Rays, Mariners Clash in Key AL Wild-Card Series

The Tampa Bay Rays are aiming to tighten their grip on the American League wild-card race as they start a critical three-game series against the Seattle Mariners, who currently hold the final wild-card spot. The Rays have won six of their last eight games, recently sweeping the Washington Nationals, and will rely on starting pitcher Shane Baz to end a two-month winless stretch as he faces Mariners' Luis Castillo. Seattle, despite struggling on the road with a recent series loss to the Cleveland Guardians, maintains a narrow lead in the wild-card standings and a strong postseason probability. Both teams are fighting not only for wild-card positioning but also to maintain pressure in a congested playoff race that includes the Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, and Guardians. The Mariners are favored to win the opener, with Luis Castillo starting and holding a 3.75 ERA, while the Rays rely on Baz despite his recent struggles. The series is pivotal for both teams, as the Rays trail the Mariners by 5.5 games and look to close the gap during their six-game homestand.