A look inside Rays' skid, and what changed from their torrid streak
There are many reasons the Rays have followed their amazing 22-4 stretch (from April 22-May 22) with an agonizing 7-15 run (May 24 through Wednesday). Some are more obvious, and relative, than others.
The May 23 rainout in New York that messed with their vibe. The back-to-back walkoff losses that followed. Some injuries and ensuing roster shuffling. Slumps by key players. A few bad breaks and bounces.
But mostly, an overall dropoff in performance in all areas, as so much of what the Rays were doing well when they were rolling had gone bad in extending their struggles.
Here is a look at some key stats with notable declines from the two periods that provide some context and detail. The first stat from the good streak and the second from the bad, with league rank when applicable:
Team
Pitching
ERA: 2.37 (1), 4.89 (24)
Opponent average.: .221 (4), .267 (24)
Opponent OPS: .612 (2), .783 (25)
HRs/9 innings: 0.73 (2), 1.51 (24)
Starter ERA: 1.93 (1), 4.39 (13)
Reliever ERA: 2.97 (6), 5.50 (24)
Hitting
Average: .267 (1), .241 (T21)
OPS: .741 (4), .686 (26)
Runs per game: 4.85 (4), 3.59 (27)
Runners in scoring position: .312 (1), .237 (20)
Left on base: 165 (29), 176 (2)
Ground into double plays: 19 (21), 24 (30)
Steals: 28 (T4), 11 (T22)
Individuals
Pitchers
Nick Martinez
W-L: 4-0, 2-1
ERA: 0.96, 5.40
Steven Matz
W-L: 1-0, 0-3
ERA: 2.12, 16.88
Hits per IP: 0.65, 2.13
Shane McClanahan
W-L: 4-0, 1-2
ERA: 1.35, 4.30
Hits per IP: 0.64, 1.13
Ian Seymour
ERA: 2.51, 5.11
Walks per IP: .349, .892
Cole Sulser
ERA: 3.12, 15.88
Hits per IP: 0.58, 2.65
Hitters
Junior Caminero
OPS: .914, .840
HRs: 8, 2
RBIs: 17, 6
Hunter Feduccia
Average: .333, .207
OPS: .906, .499
Richie Palacios
Average: .271, .183
OPS: .670, .552
Chandler Simpson
Average: .260, .167
OPS: .621, .411
Steals: 7, 0
Ryan Vilade
Average: .361, .265
OPS: 1.043, .743
Taylor Walls
OPS: .697, .514
RBIs: 10, 3
Extra-base hits: 7, 0
Ben Williamson
Average: .296, .200
OPS, .747, .539
• • •
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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 6:20 AM.