2011 Tampa Bay Rays season
Encyclopedia
The Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...

 2011 season
2011 Major League Baseball season
The 2011 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday, March 31, and ended on Wednesday, September 28. This marked the first time a season began on a Thursday since , and the first time a regular season ended on a Wednesday since...

was the team's 14th season of baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...

. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history. However, they lost to the Texas Rangers
2011 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....

 in four games in the Division Series
2011 American League Division Series
The 2011 American League Division Series were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played...

, the second year in a row they lost to Texas in the first round of the playoffs.

Offseason

The Rays declined the options of reliever Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler
Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 and infielder Willy Aybar
Willy Aybar
Willy Del Jesus Aybar is an infielder who currently plays for the Yuma Scorpions in the North American League. Aybar has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays...

, and added Elliot Johnson
Elliot Johnson (baseball)
Elliot Tyler Johnson is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Major league career:...

 to the 40-man roster on November 3, 2010. Becoming a free agent, Wheeler stated that he was open to re-sign with the Rays, saying the two sides talked about "keeping the lines of communication open." Aybar is eligible for arbitration, and therefore remains under the team's control.

Seven of the Rays' nine free agents were offered arbitration on November 23, 2010. Those players were left fielder Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...

, utility player Brad Hawpe
Brad Hawpe
Bradley Bonte Hawpe is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman.-High school and college:...

, and relievers Grant Balfour
Grant Balfour
Grant Robert Balfour is a relief pitcher who plays for the Oakland Athletics. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers.-Early life:...

, Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...

, Randy Choate
Randy Choate
Randol Doyle Choate is an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins.-High school years:Choate attended Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, and was a letterman in baseball....

, Chad Qualls
Chad Qualls
Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in...

, and Joaquin Benoit
Joaquín Benoit
Joaquín Antonio Benoit Peña is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball in the United States. He is 6'3" and weighs 220 pounds.-Texas Rangers:...

. All seven players declined arbitration. First baseman Carlos Peña
Carlos Peña
Carlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...

 and reliever Dan Wheeler were the two players not offered arbitration.

On December 3, 2010, the Rays tendered first baseman Dan Johnson, while infielder Willy Aybar, catcher Dioner Navarro
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher, who is a free agent.-New York Yankees:In 2000, Navarro was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent...

, and relievers Lance Cormier
Lance Cormier
Lance Robert Cormier is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.-Early years:Cormier went to Lafayette High School, and graduated in...

 and J. P. Howell were nontendered. Howell, who missed the entire 2010 season
2010 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2010 season was their 13th season of baseball. They improved on their 84–78 record from 2009 by finishing the regular season 96–66, and qualifying for the postseason for the second time in history by winning their second AL East division championship in three...

 with a shoulder injury and will reportedly miss the beginning of April in 2011, was expected to re-sign with the team, and did so on December 14.

The Rays lost first baseman Carlos Peña when he signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...

 on December 8, 2010.

Left Fielder Carl Crawford, who had played in the Rays organization his entire career since being drafted in 1999
1999 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1999...

, signed with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 on December 9, 2010. Crawford had been considered one of the top free agents during the offseason, and agreed to a 7-year $142 million deal with Boston, making him the second-highest paid outfielder and the 10th-highest paid player overall in baseball history.

Relief pitcher Randy Choate signed a two-year contract with the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...

 on December 15, 2010. A day later, the Rays signed former Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...

 reliever Joel Peralta
Joel Peralta
Joel Peralta Gutiérrez is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:Peralta signed with the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1996. They released him in 1998...

 to a one-year, $600,000 deal.

Shortstop Jason Bartlett was reported to have been traded to the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...

 for two minor league relievers on December 8, 2010, but the trade was not actually completed until December 17. When the transaction was finally made, it was learned that the Rays would give up Bartlett and a player to be named later
Player to be named later
The concept of the "player to be named later" is most often associated with Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball trades.-Description:...

 in exchange for three relievers and one infielder.

Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler
Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 departed when he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red sox.

On January 8, 2011, the Rays completed a trade with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...

, sending starting pitcher Matt Garza
Matt Garza
Matthew Scott Garza is a United States professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:He attended Washington Union High School and Fresno State.-Minnesota Twins:...

, outfielder Fernando Perez
Fernando Perez (baseball)
Fernando Perez is an outfielder is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...

, and minor league pitcher Zach Rosscup in exchange for five minor league prospects.

Closer Rafael Soriano, who led the American League with 45 saves in 2010 with the Rays, signed a 3-year $35 million deal with the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

 on January 14.

The Rays added to their bullpen on January 15, with the signing of Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Lynn Farnsworth is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school and college:...

. The contract was worth $3.25 million for one year, with a club option for 2012.

On January 21, it was reported that the Rays had agreed to terms with veteran outfielders/designated hitters Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...

 and Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...

. Both contracts were for one year, with Damon signing for $5.25 million, while Ramirez's deal was worth only $2 million.

April

Third baseman Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 3 for a strained left oblique. Manager Joe Maddon said he expected him to be out for three weeks. Felipe López was called up to replace him on the roster. RHP Mike Ekstrom
Mike Ekstrom
Michael Robert Ekstrom is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Padres in the 12th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, he made his MLB debut on September 10, , striking out Manny Ramirez and pitching two scoreless innings.-College:Ekstrom...

 was designated for assignment to make room for López on the 40-man roster.

