Heading into final month, Rays control their own destiny

David Price set a franchise record Sunday, striking out 14 in the Rays' win at Toronto. Desmond Jennings went 4-for-5 at the plate with two home runs. Down 8 1/2 games in the American League East, the Rays not showing any signs of folding. They have compiled seven wins in their last 10 games and can nail down the four-game sweep tonight north of the border.
Tampa Bay's third-place 73-59 (.553) record is fourth-best in Major League Baseball, keeping the Rays 6 1/2 games out of the wild card. That said, Joe Maddon's club has six games against the Rangers, seven against the Red Sox and six games against the Yankees. Two series against the Orioles and the Blue Jays could act as a helpful buffer and the team will certainly have to take advantage of those games on the schedule to add to the win column.

But it will come down to the head-to-head match ups with the division's upper crust approaching October that will decide that final playoff spot. 


UPTON CLAIMED ON WAIVERS? B.J. Upton was reportedly claimed off waivers but will remain a Tampa Bay Ray, according to Marc Topkin of the St. Petersburg Times. The center fielder was rumored to have been selected by the Nationals or the Indians, but the window to complete a deal passed. Upton is arbitration eligible and has expressed an interest in sticking with the team. 


George Christian Pappas covers the Tampa Bay Rays and Major League Baseball for ESPN Radio Gainesville/Ocala. He is finishing his degree in journalism and Spanish at the University of Florida. You can send him questions or comments at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on Twitter @gpappas99.

Sir Charles with the slam