Rays ‘Doing Homework’ on Marcus Stroman as AL East Race Tightens

AP Photo/Erin HooleyThe Rays were the best team in baseball for most of the first half, but the Braves have since blown by them and they are no longer even the best team in their own division. Reeling from four straight losses, Tampa has been overtaken by the Orioles, who are 8-2 in their last 10 games. While the two are in a virtual tie for first, Baltimore has a slightly better winning percentage as of this post.

Then there’s the matter of the Rays’ rotation, which has been beset by injuries and may need serious support just to finish the season. Only three Tampa pitchers — Zach Eflin (18), Shane McClanahan (18), and Taj Bradley (14) — have made more than nine starts, and two others — Drew…