Rays Rough Road Trip & Craig Kimbrel joins the Tampa Bay Rays

RaysUp -  Kimbrel joins the Rays on a Rough Road TripMark 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 Covered1. Painful Baltimore Road TripThe 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 WatchFormer 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 RaysThe 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 rateHis walk rate dropping from 14% to 8% in 2026How the Rays coaching staff ("horse whisperer") can optimize his pitch mix and deceptive deliveryHis potential leadership value in the clubhouse alongside J.P. MartinezThe fun discussion about his signature pre-pitch lean-in routine — and what it means in the PitchCom era4. Victor Mesa Jr. Joins the RosterMat 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 PitchingJonathan Heasley called up from Durham as Jesse Scholten hits the IL — Mat sees Heasley as a Zack Littell–type reclamation projectHunter Bigge still searching for his groove after returning from injuryGriffin Jax showing some fatigue; managing workloads is criticalCharlie Morton floated as a potential bullpen/reliever target for a short-season role6. Wander Franco Pardoned in the Dominican RepublicA sobering segment. Mat and Mark discuss:The Dominican Republic court's pardon and what it meansMLB's position as the ultimate decision-maker on reinstatementThe $182 million in guaranteed money still owed by the RaysHow political pressure (domestic and international) could influence MLB's rulingThe morals clause question and whether it applies across jurisdictions7. Fan Culture & Left Field EnergyA 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 SituationMat 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 ShapeDespite the rough road trip, Mat closes on an optimistic note:2nd overall pick in the upcoming draftCompensation pick available in trade packagesStrong minor league system (FCL crew standouts, Caden Bodine promoted)Just need a .500 record from here to reach 90 winsA significant trade expected before the All-Star break — watch the San Francisco Giants and Robbie RayUpcoming on the ScheduleRays 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.Remember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at baseballbizondeck at gmail.com and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social