Inside Pitch Podcast

Tampa Bay spotted the Angels a four-run lead before roaring back to even up their weekend set at Tropicana Field. Steve discusses how the bats bailed out the pitching rather than vice versa which has been the normal M.O. for the team. Also, he may not pitch in 2019, but Brent Honeywell is getting a crash course in team chemistry, plus a question about the middle infield, another American League East contender's pitching woes that may be worse than the Rays, and a former Tampa Bay player becomes the second big leaguer in as many days to hit for the cycle

You never know what can happen at a baseball game. Thursday, Rays fans got a chance to see Shohei Ohtani become the first Japanese-born player to hit for the cycle in a Major League game. Steve discusses how special seeing the accomplishment is, and what it could mean for midseason honors for Ohtani. Plus, hear from reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell as he prepares to try and end Tampa Bay's three-game losing streak.

Tampa Bay saw a late rally get wasted as Oakland beat the Rays in Wednesday's series finale. Steve explains why Kevin cash was stuck going to a rookie in a bases loaded situation. Plus, the Los Angeles Angels come to town with perhaps the best player in baseball currently, the best player of the last generation, and one of the most intriguing players of the future.

Tampa Bay could not hold on to a 2-0 fourth inning lead, falling 4-3 to the Oakland A's Tuesday. Steve talks about the missed opportunities and how anyone who believes Emilio Pagan needs to be sent packing is out of their minds. Plus, Tampa Bay gets first round draft pick Greg Jones to sign his pro contract. Hear how excited the infielder from UNC-Wilmington is to start his journey as a professional, and director of scouting Rob Metzler tells us where he'll start his journey.

The Tampa Bay Rays got a strong performance all around to earn a victory in the opener of their three-game series with the Oakland Athletics, which thanks to the Yankees being rained out, put them alone atop the American League East. Catch Charlie Morton's comments on going to 8-0 on the season. Also, the casual baseball fan is about to know his name, but why is Wander Franco the next big thing in the sport?

Steve discusses the complicated relationship he has had over the years with the Boston Red Sox DH, who was shot over the weekend in the Dominican Republic. Also, Tampa Bay returns home to start another homestand with three wins in four games against Boston

The Rays take the matinee but drop the nightcap in Saturday's day-night doubleheader against the Red Sox, and Tampa Bay's top pitching prospect suffers another freak injury.

Tampa Bay gets a great performance from Yonny Chirinos to take the first game in a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox. Hear from both the victorious starter as well as manager Kevin Cash about the win. The two teams will play a split doubleheader today, and Steve discusses the pitching situation and how the Rays will cover 18 innings of baseball on this Saturday. Plus, a Seattle Mariners outfielder may have suffered one of the most gruesome injuries you will ever hear about!

Tampa Bay prepares for the weekend by taking their final two games in Detroit to earn another road series win. Hear from manager Kevin Cash about what pleased him the most about Thursday's victory. Also, one of the big bats in Boston's lineup may not be available for the start of the four-game weekend series, and Dallas Keuchel look to head to the National League

The Rays saw their four-game losing skid come to an end Wednesday. Steve discusses the importance of having Charlie Morton on the mound, and how big Austin Meadows' bat for success. Plus, reliever Craig Kimbrel has finally found a team. How long will it be until he gets on the field?