Locked On Rays- Daily Podcast On The Tampa Bay Rays

Tampa Bay Rays dominate New York Yankees as Drew Rasmussen delivers a historic playoff start, flirting with a no-hitter and racking up 10 strikeouts. Is this the most dominant postseason pitching performance in franchise history? Jonathan Aranda’s crucial solo homer off Gerrit Cole provided the lone run in a tense pitcher’s duel, electrifying the largest Tropicana Field crowd since 2010.

Kevin and Ulises break down Rasmussen’s masterful command, Brian Baker’s clutch save, and key defensive plays from Chandler Simpson and Victor Mesa Jr. The discussion spotlights the Rays’ bullpen strategy, the psychological impact of playoff nerves on...

Drew Rasmussen dominates as the Rays take game 1 of the ALDS 1-0. The story of this game was Drew Rasmussen. Rasmussen had the best start in Rays playoff history going 8 IP striking out 10 and only allowing 1 hit. Drew Rasmussen had a no hitter going for 7.2 IP as he dominated the Yankees all night. The Rays offense did not offer much support. The lone run came off a Jonathan Aranda solo homer in the 1st inning 3rd inning to make it 1-0. The Rays offense only managed 5 hits but still were able to get the win thanks to the heroics...

Tampa Bay Rays set the stage for an ALDS showdown as Drew Rasmussen’s dominance over the New York Yankees gives fans reason to believe. 

Can the Rays’ home-field advantage and Rasmussen’s 1.81 career ERA against the Yankees silence Bronx bats—and their fans—when it matters most?

Ulises and Kevin break down pitching strategies, exploring rotation options with Freddy Peralta and Nick Martinez, and debate lineup shifts based on Yankees’ starters Gerrit Cole or Carlos Rodón. 
Key moments include Rays’ historic home record, the significance of early run support, and X factors like Chandler Sim...

Tampa Bay Rays put their playoff hopes on Drew Rasmussen, locking him in as Game 1 ALDS starter. Can his dominance and unmatched consistency propel the Rays to October glory?

Hosts Kevin and Ulises break down Rasmussen’s All-Star credentials, stamina, and leadership, while debating bullpen strategy and the importance of trusting ace arms deep into games.
The discussion heats up with bold predictions for Rays breakout stars—will Junior Caminero, Cedric Mullins, or Victor Mesa Jr. deliver signature moments this postseason?

Key updates on bullpen arms Tyler Wells and Garrett Cleavinger, plus injury news on C...

Tampa Bay Rays quiet critics with 98-win season powered by elite pitching, defense, and a newfound small-ball offense. Can Kevin Cash’s squad turn regular-season grit into playoff glory?

Kevin and Ulises highlight the Rays’ MLB-best 18.8% strikeout rate and top-ranked walk rate from the pitching staff, spotlighting key contributions from Junior Caminero, Chandler Simpson, and Freddy Peralta—September’s AL Pitcher of the Month.

The episode breaks down the Rays’ ability to manufacture runs, excel in close games, and adapt to baseball’s changing rules. Plus, the hosts discuss Freddy Peralta’s resurgence and potential as the ALDS Ga...

Tampa Bay Rays fans get a playoff preview as the ALDS roster draft sparks heated debate and bold predictions.

With Victor Mesa Jr. and Ryan Vilade emerging as the season’s surprise contributors, the Locked On Rays crew weighs offensive firepower against defensive reliability—will Kevin Cash prioritize run production or glove work in critical moments?

Pitching strategy looms large as Bryan Baker and Tyler Wells headline a deep bullpen stacked with strikeout potential and question marks. 
Controversial picks like Brody Hopkins and Kenny Piper ignite passionate arguments about upside versus reliability. Could a clutc...

The Rays drop the last game of the season 7-3 to the Phillies. It was a must win game for the Phillies and they came out like it. They jumped on Nick Martinez and the Rays early. The Phillies scored 4 runs in the first 2 innings to give the Phillies a 4-0 lead. The Rays did get a run back in the 5th on a Jonny DeLuca solo homer that made it 4-1. But right after that the Phillies broke the game open. They scored another 3 runs in the bottom of the 5th to make it 7-1. DeLuca would hit...

Tampa Bay Rays cap off a 98-win regular season and secure the AL East crown, but will health scares threaten their playoff momentum? Kevin highlights Griffin Jax’s and Chandler Simpson’s injury concerns after a stormy Philadelphia series, while breaking down the Rays’ resilience and playoff readiness.

