Tampa Bay Rays squander a commanding lead on Opening Day as the bullpen self-destructs, overshadowing Drew Rasmussen’s stellar start. Can the Rays afford more nights like this in the brutal AL East?

Kevin Weiss and Ulises Sambrano break down the late-game collapse, spotlighting tough outings from Ian Seymour, Garrett Clevenger, and Griffin Jax. They tackle questions about bullpen reliability, the effect of workload limits for starters, and pressing roster decisions.

The hosts praise an energized Rays offense—highlighting big performances from Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, and Nick Fortes—but question Kevin Cash’s lineup construction after questionable choices let opportunities slip. Key topics include Chandler Simpson’s role, strategic protection for sluggers, and what must change for Tampa Bay to rebound against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Get sharp analysis on what went wrong, what needs fixing, and why the Rays’ season is already loaded with intrigue.

00:00 Rays Bullpen Implosion

08:24 Rays Offense & Lineup

21:13 Trivia and Name That War

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The Tampa Bay Rays blow a 6 run lead to lose to the St. Louis Cardinals 9-7. The Rays used a 6 run 6th inning to take a commanding 7-1 lead in the game. But the bottom of the 6th was a nightmare for the Rays. It started with Ian Seymour allowing all 5 of the batters he faced to reach base and eventually score. But the go ahead hit game off of a 2 strike fastball by Griffin Jax to Alec Burleson that was deposited 432 feet into the right field seats to give the Cardinals the lead. Jonathan Aranda hit a solo home run that accounted for the Rays other run. The Rays start the season off on a rocky note, but will look to bounce back Saturday afternoon vs the Cardinals.

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Tampa Bay Rays face opening day turmoil as Ryan Pepiot hits the IL with right hip inflammation, shaking up the starting rotation.

With Joe Boyle bumped to the No. 2 spot and Nick Martinez pushed back due to a “hamstring issue,” the pressure mounts on Boyle to deliver quality innings amid a bullpen built for flexibility. Can the Rays’ pitching depth hold up as injuries pile up?

Ulises and Kevin debate the impact of Pepiot’s absence, the conspiracy behind Martinez’s role shift, and how social media criticism may play into player mentality.

The spotlight turns to Carson Williams, now thrust into the starting shortstop position after Taylor Walls’ injury—will Williams sink or swim in his big-league debut? Plus, comprehensive 2026 season predictions, Rays MVP contenders, and trade speculation around Yandy Díaz set the stage for a year focused on growth over standings.

00:00 — Rays Injuries & Rotation Shakeup

12:28 — Carson Williams' Opportunity

28:18 — Roster Rundown & Season Predictions

PLAY IN THE COMMENTS!!!!!

Rays will have _________ wins.

O/U: Shane McClanahan pitching 100 innings

T/F: Yandy Diaz remains a Rays player all of 2026.

RAYS MVP:

RAYS BEST PITCHER:

AL MVP:

NL MVP:

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This episode of is brought to you by MLB The Show 26. Visit mlbthe.show/lockedon and use code “LOCKEDON” to unlock a pack for use in Diamond Dynasty. Pre-Order now, Available March 17th on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. RATED E FOR EVERYONE.

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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

FanDuel is giving you a way to turn that energy into even bigger potential wins with a College Basketball Parlay Profit Boost. 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)

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