Prior to their game on April 8, it was announced that Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...

 was retiring. Ramirez, who appeared in five games with the Rays, had one hit in 17 at-bats. His decision to go into retirement was related to a positive test for a banned substance. Had he not retired, he would have faced a 100-game suspension.

The Rays started the season 0–6, their worst start in franchise history, but finished the month of April with a record of 15–12, 1½ games behind the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

 for first place in the AL East. The Rays became the first team in league history to start the season 0–6 and finish April with a winning record.

May

When Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 was activated from the disabled list on May 3, the Rays designated infielder Felipe López for assignment. López cleared waivers, accepting an assignment to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...

.

For his actions during a May 4 game, center fielder B. J. Upton
B. J. Upton
Melvin Emmanuel "B. J." Upton is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton is a graduate of Greenbrier Christian Academy....

 was suspended for two games and fined $1,500. Upton was ejected during that game for arguing with home plate umpire Chad Fairchild
Chad Fairchild
Chadwick Jarrett Fairchild is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He wears number 75.Fairchild has worked in both Major Leagues since umpiring his first game on September 30,...

 over a called strikeout. After being tossed from the game, Upton began yelling at the umpire, throwing his batting helmet and batting gloves to the ground, and had to be restrained by bench coach Dave Martinez
Dave Martinez
David Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...

 and third base coach Tom Foley. Upton appealed the suspension when it was announced on May 7. He would end up serving the two-game suspension, which began on May 12.

Starting pitcher Jeff Niemann
Jeff Niemann
Jeffrey Warren Niemann is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-College:...

 was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 6. Outfielder Brandon Guyer
Brandon Guyer
Brandon Eric Guyer is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Guyer played college baseball at the University of Virginia....

 was called up to take the open roster spot. In his first major-league at-bat, Guyer hit a home run, becoming the second player in Rays history to hit a home run in his first career at-bat. Guyer was optioned back to Durham on May 8 when the Rays recalled relief pitcher Rob Delaney.

First baseman Dan Johnson was designated for assignment by the Rays on May 20, and relief pitcher Rob Delaney was optioned to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...

. Johnson had a .115 batting average with one home run and three RBIs in 25 games. He cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Durham on May 24. Taking one of the open spots on the roster was relief pitcher J. P. Howell, who returned to the team more than a full year after undergoing shoulder surgery. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano
Justin Ruggiano
Justin Marshall Ruggiano is a Major League Baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Ruggiano played college baseball at Texas A&M....

 was also called up.

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...

 was named the American League Rookie of the Month as well as Pitcher of the Month. Hellickson complied a 4–1 record with a 1.36 ERA. He surrendered only five earned runs in 33 innings pitched, and struck out 23 batters. He limited opponents to a .168 batting average.

The Rays went 14–13 in May, improving to 29–25 overall, 1½ games behind first place in the division.

June

Starting pitcher James Shields surpassed the franchise record for complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...

s in a season on June 20 after throwing his sixth complete game.

At the end of the month, the Rays were 45–36, having gone 16–11 in June. They were third in the division, four games behind the lead.

July

Starting pitchers David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...

 and James Shields, as well as outfielder Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce (baseball)
Matthew R. Joyce is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Early life:Joyce began his career at North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida....

, were all named to the American League All-Star team on July 3. Infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist
Benjamin Thomas "Ben" Zobrist is an American baseball player currently with Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. A switch-hitter who throws right-handed, he has exhibited a versatility to play most positions with the exception of pitcher and catcher. He has been the Rays' starting second...

 was one of the five players in the running for the Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote is an annual Internet and text message ballot by Major League Baseball fans to elect the final player for each team that participates in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game after all other selections have been made and announced on national television. The first 33 players...

, but did not win. Joyce would be the only player to participate in the All-Star Game, as Price was suffering from turf toe, and Shields was ineligible to pitch after starting two days before the All-Star Game.

Catcher John Jaso
John Jaso
John Edward Jaso is an American professional baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 was placed on the disabled list on July 15 with a right oblique strain. José Lobatón
Jose Lobaton
José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays....

 was called up from the minors.

Starting pitcher Wade Davis
Wade Davis (baseball)
Wade Davis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 amateur entry draft...

 was placed on the disabled list on July 7. Relief pitcher Brandon Gomes
Brandon Gomes
Brandon Gomes is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 17th Round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Tulane University...

 was recalled from the minors to take his spot on the roster.

