Tampa Bay Rays struggle against NL Central foes reach a breaking point—can Nick Martinez turn things around?

Kevin Weiss highlights the Rays’ lopsided record versus NL Central teams, dissecting blowout losses to the Cincinnati Reds as clunker vibes threaten to derail their early momentum. Questions swirl around lineup construction, cold-weather challenges, and key injuries to Ryan Pepiot and Taylor Walls, while underperforming defense and bullpen woes expose Tampa Bay’s vulnerabilities.

Spotlighting manager Kevin Cash’s tenure and his Terry Francona-inspired approach, Kevin explores how Cash balances analytics, leadership, and a fresh clubhouse culture despite a tight budget. With Martinez boasting a 2.45 ERA and poised to rescue a depleted pitching staff, the episode examines if his underrated arsenal can snap Tampa Bay’s NL Central curse. Will the Rays reclaim their dominance, or do these struggles foreshadow deeper issues as they eye the postseason race?

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonrays.supercast.com

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.

Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

Robinhood

You’re no longer just a spectator. Play by play. You decide. Trade Every Play with Robinhood.

Now available across the U.S. Download the Robinhood app now to begin. Futures and cleared swaps trading involves significant risk and is not appropriate for everyone. Event contracts are offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC., a registered futures commission merchant and swap firm.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. During the tournament FanDuel is offering $300 back in Bonus Bets every day for ten days. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

#rays #tampabayrays #mlb

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Rays drop their 3rd game in a row, losing to the Reds 12-6. It was a disaster from the start for the Rays. Rays starter Steven Matz gave up 3 home runs in the first 2 innings and it was 4-0 right away. It did not get better after that. The Reds added their 4th home run of the game in the 5th inning to make it 5-0. Then added 4 runs in the 6th inning to make it 9-0 and the rout was on from there. The Rays would get on the board with a Jonathan Aranda 2 run home run in the 6th which made it 9-2. The Reds would add even more runs in the 7th to make it 11-2. The Rays would pitch infielder Ben Williamson in the 9th. That would result in the Reds adding another run to make the final 12-2. The Rays added 4 runs in the bottom of the 9th. But it was way to late at that point to mount a comeback. The Rays will have a quick turnaround as they play an afternoon game tomorrow as they will look to salvage the last game of the series.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wonderful Pistachios

Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more.

Just Ingredients

Visit JustIngredients.us and use code LOCKEDONMLB for 20% off your order! And for more wellness tips, follow @just.ingredients on Instagram.

Supply House

Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com!

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch

Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tampa Bay Rays drop the series opener to the Reds 6-1. The Reds immediately got in front of the Rays 2-0 in the top of the first on a 2 run home run. The Rays answered right back in the bottom of the first scoring a run and having the bases loaded with 0 outs. That would be the only run the Rays would score as they would strand the bases loaded. After that the Reds continued to put on the pressure. They added a run in the 3rd to make it 3-1. Then they broke it open in the 6th with a 2 run double to make it 5-1. They added on an insurance run in the 7th to put the game even more out of reach. The Rays have now lost 3 out of their last 4 after winning 6 in a row. They will look to bounce back tomorrow night vs the Reds.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wonderful Pistachios

Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more.

Just Ingredients

Visit JustIngredients.us and use code LOCKEDONMLB for 20% off your order! And for more wellness tips, follow @just.ingredients on Instagram.

Supply House

Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com!

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch

Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.