RaysUp -  Kimbrel joins the Rays on a Rough Road Trip

Mark and Mat recorded this live while watching the Tampa Bay Rays wrap up a painful road trip in Baltimore, with the Orioles leading 5-0 early and eventually extending the lead. Despite the tough loss, the guys cover a packed agenda of Rays news, roster moves, and big-picture topics.

Topics Covered

1. Painful Baltimore Road Trip
The Rays are getting roughed up in their final game in Baltimore. Steve Matz dominates early, putting up a 5-run first inning. The Orioles lineup — including standouts Ward and Alonso — is clicking at the right time.

2. Shane Baz & The X-Rays Watch
Former Ray Shane Baz continues to impress with the Orioles, looking better than he ever did in Tampa. Mat notes his extension with Baltimore signals they're committed to him long-term, while discussing what the Orioles gave up (Grayson Rodriguez) and what they gained.

3. Craig Kimbrel Signs with the Rays
The biggest roster news: the Rays signed talented veteran pitcher Craig Kimbrel. Mark and Mat break down:

• His career stats: 440 saves, 2018 World Series champion, 5x All-Star, 13.9 K/9 career rate
• His walk rate dropping from 14% to 8% in 2026
• How the Rays coaching staff ("horse whisperer") can optimize his pitch mix and deceptive delivery
• His potential leadership value in the clubhouse alongside J.P. Martinez
• The fun discussion about his signature pre-pitch lean-in routine — and what it means in the PitchCom era

4. Victor Mesa Jr. Joins the Roster
Mat is excited about the outfielder's speed, power, defense, and baserunning — calling him a picture-perfect fit for the Rays' 2026 style of play. He profiles alongside Ryan Vilade, Chandler Simpson, and Cedric Mullins in the outfield mix.

5. Bullpen Depth & Starting Pitching

• Jonathan Heasley called up from Durham as Jesse Scholten hits the IL — Mat sees Heasley as a Zack Littell–type reclamation project
• Hunter Bigge still searching for his groove after returning from injury
• Griffin Jax showing some fatigue; managing workloads is critical
• Charlie Morton floated as a potential bullpen/reliever target for a short-season role

6. Wander Franco Pardoned in the Dominican Republic
A sobering segment. Mat and Mark discuss:

• The Dominican Republic court's pardon and what it means
• MLB's position as the ultimate decision-maker on reinstatement
• The $182 million in guaranteed money still owed by the Rays
• How political pressure (domestic and international) could influence MLB's ruling
• The morals clause question and whether it applies across jurisdictions

7. Fan Culture & Left Field Energy
A lighter moment: the shirtless fans in left field at Tropicana Field have become a genuine phenomenon. Mat compares it to beach culture; Mark notes even with only 11,000 in attendance, the noise was palpable and the players were visibly feeding off it.

8. Stadium Situation
Mat flags the ongoing stadium issue as still unresolved and worth watching. Mark mentions plans to research how a similar stadium project in Tennessee (Nippon Stadium) navigated the political and business hurdles.

9. Big Picture: Rays Are Still in Great Shape
Despite the rough road trip, Mat closes on an optimistic note:

• 2nd overall pick in the upcoming draft
• Compensation pick available in trade packages
• Strong minor league system (FCL crew standouts, Caden Bodine promoted)
• Just need a .500 record from here to reach 90 wins
• A significant trade expected before the All-Star break — watch the San Francisco Giants and Robbie Ray

Upcoming on the Schedule

• Rays return home — Angels series next (a chance to get the bats going)
• Mark & Karen heading to Miami to catch the Rays vs. Marlins. Thank you Lou Schiff (right behind the dugout!)

BaseballBiz On Deck is produced by Mark Corbett and Mat Germain. New episodes drop regularly throughout the baseball season.

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