On July 17, in a nationally televised game, the Rays hosted the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in a 16-inning game that lasted 5 hours and 42 minutes, ending at 1:35 a.m. EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

. It was the longest game in the history of the franchise in terms of time played, and matched the longest game by number of innings. It was also the latest a game ended in franchise history. The Rays became the first team since 1919 to have only three base hits in a game lasting 16 or more innings. The Rays lost 1–0. Following the game, catcher José Lobatón
Jose Lobaton
José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays....

 was placed on the disabled list. Robinson Chirinos
Robinson Chirinos
Robinson David Chirinos Gonzalez is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.Following the 2010 season, Chirinos was add to the Cubs 40-man roster....

 took his spot on the roster. Manager Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...

 was ejected in the 11th inning for arguing an earlier check swing call during a pitching change and bench coach Dave Martinez
Dave Martinez
David Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...

 was tossed later in the inning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

On July 18, relief pitcher Adam Russell
Adam Russell
Adam W. Russell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.In , Russell was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round as the 179th overall pick....

 was designated for assignment, while relief pitcher Juan Cruz
Juan Cruz (baseball)
Juan Carlos Cruz is a Major League Baseball pitcher.-Career:Cruz was signed for the Chicago Cubs by scout Jose Serra. He began his pro career with the Cubs' Rookie Level team, the Mesa Cubs, where he went 2-4 with a 6.10 earned run average and 36 strikeouts in only 41.1 innings pitched...

 was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury. Relievers Alex Cobb
Alex Cobb
Alexander Miller "Alex" Cobb is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Cobb was called up to the majors for the first time on May 1, 2011 and made his major league debut that day. He was optioned back to the minors after the game. On May 31, Cobb was recalled...

 and Alex Torres
Alex Torres
Alex Torres is an American guitarist, best known for being the guitarist of metalcore bands Eyes Set to Kill and Greeley Estates, and being the current guitarist of post-hardcore band Alesana.- Praisin' Bran :...

 were recalled from the minors.

The Rays ended July with an 11–15 record, falling to 56–51 overall. They were still third place in the division, but dropped to 10½ games behind the lead.

August

On August 10, it was announced that starting pitcher Alex Cobb
Alex Cobb
Alexander Miller "Alex" Cobb is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Cobb was called up to the majors for the first time on May 1, 2011 and made his major league debut that day. He was optioned back to the minors after the game. On May 31, Cobb was recalled...

 would have to undergo surgery to remove a blockage in his ribs, which would cause him to miss the remainder of the season.

The Rays went 18–10 in August, going into the final month of the season in third place in the division and nine games behind for the lead.

September

Trailing the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in the American League Wild Card
Wild card (sports)
The term wild card refers broadly to a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play.-International sports:...

 by nine games as late as September 3. Historically, no team had qualified for the postseason after facing a deficit that large in the month of September. The Rays defeated the Red Sox in six out of seven games the teams played against each other in September, pulling into a tie for the Wild Card on September 26, with only two games remaining in the regular season. On September 29, the Rays won the final game against the Yankees in spectacular fashion. Trailing 5–0 after just two innings and 7–0 going into the 8th inning (during which many fans left the stadium), the Rays loaded the bases with no outs. Pinch hitter Sam Fuld
Sam Fuld
Samuel Babson "Sam" Fuld is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball....

 then drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in the Rays first run of the game. Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez
Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...

 was then hit by a pitch to score the second run. After a one-out sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton, making the score 7–3, Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 came to the plate and hit the first pitch he saw over the left field wall, a three-run shot that cut the deficit to 7–6. Then in the bottom of the ninth inning, after the first two Rays batters struck out, pinch hitter Dan Johnson
Dan Johnson
Daniel Ryan Johnson is a first baseman and designated hitter with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has played in all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball, but has never held a Major League starting job for an entire season...

, never known for his hitting abilities and sporting just a .108 average for the season, hit a home run on a 2–2 count to tie the game at 7–7. The game then played for three more innings before the Rays capped their remarkable comeback in the bottom of the 12th, clinching their third ever franchise postseason berth, winning the Wild Card when Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 again stepped to the plate, and hit a walk-off home run down the left field line which barely cleared the lowest wall in the park, giving the Rays an 8–7 victory.

Record vs. opponents

American League East
American League East
The American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division...

American League Central
American League Central
The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...

American League West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...

Team Record
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

9–9
Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

12–6
Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...

4–4
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...

4–2
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...

1–6
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...

5–2
Los Angeles Angels 4–4
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...

7–3
New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

9–9
Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....

2–5
Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...

6–4
Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...

4–5
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....

12–6
Interleague play
Interleague play
Interleague play is the term used to describe regular season Major League Baseball games played between teams in different leagues, introduced in . Before the 1997 season, teams in the American League and National League did not meet during the regular season...

12–6

Roster

2011 Tampa Bay Rays
Roster
Pitchers Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Other batters
Manager
Coaches (bullpen catcher) (third base) (first base) (pitching) (bench) (bullpen) (hitting) (coach)

Game log

The Rays opened the 2011 season at home against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

 for the second consecutive season.
Legend
  Rays win
  Rays loss
  Postponement
Bold Rays team member

Regular season

2011 Game Log

Postseason

2011 Postseason Game Log

Batting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In; BA = Batting Average; OBP= On-Base percentage SB = Stolen Bases
The Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...

 2011 season
2011 Major League Baseball season
The 2011 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday, March 31, and ended on Wednesday, September 28. This marked the first time a season began on a Thursday since , and the first time a regular season ended on a Wednesday since...

was the team's 14th season of baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...

. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history. However, they lost to the Texas Rangers
2011 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....

 in four games in the Division Series
2011 American League Division Series
The 2011 American League Division Series were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played...