Junior Caminero earns “Iron Man” status with 162 games at third base, eclipsing 40 home runs and 100 RBIs, and making a strong case for MVP over Yordan Alvarez. Freddy Peralta’s late-season surge (5-0, 0.79 ERA in last 6 outings) sparks debate over Tampa Bay’s postseason rotation behind Drew Rasmussen and Nick Martinez...

The Rays beat down the Phillies 12-1. The big scoring night for the Rays got started early. Junior Caminero hit his 41st homer of the year to make it 2-0. The Rays big first inning continued with a Richie Palacios RBI double to make it 3-0. Victor Mesa helped break the game open in the 5th inning with a RBI single to make it 4-0. A 2 RBI single by Cedric Mullins capped off the 4 run 5th for the Rays and made it 7-0. The Rays were far from done. They added another 3 in the 6th thanks to even more...

The Rays shut out the Phillies 2-0. The Rays got off to a fast start. Jonny DeLuca got the Rays on the board with a RBI single in the 1st to make it 1-0. Nick Fortes gave the Rays a 2 run lead with a solo homer in the 2nd to make it 2-0. That would be all the runs the Rays would score as Phillies ace Christopher Sanchez would settle in and shut the Rays down. Luckily Freddy Peralta started for the Rays and was very good once again. Peralta went 5.1 IP only giving up 4 hits and 0 earned runs...

The Rays blow a 3 run lead in a 6-4 loss to the Yankees. This game started out very strong for the Rays. They took a 2-0 lead in the 3rd inning with a pair of RBI singles by Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero. The Rays added another run on another Junior Caminero RBI single in the 5th to make it 3-0. The Rays then led 4-0 after scoring another run in the 6th. That is when everything fell apart. The Yankees scored 6 runs between the 6-8th innings. The Rays did not do a good job getting out of...

Tampa Bay Rays fans get an unexpected gift: four stress-free games as the AL East champs gear up for October. With the playoff berth and home-field advantage in hand, questions shift from winning to preparation—can the Rays maintain their rhythm and sharpness through simulated games and roster evaluation? The spotlight shines on Ian Seymour’s home run struggles, Brody Hopkins' roster potential, and the value of scrimmages against AAA Durham as the postseason approaches.

Host Ulises Sambrano explores Cam Schlittler’s Cy Young-caliber year, debates pitching strategies for Ty Johnson and Hopkins, and examines whether fan attend...

The Rays lose to the Yankees 9-2. After the Rays clinched the AL East last night, they did not look sharp tonight. The Yankees got on the board with a solo homer in the 1st to make it 1-0. They added a run in the 2nd and 3rd innings to make it 3-0. Then a grand slam in the 3rd made it 7-0. The Rays got on the board with a RBI double by Jonny DeLuca in the 4th to make it 7-1. The Yankees made it 4 straight innings with a run with another solo homer in the 4th...

Tampa Bay Rays clinch the AL East title with gritty resilience, celebrating in Yankee Stadium and exceeding pre-season expectations. Is this tight-knit squad poised for a World Series breakthrough after years of flying under the radar?

Kevin and Ulises break down the Rays’ decisive doubleheader against the New York Yankees, emphasizing Drew Rasmussen’s masterful outing, Kevin Cash’s bold pitching decisions, and key contributions from Yandy Diaz, Junior Caminero, and Taylor Walls.

The episode spotlights Erik Neander’s impactful trade acquisitions, the Rays’ surge in contact hitting and power, and their dynamic approach on both offen...

The Rays clinch the AL East with a 6-1 win vs the New York Yankees. In a game that saw 2 great pitchers, it was a pitchers duel to start. The Rays were finally able to scratch across a run in the 3rd inning to make it 1-0. The Rays big inning game in the 7th. A bunt single by Taylor Walls gave the Rays a 2-0 lead. Yandy Diaz came up with one of his biggest hits of the season with a 2 RBI single to cap off a 3 run 7th and make it 4-0. The Rays were able to...

The Tampa Bay Rays lose the first game to the New York Yankees 2-0. The Rays offense got dominated all day. Carlos Rodon produced one of the best outings of his season. He shut the Rays down by going 8 shut out innings. The Rays only managed 3 hits and never got a runner into scoring position. The lone runs came on a 2 run homer by the Yankees in the 4th inning. Nick Martinez was fantastic besides that home run going 6 strong innings giving the Rays a chance. The Rays will still have a chance to win the AL East tonight...

