Series Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox

Just one month ago, on May 9th, the Tampa Bay Rays were 17-21 and had six teams between them and the 3rd Wild Card spot.

Entering play on Monday, the Rays have improved to 35-30, sit 4.5 games back of the Yankees and are currently in a three-way tie for all three Wild Card spots with the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins; the Cleveland Guardians sit a half game back.

Since the start of play on May 20th, the Rays are 14-4, which is the best record in all of baseball; they have scored 105 runs (which is the most over that time) and have allowed 47 runs (which is the least over that time). The Rays have now won or split six consecutive series and eight of their last nine.

Now the Rays face…