, the second year in a row they lost to Texas in the first round of the playoffs.

Offseason

The Rays declined the options of reliever Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler
Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 and infielder Willy Aybar
Willy Aybar
Willy Del Jesus Aybar is an infielder who currently plays for the Yuma Scorpions in the North American League. Aybar has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays...

, and added Elliot Johnson
Elliot Johnson (baseball)
Elliot Tyler Johnson is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Major league career:...

 to the 40-man roster on November 3, 2010. Becoming a free agent, Wheeler stated that he was open to re-sign with the Rays, saying the two sides talked about "keeping the lines of communication open." Aybar is eligible for arbitration, and therefore remains under the team's control.

Seven of the Rays' nine free agents were offered arbitration on November 23, 2010. Those players were left fielder Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...

, utility player Brad Hawpe
Brad Hawpe
Bradley Bonte Hawpe is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman.-High school and college:...

, and relievers Grant Balfour
Grant Balfour
Grant Robert Balfour is a relief pitcher who plays for the Oakland Athletics. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers.-Early life:...

, Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...

, Randy Choate
Randy Choate
Randol Doyle Choate is an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins.-High school years:Choate attended Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, and was a letterman in baseball....

, Chad Qualls
Chad Qualls
Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in...

, and Joaquin Benoit
Joaquín Benoit
Joaquín Antonio Benoit Peña is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball in the United States. He is 6'3" and weighs 220 pounds.-Texas Rangers:...

. All seven players declined arbitration. First baseman Carlos Peña
Carlos Peña
Carlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...

 and reliever Dan Wheeler were the two players not offered arbitration.

On December 3, 2010, the Rays tendered first baseman Dan Johnson, while infielder Willy Aybar, catcher Dioner Navarro
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher, who is a free agent.-New York Yankees:In 2000, Navarro was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent...

, and relievers Lance Cormier
Lance Cormier
Lance Robert Cormier is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.-Early years:Cormier went to Lafayette High School, and graduated in...

 and J. P. Howell were nontendered. Howell, who missed the entire 2010 season
2010 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2010 season was their 13th season of baseball. They improved on their 84–78 record from 2009 by finishing the regular season 96–66, and qualifying for the postseason for the second time in history by winning their second AL East division championship in three...

 with a shoulder injury and will reportedly miss the beginning of April in 2011, was expected to re-sign with the team, and did so on December 14.

The Rays lost first baseman Carlos Peña when he signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...

 on December 8, 2010.

Left Fielder Carl Crawford, who had played in the Rays organization his entire career since being drafted in 1999
1999 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1999...

, signed with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 on December 9, 2010. Crawford had been considered one of the top free agents during the offseason, and agreed to a 7-year $142 million deal with Boston, making him the second-highest paid outfielder and the 10th-highest paid player overall in baseball history.

Relief pitcher Randy Choate signed a two-year contract with the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...

 on December 15, 2010. A day later, the Rays signed former Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...

 reliever Joel Peralta
Joel Peralta
Joel Peralta Gutiérrez is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:Peralta signed with the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1996. They released him in 1998...

 to a one-year, $600,000 deal.

Shortstop Jason Bartlett was reported to have been traded to the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...

 for two minor league relievers on December 8, 2010, but the trade was not actually completed until December 17. When the transaction was finally made, it was learned that the Rays would give up Bartlett and a player to be named later
Player to be named later
The concept of the "player to be named later" is most often associated with Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball trades.-Description:...

 in exchange for three relievers and one infielder.

Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler
Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 departed when he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red sox.

On January 8, 2011, the Rays completed a trade with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...

, sending starting pitcher Matt Garza
Matt Garza
Matthew Scott Garza is a United States professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:He attended Washington Union High School and Fresno State.-Minnesota Twins:...

, outfielder Fernando Perez
Fernando Perez (baseball)
Fernando Perez is an outfielder is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...

, and minor league pitcher Zach Rosscup in exchange for five minor league prospects.

Closer Rafael Soriano, who led the American League with 45 saves in 2010 with the Rays, signed a 3-year $35 million deal with the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

 on January 14.

The Rays added to their bullpen on January 15, with the signing of Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Lynn Farnsworth is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school and college:...

. The contract was worth $3.25 million for one year, with a club option for 2012.

On January 21, it was reported that the Rays had agreed to terms with veteran outfielders/designated hitters Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...

 and Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...

. Both contracts were for one year, with Damon signing for $5.25 million, while Ramirez's deal was worth only $2 million.

April

Third baseman Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 3 for a strained left oblique. Manager Joe Maddon said he expected him to be out for three weeks. Felipe López was called up to replace him on the roster. RHP Mike Ekstrom
Mike Ekstrom
Michael Robert Ekstrom is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Padres in the 12th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, he made his MLB debut on September 10, , striking out Manny Ramirez and pitching two scoreless innings.-College:Ekstrom...

 was designated for assignment to make room for López on the 40-man roster.

Prior to their game on April 8, it was announced that Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...

 was retiring. Ramirez, who appeared in five games with the Rays, had one hit in 17 at-bats. His decision to go into retirement was related to a positive test for a banned substance. Had he not retired, he would have faced a 100-game suspension.