Tampa Bay Rays close in on the AL East crown as questions swirl around Yandy Díaz’s September slump and postseason readiness. Can Kevin Cash’s crew pop champagne at Yankee Stadium, or will the New York Yankees have last-minute surprises in store? 

The Rays need just one win in the Bronx, but decisions around when and how to celebrate in a doubleheader fuel the drama.

Kevin, Ulises, and WTSP Sports Director Evan Closky dissect Díaz’s recent struggles, Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen’s pivotal roles, and the chess match between Cash and Aaron B...

The Rays win another series, beating the Red Sox 5-1. The Rays got up big early. It got stared with a 2 RBI double in the 1st inning by Jonny DeLuca that made it 2-0. Chandler Simpson followed that up with a 2 RBI single to make it a 4 run 1st. The Rays offense did not need to do much after that because of another stellar start by Griffin Jax. Jax went 5 IP striking out 5 and did not allow any runs. The Rays extended their lead in the 4th inning on  monster home run by Victor Mesa Jr that made it 5...

The Rays outlast the Red Sox 2-1. The Rays offense really could not get anything going for most of the day. Their first run did not come until the 4th inning on a solo homer by Jonathan Aranda that made it 1-1. The Rays had a big chance in the 7th with runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out but could not come up with a run. The Rays were able to stay in the game because of another great start by Freddy Peralta. Peralta went 5.2 IP striking out  and only giving up the 1 run. But the Rays would f...

The Rays drop the first game of the series to the Red Sox 4-2. The Red Sox jumped on the Rays the very first batter of the game. After the lead off homer in the 1st Boston lead 1-0. The Rays tied the game in the bottom of the 3rd on a RBI ground out by Junior Caminero that made it 1-1. The Red Sox took the lead right back in the 2nd that made it 3-1. They added a run in the 6th inning on a solo homer that made it 4-1. The Rays had a chance in...

Tampa Bay Rays eye AL East clinch at Yankee Stadium while Drew Rasmussen dazzles with another dominant outing. Can the Rays’ rotation maintain its momentum deep into October? Ulises and Kevin break down Tampa Bay’s 16th series sweep—a franchise record—spotlighting Rasmussen’s consistency on the mound and bullpen strategy to keep arms fresh for a pivotal Yankees showdown.
The hosts ignite the MVP debate: Is Junior Caminero’s defensive grind at third base more valuable than Yordan Alvarez’s stellar DH numbers? 
Deep analytics, WAR metrics, and award ballot criteria take center stage as they explore ea...

The Rays beat up on the A's 10-1 to secure another sweep. The Rays started to take over in the 4th inning. It started with a 2 RBI single by Chandler Simpson that made it 2-0. Richie Palacious double scored 3 more runs and made it 5-0. Taylor Walls, fresh off the IL added a bunt single to make it a 6 run inning. The A's did get a run back in the 6th inning to make it 6-1. But the Rays extended their lead once again in the 6th inning. The Rays scored 2 more runs in the 6th, both on RBI...

Tampa Bay Rays inch closer to an AL East crown as Junior’s walk-off heroics and Nick Martinez’s efficient pitching spark a five-game winning streak. Is the division title already locked up—or could late injuries threaten their playoff positioning?

Kevin and Ulises spotlight Victor Mesa Jr.’s rise amid Jake Fraley’s return, the Rays’ commitment to a merit-based roster, and the tightening bullpen with Tyler Wells landing on the IL. Key discussions focus on load management for Bryan Baker, the significance of Cedric Mullins’ clubhouse leadership, and Tampa Bay’s strategy for protecting young arms like Ty Joh...

The Rays hang on for a 4-3 win vs the A's. The Rays offense got off to a super fast start. It started with a Jonny DeLuca RBI double in the 1st to make it 1-0. Chandler Simpson followed that up with a RBI double of his own to make it 2-0. The Rays would keep adding on in the 2nd. Nick Fortes got the Rays 3rd RBI double of the day to make it 3-0. Ryan Vilade got in on the action with a RBI single to make it 4-0. The A's started their comeback in the 3rd...

