ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays have one of the best defenses in baseball according to multiple metrics, including a second-place ranking in defensive efficiency rating, reflecting a combination of smart positioning and great range.
A longtime proponent of the shift, Tampa Bay remains among the most active users of the tactic. The Rays will at times start an at-bat in one shift and shuffle their infielders again depending on how a hitter's spray chart changes with two strikes. The detail-driven positioning has resulted in a .273 batting average for opponents putting the ball in play with a shift on, the third-best mark in the Majors.