The Rays started the season 0–6, their worst start in franchise history, but finished the month of April with a record of 15–12, 1½ games behind the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

 for first place in the AL East. The Rays became the first team in league history to start the season 0–6 and finish April with a winning record.

May

When Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 was activated from the disabled list on May 3, the Rays designated infielder Felipe López for assignment. López cleared waivers, accepting an assignment to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...

.

For his actions during a May 4 game, center fielder B. J. Upton
B. J. Upton
Melvin Emmanuel "B. J." Upton is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton is a graduate of Greenbrier Christian Academy....

 was suspended for two games and fined $1,500. Upton was ejected during that game for arguing with home plate umpire Chad Fairchild
Chad Fairchild
Chadwick Jarrett Fairchild is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He wears number 75.Fairchild has worked in both Major Leagues since umpiring his first game on September 30,...

 over a called strikeout. After being tossed from the game, Upton began yelling at the umpire, throwing his batting helmet and batting gloves to the ground, and had to be restrained by bench coach Dave Martinez
Dave Martinez
David Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...

 and third base coach Tom Foley. Upton appealed the suspension when it was announced on May 7. He would end up serving the two-game suspension, which began on May 12.

Starting pitcher Jeff Niemann
Jeff Niemann
Jeffrey Warren Niemann is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-College:...

 was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 6. Outfielder Brandon Guyer
Brandon Guyer
Brandon Eric Guyer is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Guyer played college baseball at the University of Virginia....

 was called up to take the open roster spot. In his first major-league at-bat, Guyer hit a home run, becoming the second player in Rays history to hit a home run in his first career at-bat. Guyer was optioned back to Durham on May 8 when the Rays recalled relief pitcher Rob Delaney.

First baseman Dan Johnson was designated for assignment by the Rays on May 20, and relief pitcher Rob Delaney was optioned to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...

. Johnson had a .115 batting average with one home run and three RBIs in 25 games. He cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Durham on May 24. Taking one of the open spots on the roster was relief pitcher J. P. Howell, who returned to the team more than a full year after undergoing shoulder surgery. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano
Justin Ruggiano
Justin Marshall Ruggiano is a Major League Baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Ruggiano played college baseball at Texas A&M....

 was also called up.

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...

 was named the American League Rookie of the Month as well as Pitcher of the Month. Hellickson complied a 4–1 record with a 1.36 ERA. He surrendered only five earned runs in 33 innings pitched, and struck out 23 batters. He limited opponents to a .168 batting average.

The Rays went 14–13 in May, improving to 29–25 overall, 1½ games behind first place in the division.

June

Starting pitcher James Shields surpassed the franchise record for complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...

s in a season on June 20 after throwing his sixth complete game.

At the end of the month, the Rays were 45–36, having gone 16–11 in June. They were third in the division, four games behind the lead.

July

Starting pitchers David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...

 and James Shields, as well as outfielder Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce (baseball)
Matthew R. Joyce is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Early life:Joyce began his career at North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida....

, were all named to the American League All-Star team on July 3. Infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist
Benjamin Thomas "Ben" Zobrist is an American baseball player currently with Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. A switch-hitter who throws right-handed, he has exhibited a versatility to play most positions with the exception of pitcher and catcher. He has been the Rays' starting second...

 was one of the five players in the running for the Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote is an annual Internet and text message ballot by Major League Baseball fans to elect the final player for each team that participates in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game after all other selections have been made and announced on national television. The first 33 players...

, but did not win. Joyce would be the only player to participate in the All-Star Game, as Price was suffering from turf toe, and Shields was ineligible to pitch after starting two days before the All-Star Game.

Catcher John Jaso
John Jaso
John Edward Jaso is an American professional baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 was placed on the disabled list on July 15 with a right oblique strain. José Lobatón
Jose Lobaton
José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays....

 was called up from the minors.

Starting pitcher Wade Davis
Wade Davis (baseball)
Wade Davis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 amateur entry draft...

 was placed on the disabled list on July 7. Relief pitcher Brandon Gomes
Brandon Gomes
Brandon Gomes is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 17th Round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Tulane University...

 was recalled from the minors to take his spot on the roster.

On July 17, in a nationally televised game, the Rays hosted the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in a 16-inning game that lasted 5 hours and 42 minutes, ending at 1:35 a.m. EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

. It was the longest game in the history of the franchise in terms of time played, and matched the longest game by number of innings. It was also the latest a game ended in franchise history. The Rays became the first team since 1919 to have only three base hits in a game lasting 16 or more innings. The Rays lost 1–0. Following the game, catcher José Lobatón
Jose Lobaton
José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays....

 was placed on the disabled list. Robinson Chirinos
Robinson Chirinos
Robinson David Chirinos Gonzalez is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.Following the 2010 season, Chirinos was add to the Cubs 40-man roster....

 took his spot on the roster. Manager Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...

 was ejected in the 11th inning for arguing an earlier check swing call during a pitching change and bench coach Dave Martinez
Dave Martinez
David Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...

 was tossed later in the inning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

On July 18, relief pitcher Adam Russell
Adam Russell
Adam W. Russell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.In , Russell was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round as the 179th overall pick....

