Rays closer Bryan Baker earns first All-Star selection in breakout season Bryan Baker, the Tampa Bay Rays' closer, has made history by securing his first career All-Star selection, marking a significant milestone in his breakout season. With 25 saves, Baker ranks second in Major League Baseball, a testament to his dominance in the bullpen. He will join his teammates at the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, where he will experience the prestigious event for the first time. The news of his selection came as a surprise to Baker, who described it as a "huge shock" and something he "didn't see coming." He emphasized that the achievement was unexpected, stating, "It's probably the last thing I expected that day." Despite the surprise, Baker expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the support of his teammates and coaches. Baker's journey to this moment has been shaped by his collaboration with the Rays' pitching staff. He credited the team's professionalism and the environment that allows him to perform at his best. "I've embraced it and tried to trust everyone around me," he said. "They seem to get us in the right spot and allow us to be the best version of ourselves." The All-Star Game will be a new experience for Baker, who will share the spotlight with four fellow Rays players: Drew Rasmussen, Yandy Diaz, Nick Martinez, and Junior Caminero. This marks a franchise record, with five Rays selected for the event. Baker expressed excitement about the opportunity to learn from his teammates, saying, "I'll be following Ras, Cami, and Yandy for the most part. Just soaking it all in. I think it will be really fun." Rasmussen, also making his All-Star debut, described the experience as overwhelming. "It's a pretty busy two days. Your schedule is booked out from 10 a.m. to midnight.#tampa_bay_rays #yandy_diaz #drew_rasmussen #bryan_baker #mlb_all_star_game
Cubs vs. Rays Series Preview: Key Matchups and Team Insights The Chicago Cubs are set to face the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series at the renovated Tropicana Field, marking their third consecutive matchup against an American League team. The series, scheduled for April 6–8, 2026, will see both teams enter with identical 4-5 records, though the Rays have played all nine of their games on the road to ensure the new stadium was ready for its home opener. The Cubs, meanwhile, aim to extend their winning streak against the Rays, who have struggled to maintain leads and provide run support for their pitching staff. The Rays’ season has been a mixed bag, with early-season challenges despite the return of All-Star pitcher Shane McClanahan. McClanahan made his 2026 debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, delivering a strong performance in his lone start, though the team’s offense failed to capitalize on opportunities. Drew Rasmussen, another key pitcher, has also shown promise with a 1.80 ERA, posing a significant threat to the Cubs’ lineup. However, the Rays’ defense has been a concern, with frequent errors and inconsistent results complicating their efforts to secure wins. For the Cubs, the series presents an opportunity to build momentum after a challenging start to the season. The team’s 11-14 all-time record against the Rays includes a 2-6 mark in Tampa, where they lost three straight games in 2008 and split two contests in 2017. Last year, the Cubs won two of three games at Wrigley Field, offering a glimmer of hope for a strong showing in the renovated Tropicana Field. The Cubs’ lineup will need to capitalize on key players like Chandler Simpson, whose speed and aggressive base-running could disrupt the Rays’ defense. The pitching matchups are a critical factor in the series.#chicago_cubs #tropicana_field #tampa_bay_rays #shane_mcclanahan #drew_rasmussen
