The Rays are surging at exactly the right time.
After a tide-turning 9 and 1 home stand which included a sweep of the Cleveland Indians, they have created 1.5 games of separation between themselves and the Oakland A’s for the Wild Card lead.
Since August 30, they are the third best offense in baseball (116 wRC+) as well as the best pitching staff in baseball (2.57 ERA), almost a half a run better than the second best Astros (2.90).
But this coming roadtrip looks to be an important one. Starting tonight, they will take on the Rangers for 3, followed by the Angels in the weekend series, and after another day off next Monday, the Dodgers for 2.