Tampa Bay Rays weigh key offseason decisions as Victor Mesa Jr.’s breakout electrifies the clubhouse. With Freddy Peralta rediscovering his form and boosting his free agency value, questions swirl—can the Rays realistically retain him, or will another “Fastball Freddie” emerge under Kyle Snyder’s guidance? The podcast dissects Peralta’s contract outlook, Tampa Bay’s pitcher depth, and how current rotation questions shape roster-building strategy.

Victor Mesa Jr.'s surprise rise, stellar defense, and elite OPS spark debate: Is he the next Randy Arozarena, or something even more? Cedric Mullins’ impact stretches beyond stats—his leadership earns a...

The Rays walk off the A's to win 2-1. As the score indicates this was a pitchers duel all the way through. Griffin Jax started for the Rays and was fantastic. He went 5 IP striking out 7 and not allowing any runs. The Rays first run came in the 2nd inning on a wild pitch that scored Chandler Simpson. The score remained 1-0 until the 6th inning when the A's added a run in the same way. A wild pitch made it 1-1 going into the last 3 innings. The Rays bullpen held it down until the bottom of the 9th...

Tampa Bay Rays widen the gap in the AL East after dominating the Houston Astros, setting up a potential celebration in Yankee Stadium. Can they maintain momentum and secure the division with key matchups against the Athletics, Red Sox, and Yankees on the horizon?

Ulises Sambrano and Evan Closky spotlight Bryan Baker’s historic season as Rays closer, Victor Mesa Jr.’s surprising impact, and the critical health of rotation aces Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen. With playoff seeding format debates, tough roster decisions looming for Jake Fraley and Brody Hopkins, and hot takes on the Rays’ endgam...

Tampa Bay Rays crush the Houston Astros with a commanding sweep to clinch their playoff spot, as Junior Caminero smashes his 40th homer in walk-off fashion. Is this Rays squad poised for a storybook October run? Kevin spotlights Caminero’s big-moment heroics and the significance of the Rays’ record-setting 15th sweep, while revealing how home field advantage at Tropicana Field could shape their postseason fate.

The episode also covers Victor Mesa Jr.’s breakout performance, his impact on both offense and defense, and the rise of surprise contributors across the roster. Brody Hopkins’ shaky yet electric MLB debut ra...

The Rays dominate the Astros, winning 14-4. The Rays got the blowout started early. Victor Mesa lined a 2 RBI triple to make it 2-0 right away in the 1st inning. Chandler Simpson then scored Mesa to make it a 3 run 1st. The Rays would blow the game open in the 3rd inning. Richie Palacios 3 run homer highlighted a 4 run 3rd to make it 7-0. Jonathan Aranda added a solo homer in the 4th to make it 8-0 and a Chandler Simpson RBI single made it 9-0. But the Rays would be far from done. Nick Fortes got in on...

The Rays comeback to beat the Rays 3-2. The Astros got off to a fast start with a solo homer in the 1st that made it 1-0. After that Ian Seymour settled in. He went 6 IP only giving up 2 runs and striking out 10. The Rays took the lead on a 2 run single by Richie Palacios in the 5th to make it 2-1. The Astros came right back in the top of the 6th inning to tie the game at 2. The Rays took the lead in the 7th on a Nick Madrigal sac fly to make it 3-2. The Rays...

The Rays walk off the Astros to win 3-1. This was one of the best wins of the year for the Rays. The offense got off to a slow start, getting shut out through the first 4 innings. But Victor Mesa got the Rays on the board with a solo homer in the 5th to make it 1-1. Mesa continued his strong play with his 3rd straight game with a homer. The game stayed 1-1 partly because of another stellar outing by Drew Rasmussen. he went 7 IP only giving up 1 run. But the moment of the season so far came...

Tampa Bay Rays inch closer to a playoff berth after a nail-biting series against the Atlanta Braves, raising questions about Kevin Cash’s big pitching decisions.

Nick Martinez dazzles on the mound, prompting comparisons to Greg Maddux, but his early exit sparks heated debate on rotation vs. bullpen management as October looms.

Ulises and Kevin break down the Rays’ postseason outlook, the impact of key bats like Junior Caminero and Yordan Alvarez in an MVP showdown, and the strategic hurdles ahead. Discussion highlights include critical bullpen usage, offensive woes, and lineup adjustments needed against the Yank...

