Daniel Russell

Editor-in-Chief at DRays Bay

Interests: Tampa Bay Rays, Liverpool FC, New England Patriots, X-men & FF | EIC @DRaysBay

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Articles

Rasmussen and a wild sixth shut down Texas - Rays 5, Rangers 1

3 days ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images This game was two completely different viewing experiences. For the first five innings it was a pitcher’s duel, and despite an inconsistent strike zone, it was Drew Rasmussen who came out ahead. He struck out eight batters over five scoreless innings, bringing his stretch of strong outings to 23 innings without a run allowed. The Rangers could not touch his fastball, with Rasmussen locating it all around the zone and fooling batters left and right.
Rays Reacts Survey: Chandler Simpson & Rays 2025 Outlook

4 days ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Tampa Bay Rays fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.
Roundtable: What is the top storyline of the first third of the season?

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images With the 2025 season one third complete, what is the top story line of the year thus far? Danny RussellWith the series win against the Twins, the Rays have risen to a 28-27 record, second in the AL East — albeit 7.0 games back from the Yankees — and, in an astonishing turn around, improving their playoff odds to 30%.
Player of the Series: Zack Littell

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images With Adam on vacation this week, I’ve had the opportunity to write this week’s Player of the Series articles, and the power is thrilling. I can choose anyone! Maybe I could even choose the fans! Because, in addition to the great bucket hat catch on Memorial Day, we were treated to this bro who celebrated catching a homerun ball with Raymond, and I’m mostly here for the vibes anyway. But the intent of this series is to celebrate the players, and that I shall.
Rays announce drone shows, free tickets for kids

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images The Tampa Bay Rays have announced two postgame drone shows and new ticket offers for fans. The first postgame drone show is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 after the game against the Baltimore Orioles and will depict iconic moments in Rays history in the night sky. The second show is scheduled for Friday, September 19 after the game against the Boston Red Sox and will showcase and honor Rays fans.
Rays acquire catcher Matt Thaiss from White Sox

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images The Tampa Bay Rays have acquired catcher Matt Thaiss, age 30, from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for outfielder Dru Baker. A left-handed hitting backup catcher with a plus walk rate, Thaiss (pronounced “thice”) has hit .212/.382/.294 (18-for-85) with four doubles, one home run, 8 RBI, 23 walks and 21 strikeouts over 35 games with the White Sox this season. He ranks third among American League (AL) catchers in walks despite appearing in the 15th-most games.
Rays fan catches homerun ball in their hat on a fun Memorial Day

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

As you might have caught in Lizzie’s excellent recap of last night’s game, a Rays fan was delighted to catch a homerun ball from Danny Jansen — in her HAT! On a 3-2 pitch with two outs in the eighth inning, Danny Jansen launched his fourth homerun of the year into the stands to put the game out of reach on Memorial Day. He had just nine homeruns in a down year at the plate last season.
Series Preview: Tampa Bay Rays vs Minnesota Twins

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Adam Sanford |Daniel Russell

Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images The Twins have been tearing up their schedule this May, having won 16 of their last 20 — one game postponed, three losses — including a run of 13 wins in a row, buoyed by a strong bullpen in closer Jhoan Duran and homegrown talents Cole Sands, Griffin Jax, and Louis Varland. Game one in the series will see Chris Paddack on the mount, who has locked in with a 1.37 ERA over his last three appearances despite a rough early go.
Player of the Series: Junior Caminero

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

Photo by Mark Taylor/Getty Images There were a lot of candidates for the Rays player of the series, as it should be when you sweep a division rival. Ryan Pepiot pitched 7 scoreless, Brandon Lowe homered in his third straight game, but Junior Caminero truly showed up to play, essentially batting .500 over the weekend while playing some dazzling defense. In Game 1 of the series, he picked a difficult hot shot that would have gone through the left side if he weren’t shaded toward short.
Rays announce Charity “Yard Sale” Event at Tropicana Field on May 31

1 week ago | draysbay.com | Daniel Russell

The Tampa Bay Rays will host a charity yard sale benefiting the Rays Baseball Foundation ahead of planned repairs of Tropicana Field. The Rays Pre-Construction Charity Yard Sale will be on Saturday, May 31 in Lot 7 of Tropicana Field. Repairs to Tropicana Field are scheduled to begin in June, and items once stored in the building will be available to fans for purchase. This event will include more inventory than the popular charity yard sale held each year at Rays Fan Fest.