Regression HITS Tampa Bay Rays Starting Rotation

Tampa Bay Rays’ starting rotation faces a reality check as regression hits hard—can Drew Rasmussen, Nick Martinez, and Steven Matz right the ship before the season spirals? Ulises Sambrano and Kevin Weiss break down the recent struggles, focusing on alarming earned run averages, potential role changes for Matz, and the emergence of prospects Joe Boyle and Brody Hopkins as possible solutions in the Rays’ bullpen. Ryan Vilade’s breakout 2026 campaign—highlighted by clutch hitting and hustle—raises hopes, but can he adjust to major league fastballs and avoid a sophomore slump? The hosts debate the growing trend of position players pitching, arguing it signals surrender rather than entertainment, and call for MLB rule changes to preserve competitive integrity. Is it time for a mercy rule in baseball? Stay tuned for sharp analysis and bold solutions as the Rays navigate a challenging stretch. 01:24 Rays Starting Pitching Regression 11:42 Ryan Vilade's Surprising Success 21:40 Position Players Pitching Controversy Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_ Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts... Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More 🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/... Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonrays.supercast.com Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! 5-Hour ENERGY The funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today! Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Rocket Money Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON. KALSHI For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get one-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) #Rays #TampaBaysRays #MLB Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.