The Rays get shut down by the Braves, losing 3-1. This game was an old fashion pitchers duel. Nick Martinez for the Rays went 6.1 IP scoreless and Martin Perez for the Braves went 7 IP scoreless. The only runs for the Braves came in the 8th inning when they finally broke through scoring 3 runs in the inning to make it 3-0. The Rays offense squandered a chance was in the 1st inning with an inning ending double play. But the Rays would get on the board with a solo homer by Victor Mesa in the 9th to make it 3-1...

Tampa Bay Rays overpower Atlanta Braves with dominant pitching and clutch homers. Can Junior Caminero overtake Yordan Alvarez in the AL MVP race as October looms?

Kevin breaks down the Rays’ back-to-back convincing wins against a sturdy Braves squad, spotlighting pivotal performances from Freddy Peralta and Griffin Jax, plus the resurgence of the team’s bottom order. 

The episode spotlights Caminero’s growing MVP case, Taylor Walls’ defensive prowess despite his latest injury, and how recent IL stints for key Rays could shape postseason hopes. Weiss also examines Alvarez’s Triple Crown chase, Chandler Simpson and Yandy D...

The Rays shut down the Braves again, winning 7-2. For the 2nd straight game the Rays got things rolling early. It started with a Victor Mesa solo homer in the 2nd to make it 1-0. The Rays would extend their lead in the 2nd on a 2 out 2 RBI single by Jorge Mateo that made it 3-0. The Rays added another 3 runs in the 4th after RBI singles by Cedric Mullins and Richie Palacios made it 6-0. The Braves tacked on runs in the 4th and the 6th but the Rays pitching staff led by Griffin Jax held things down...

Tampa Bay Rays brace for a high-stakes playoff push as critical matchups against the Atlanta Braves and New York Yankees loom. Can they hold their AL East lead with just 19 games left and a tight 4-game cushion? Evan Closky breaks down the playoff race, the importance of seizing wins in the Bronx, and why facing the Athletics could be the Rays’ ticket to October baseball with the AL East division crown.

The bullpen shuffle continues as questions swirl around Ty Johnson’s emergence, Manuel Rodriguez’s status, and Garrett Cleavinger’s reliability. Closky tackles fan questions about Chandler...

The Rays beat the Braves 7-1. Junior Caminero got the Rays started in the top of the first with a monster 455 FT homer to make it 1-0. The Braves tied the game in the bottom of the 1st to make it 1-1. It was all Rays after that. The Rays broke the game open with a 3 run 3rd inning. Liam Hicks hit a 2 run homer to make it 3-1. Victor Mesa added one with a RBI single to make it 4-1. Freddy Peralta kept the Braves at bay all night. He went 6 IP only allowing the 1 run. The Rays...

Tampa Bay Rays’ trade deadline strategy pays off as Liam Hicks, Tyler Wells, and Freddy Peralta spark a late-season surge. Can this revamped roster fuel a deep playoff push? Kevin and Ulises break down each acquisition’s impact—from Hicks’ disciplined bat behind the plate to Wells’ clutch relief appearances and Peralta’s stability in the rotation with Shane McClanahan sidelined.

Spotlight on Chandler Simpson: his old-school skillset, blazing speed, and offensive adjustments are redefining the Rays’ lineup depth. The hosts debate lineup construction, the value of protection for Junior Caminero, and whether the Rays’ “big three” has expanded into a...

Tampa Bay Rays let a crucial series win slip through their fingers, splitting with the Texas Rangers after blowing a late 5-1 lead. Is this a wake-up call for a top American League contender? 

Kevin and Ulises dissect Kevin Cash’s bullpen decisions, highlight standout moments from Jonathan Aranda and Ty Johnson’s MLB debut, and debate the impact of injuries to Manuel Rodriguez, Garrett Cleavinger, and Shane McClanahan as October looms.

The conversation shifts to Junior Caminero’s impressive ironman streak—playing all 143 games so far—and what it means for Rays franchise history. Can Caminer...

The Rays blow a big lead to lose to the Rangers 8-6. Things started out great for the Rays. The Rays had a 4 run second highlighted by RBI singles by Victor Mesa and Yandy Diaz that made it 4-0. The Rangers would get a run back in the bottom of the 2nd to make it 4-1. But in the 4th inning the Rays got another 4 run lead after a Sac Fly by Junior Caminero. The bottom of the 4th is where things fell apart for the Rays. They gave up 4 runs to tie the game at 5. Sloppy play with...