 was designated for assignment, while relief pitcher Juan Cruz
Juan Cruz (baseball)
Juan Carlos Cruz is a Major League Baseball pitcher.-Career:Cruz was signed for the Chicago Cubs by scout Jose Serra. He began his pro career with the Cubs' Rookie Level team, the Mesa Cubs, where he went 2-4 with a 6.10 earned run average and 36 strikeouts in only 41.1 innings pitched...

 was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury. Relievers Alex Cobb
Alex Cobb
Alexander Miller "Alex" Cobb is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Cobb was called up to the majors for the first time on May 1, 2011 and made his major league debut that day. He was optioned back to the minors after the game. On May 31, Cobb was recalled...

 and Alex Torres
Alex Torres
Alex Torres is an American guitarist, best known for being the guitarist of metalcore bands Eyes Set to Kill and Greeley Estates, and being the current guitarist of post-hardcore band Alesana.- Praisin' Bran :...

 were recalled from the minors.

The Rays ended July with an 11–15 record, falling to 56–51 overall. They were still third place in the division, but dropped to 10½ games behind the lead.

August

On August 10, it was announced that starting pitcher Alex Cobb
Alex Cobb
Alexander Miller "Alex" Cobb is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Cobb was called up to the majors for the first time on May 1, 2011 and made his major league debut that day. He was optioned back to the minors after the game. On May 31, Cobb was recalled...

 would have to undergo surgery to remove a blockage in his ribs, which would cause him to miss the remainder of the season.

The Rays went 18–10 in August, going into the final month of the season in third place in the division and nine games behind for the lead.

September

Trailing the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in the American League Wild Card
Wild card (sports)
The term wild card refers broadly to a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play.-International sports:...

 by nine games as late as September 3. Historically, no team had qualified for the postseason after facing a deficit that large in the month of September. The Rays defeated the Red Sox in six out of seven games the teams played against each other in September, pulling into a tie for the Wild Card on September 26, with only two games remaining in the regular season. On September 29, the Rays won the final game against the Yankees in spectacular fashion. Trailing 5–0 after just two innings and 7–0 going into the 8th inning (during which many fans left the stadium), the Rays loaded the bases with no outs. Pinch hitter Sam Fuld
Sam Fuld
Samuel Babson "Sam" Fuld is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball....

 then drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in the Rays first run of the game. Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez
Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...

 was then hit by a pitch to score the second run. After a one-out sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton, making the score 7–3, Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 came to the plate and hit the first pitch he saw over the left field wall, a three-run shot that cut the deficit to 7–6. Then in the bottom of the ninth inning, after the first two Rays batters struck out, pinch hitter Dan Johnson
Dan Johnson
Daniel Ryan Johnson is a first baseman and designated hitter with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has played in all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball, but has never held a Major League starting job for an entire season...

, never known for his hitting abilities and sporting just a .108 average for the season, hit a home run on a 2–2 count to tie the game at 7–7. The game then played for three more innings before the Rays capped their remarkable comeback in the bottom of the 12th, clinching their third ever franchise postseason berth, winning the Wild Card when Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 again stepped to the plate, and hit a walk-off home run down the left field line which barely cleared the lowest wall in the park, giving the Rays an 8–7 victory.

Record vs. opponents

American League East
American League East
The American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division...

American League Central
American League Central
The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...

American League West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...

Team Record
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

9–9
Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

12–6
Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...

4–4
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...

4–2
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...

1–6
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...

5–2
Los Angeles Angels 4–4
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...

7–3
New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

9–9
Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....

2–5
Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...

6–4
Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...

4–5
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....

12–6
Interleague play
Interleague play
Interleague play is the term used to describe regular season Major League Baseball games played between teams in different leagues, introduced in . Before the 1997 season, teams in the American League and National League did not meet during the regular season...

12–6

Roster

2011 Tampa Bay Rays
Roster
Pitchers Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Other batters
Manager
Coaches (bullpen catcher) (third base) (first base) (pitching) (bench) (bullpen) (hitting) (coach)

Game log

The Rays opened the 2011 season at home against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

 for the second consecutive season.
Legend
  Rays win
  Rays loss
  Postponement
Bold Rays team member

Regular season

2011 Game Log

Postseason

2011 Postseason Game Log

Batting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In; BA = Batting Average; OBP= On-Base percentage SB = Stolen Bases
The Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays are a Major League Baseball team based in St. Petersburg, Florida. The Rays are a member of the Eastern Division of MLB's American League. Since their inception in , the club has played at Tropicana Field...

 2011 season
2011 Major League Baseball season
The 2011 Major League Baseball season began on Thursday, March 31, and ended on Wednesday, September 28. This marked the first time a season began on a Thursday since , and the first time a regular season ended on a Wednesday since...

was the team's 14th season of baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...

. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history. However, they lost to the Texas Rangers
2011 Texas Rangers season
The Texas Rangers’ 2011 season was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions....

 in four games in the Division Series
2011 American League Division Series
The 2011 American League Division Series were two best-of-five playoffs comprising the opening round of the Major League Baseball postseason, played to determine the participating teams in the 2011 American League Championship Series. Three divisional winners and a fourth team—a wild card—played...

