradley, Zack Littell, Ryan Pepiot, Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs and, assuming he completes Tommy John surgery rehab well, Shane McClanahan.

Newcomers such as prospect Junior Caminero and trade-acquisition Dylan Carlson can continue to make good impressions. Brandon Lowe can further a strong case to have his $10.5 million option picked up.

But the player who may benefit most from a strong finish to keep his job could be centerfielder Jose Siri.

The combination of speed, power, athleticism and elite defense makes Siri a prime talent. But his lapses of concentration, occasional lack of hustle, stretches of inconsistency and extended slumps are cause for concern. As are his .214 career batting average, .687 OPS and 35.3 strikeout rate, well above the league average of 22.7.

Plus, he’ll turn 30 next season, is on his fifth organization and, most importantly, is headed for a hefty raise as he reaches arbitration eligibility, from this season’s $757,800 to likely the $3 million-$4 million range.

Twice this season, Siri was benched for not hustling. Both times, he came back strong, talking about increased focus.

He showed that in Oakland, hitting go-ahead homers in the eighth inning of Tuesday’s 1-0 win (after an 0-for-21 stretch with 13 strikeouts) and in the seventh of Wednesday’s 4-2 victory. In doing so, he became the first player in Rays history to hit go-ahead homers in the seventh inning or later in back-to-back games.

“He’s a special player, we know that,” manager Kevin Cash told reporters Wednesday in Oakland. “We know with our club what he’s capable of doing. It’s pretty consistent defensively. The hitting is pretty streaky. When he gets timed up at the plate, he can hit the ball a long way.”

Can the Rays, knowing Siri has 25-homer power and should be able to steal 20-plus bases, afford to gamble on what they’ll get? Or should they move on, and opt for Jonny DeLuca or look elsewhere?

The 500 level

Brandon Lowe on Friday notched his 500th career hit. Lowe, a 2015 third-round pick, is the 15th player to have that many with the Rays and the eighth draftee to reach the milestone. Here are the top 15, draftees noted with an -x and the year.

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Player, Hits

1. Carl Crawford-x 1999, 1,480

2. Evan Longoria-x 2006, 1,471

3. Ben Zobrist, 1,016

4. BJ Upton-x 2002, 910

5. Aubrey Huff-x 1998, 870

6. Kevin Kiermaier-x 2010, 756

7. Yandy Diaz, 678

8. Fred McGriff, 603

9. Carlos Pena, 559

10. Julio Lugo, 550

11. Toby Hall-x 1997, 538

12. Randy Arozarena, 531

13. Randy Winn, 513

14. Desmond Jennings-x 2006, 508

15. Brandon Lowe-x 2015, 500

Rays rumblings

Jonathan “J-Money” Erlichman’s departure for the NHL’s Penguins is a big loss for the Rays. Known as one of the smartest people in the organization, he — both in the dugout as process and analytics coach from 2019-23 and then back in the front office as a VP — offered different views and challenged the standard way of thinking. … Erlichman is the second recent analytic departure for other sports: Bryant Davis, a research and development analyst, last year went to the NFL’s Cowboys as a strategic analyst. … Kudos to Lilia Pepiot for cleverly sending husband Ryan a Spider-Man-themed 27th birthday cake Wednesday, in line with the teasing he’s taken over a spider bite leading to a knee infection that sidelined him a month. ... Randy Arozarena will be the prime topic of conversation when the Rays play at the Mariners Monday-Wednesday, but the series also marks a return to Seattle for Jose Caballero, who played there last season before being traded to the Rays for Luke Raley. … It doesn’t just seem like the Rays are stealing more bases: In their first 84 games, they swiped 81 and were caught 32 times for a 71.7 percentage; in their last 44 (through Friday), they stole 70 and were caught 13 times for an 84.3 success rate. Fangraphs.com took a deep dive in a piece titled, ”The Rays are Running Rampant.” … MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry program, using facial authentication technology rather than ticket scanning, will be rolled out for remaining home games at some Tropicana Field gates. Information on registering is coming soon. ... Asked by the MLB Network Radio crew the exact words he said to be ejected Wednesday while objecting to what he later acknowledged was a correct call, Cash replied: “Probably not something I need to say on XM Radio — it was deserving of an ejection.” … For what it’s worth, Caballero talked to reporters in Oakland after the “emotions got the best of us” dugout squabble with Yandy Diaz on Wednesday; Diaz declined that night and again on Thursday. … The Rays are hoping closer Pete Fairbanks (right lat strain) can make it back to pitch in a game by season’s end or at least return to game form so he can go into the offseason knowing he’s healthy. ... Starting when they get home Friday, the Rays play 17 straight games against teams in the playoff field: Padres, Twins, at Orioles, at Phillies, at Guardians. ... National crosschecker Scott Meaney was elected to the Mid-Atlantic Scouts Hall of Fame. ... Tuesday’s 1:54 game was a minute from matching the quickest nine-inning affair in franchise history (Aug. 9, 2011, vs. Royals).

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Marc Topkin is a sports reporter covering the Tampa Bay Rays. Reach him at [email protected].

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