Jul 22, 2021
Eight days ahead of MLB’s trade deadline, the reigning American League champions have made a big move to return to the Fall Classic.
The Rays pulled off the first blockbuster trade of the season, acquiring designated hitter Nelson Cruz in a four-player deal with the Twins. The deal bolsters a middle-of-the-pack Rays lineup into one of the league’s best, while officially signaling a sell-off by Minnesota, which has been among baseball’s most disappointing clubs.
With Boomstick heading to Florida, it’s time to issue some trade grades.
Rays acquire: DH Nelson Cruz and RHP Calvin Faucher
Tampa Bay Rays display a never-before-seen sense of urgency at trade deadline
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Tampa Bay Obtains a Cruz Missile | FanGraphs Baseball
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2021/07/21 11:08 Tampa Bay Rays Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates with Brett Phillips as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Baltimore Orioles st. Tampa Bay Rays Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates with Brett Phillips as he returns to the dugout after hitting a solo home run off Baltimore Orioles starter John Means during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius) Baltimore Orioles starter John Means pitches to a Tampa Bay Rays batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in St. Pete. Baltimore Orioles starter John Means pitches to a Tampa Bay Rays batter during the first inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay slugs 2 HRs, spoils return of Orioles Means
Francisco Mejía had a homer and five RBIs, Randy Arozarena also homered and the Tampa Bay Rays spoiled John Means’ return from a left shoulder strain, beating the Baltimore Orioles 9-3 Tuesday night.
The Canadian Press
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) Francisco Mejía had a homer and five RBIs, Randy Arozarena also homered and the Tampa Bay Rays spoiled John Means’ return from a left shoulder strain, beating the Baltimore Orioles 9-3 Tuesday night.
Means (4-3), making his first start since June 5, allowed five runs and seven hits in five innings, striking out two in a 78-pitch outing.