, the second year in a row they lost to Texas in the first round of the playoffs.

Offseason

The Rays declined the options of reliever Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler
Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 and infielder Willy Aybar
Willy Aybar
Willy Del Jesus Aybar is an infielder who currently plays for the Yuma Scorpions in the North American League. Aybar has previously played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and Tampa Bay Rays...

, and added Elliot Johnson
Elliot Johnson (baseball)
Elliot Tyler Johnson is a Major League Baseball second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Major league career:...

 to the 40-man roster on November 3, 2010. Becoming a free agent, Wheeler stated that he was open to re-sign with the Rays, saying the two sides talked about "keeping the lines of communication open." Aybar is eligible for arbitration, and therefore remains under the team's control.

Seven of the Rays' nine free agents were offered arbitration on November 23, 2010. Those players were left fielder Carl Crawford
Carl Crawford
Carl Demonte Crawford is an American professional baseball outfielder who plays for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball. He bats and throws left-handed...

, utility player Brad Hawpe
Brad Hawpe
Bradley Bonte Hawpe is an American professional baseball outfielder and first baseman.-High school and college:...

, and relievers Grant Balfour
Grant Balfour
Grant Robert Balfour is a relief pitcher who plays for the Oakland Athletics. He has previously played for the Tampa Bay Rays, Minnesota Twins and Milwaukee Brewers.-Early life:...

, Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano
Rafael Soriano is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the New York Yankees. He bats and throws right-handed...

, Randy Choate
Randy Choate
Randol Doyle Choate is an American Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins.-High school years:Choate attended Churchill High School in San Antonio, Texas, and was a letterman in baseball....

, Chad Qualls
Chad Qualls
Chadford Michael Qualls is a relief pitcher.-Astros:Qualls was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2000 Major League Baseball Draft by the Houston Astros. He began his career as a starting pitcher with the Michigan Battle Cats in...

, and Joaquin Benoit
Joaquín Benoit
Joaquín Antonio Benoit Peña is a Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball in the United States. He is 6'3" and weighs 220 pounds.-Texas Rangers:...

. All seven players declined arbitration. First baseman Carlos Peña
Carlos Peña
Carlos Felipe Peña is a Dominican professional baseball left-handed first baseman. He played previously with the Texas Rangers, Oakland Athletics, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays and Chicago Cubs.Although he was born in Santo Domingo and his family is from San Francisco de Macorís,...

 and reliever Dan Wheeler were the two players not offered arbitration.

On December 3, 2010, the Rays tendered first baseman Dan Johnson, while infielder Willy Aybar, catcher Dioner Navarro
Dioner Navarro
Dioner Favian Navarro Vivas is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher, who is a free agent.-New York Yankees:In 2000, Navarro was signed by the New York Yankees as an amateur free agent...

, and relievers Lance Cormier
Lance Cormier
Lance Robert Cormier is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He has previously played for the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers.-Early years:Cormier went to Lafayette High School, and graduated in...

 and J. P. Howell were nontendered. Howell, who missed the entire 2010 season
2010 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays' 2010 season was their 13th season of baseball. They improved on their 84–78 record from 2009 by finishing the regular season 96–66, and qualifying for the postseason for the second time in history by winning their second AL East division championship in three...

 with a shoulder injury and will reportedly miss the beginning of April in 2011, was expected to re-sign with the team, and did so on December 14.

The Rays lost first baseman Carlos Peña when he signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...

 on December 8, 2010.

Left Fielder Carl Crawford, who had played in the Rays organization his entire career since being drafted in 1999
1999 Major League Baseball Draft
The 1999 First-Year Player Draft, Major League Baseball's annual amateur draft of high school and college baseball players, was held on June 2 and 3, 1999...

, signed with the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 on December 9, 2010. Crawford had been considered one of the top free agents during the offseason, and agreed to a 7-year $142 million deal with Boston, making him the second-highest paid outfielder and the 10th-highest paid player overall in baseball history.

Relief pitcher Randy Choate signed a two-year contract with the Florida Marlins
Florida Marlins
The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team based in Miami, Florida, United States. Established in 1993 as an expansion franchise called the Florida Marlins, the Marlins are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League. The Marlins played their home games at...

 on December 15, 2010. A day later, the Rays signed former Washington Nationals
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are a professional baseball team based in Washington, D.C. The Nationals are a member of the Eastern Division of the National League of Major League Baseball . The team moved into the newly built Nationals Park in 2008, after playing their first three seasons in RFK Stadium...

 reliever Joel Peralta
Joel Peralta
Joel Peralta Gutiérrez is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:Peralta signed with the Oakland Athletics as an amateur free agent in 1996. They released him in 1998...

 to a one-year, $600,000 deal.

Shortstop Jason Bartlett was reported to have been traded to the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...

 for two minor league relievers on December 8, 2010, but the trade was not actually completed until December 17. When the transaction was finally made, it was learned that the Rays would give up Bartlett and a player to be named later
Player to be named later
The concept of the "player to be named later" is most often associated with Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball trades.-Description:...

 in exchange for three relievers and one infielder.

Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler
Dan Wheeler
Daniel Michael Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 departed when he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red sox.

On January 8, 2011, the Rays completed a trade with the Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs
The Chicago Cubs are a professional baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League. They are one of two Major League clubs based in Chicago . The Cubs are also one of the two remaining charter members of the National...

, sending starting pitcher Matt Garza
Matt Garza
Matthew Scott Garza is a United States professional baseball pitcher with the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.-Amateur career:He attended Washington Union High School and Fresno State.-Minnesota Twins:...

, outfielder Fernando Perez
Fernando Perez (baseball)
Fernando Perez is an outfielder is an American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball.-Early life:...

, and minor league pitcher Zach Rosscup in exchange for five minor league prospects.

Closer Rafael Soriano, who led the American League with 45 saves in 2010 with the Rays, signed a 3-year $35 million deal with the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

 on January 14.

The Rays added to their bullpen on January 15, with the signing of Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Farnsworth
Kyle Lynn Farnsworth is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher who is currently the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school and college:...

. The contract was worth $3.25 million for one year, with a club option for 2012.

On January 21, it was reported that the Rays had agreed to terms with veteran outfielders/designated hitters Johnny Damon
Johnny Damon
Johnny David Damon is an American professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter. From 2000–2008, he was third among active players in runs and seventh in hits and stolen bases . He is currently second among active leaders in triples , five behind Carl Crawford...

 and Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...

. Both contracts were for one year, with Damon signing for $5.25 million, while Ramirez's deal was worth only $2 million.

April

Third baseman Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 3 for a strained left oblique. Manager Joe Maddon said he expected him to be out for three weeks. Felipe López was called up to replace him on the roster. RHP Mike Ekstrom
Mike Ekstrom
Michael Robert Ekstrom is an American Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Drafted by the Padres in the 12th round of the 2004 Major League Baseball Draft, he made his MLB debut on September 10, , striking out Manny Ramirez and pitching two scoreless innings.-College:Ekstrom...

 was designated for assignment to make room for López on the 40-man roster.

Prior to their game on April 8, it was announced that Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramírez
Manuel "Manny" Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a retired Dominican-American professional baseball outfielder. He was recognized for great batting skill and power, a nine-time Silver Slugger and one of 25 players to hit 500 career home runs. Ramirez's 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 28...

 was retiring. Ramirez, who appeared in five games with the Rays, had one hit in 17 at-bats. His decision to go into retirement was related to a positive test for a banned substance. Had he not retired, he would have faced a 100-game suspension.

The Rays started the season 0–6, their worst start in franchise history, but finished the month of April with a record of 15–12, 1½ games behind the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

 for first place in the AL East. The Rays became the first team in league history to start the season 0–6 and finish April with a winning record.

May

When Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 was activated from the disabled list on May 3, the Rays designated infielder Felipe López for assignment. López cleared waivers, accepting an assignment to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...

.

For his actions during a May 4 game, center fielder B. J. Upton
B. J. Upton
Melvin Emmanuel "B. J." Upton is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Tampa Bay Rays. Upton is a graduate of Greenbrier Christian Academy....

 was suspended for two games and fined $1,500. Upton was ejected during that game for arguing with home plate umpire Chad Fairchild
Chad Fairchild
Chadwick Jarrett Fairchild is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He wears number 75.Fairchild has worked in both Major Leagues since umpiring his first game on September 30,...

 over a called strikeout. After being tossed from the game, Upton began yelling at the umpire, throwing his batting helmet and batting gloves to the ground, and had to be restrained by bench coach Dave Martinez
Dave Martinez
David Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...

 and third base coach Tom Foley. Upton appealed the suspension when it was announced on May 7. He would end up serving the two-game suspension, which began on May 12.

Starting pitcher Jeff Niemann
Jeff Niemann
Jeffrey Warren Niemann is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-College:...

 was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 6. Outfielder Brandon Guyer
Brandon Guyer
Brandon Eric Guyer is an American professional baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Guyer played college baseball at the University of Virginia....

 was called up to take the open roster spot. In his first major-league at-bat, Guyer hit a home run, becoming the second player in Rays history to hit a home run in his first career at-bat. Guyer was optioned back to Durham on May 8 when the Rays recalled relief pitcher Rob Delaney.

First baseman Dan Johnson was designated for assignment by the Rays on May 20, and relief pitcher Rob Delaney was optioned to Triple-A Durham
Durham Bulls
The Durham Bulls are a minor league baseball team that currently plays in the International League. The Bulls play their home games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park located in the downtown area of Durham, North Carolina. Durham Bulls Athletic Park is often called the "DBAP" or "D-Bap". The Bulls are...

. Johnson had a .115 batting average with one home run and three RBIs in 25 games. He cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Durham on May 24. Taking one of the open spots on the roster was relief pitcher J. P. Howell, who returned to the team more than a full year after undergoing shoulder surgery. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano
Justin Ruggiano
Justin Marshall Ruggiano is a Major League Baseball outfielder in the Tampa Bay Rays organization.-Baseball career:Ruggiano played college baseball at Texas A&M....

 was also called up.

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Hellickson
Jeremy Robert Hellickson is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball. He was born in Des Moines, Iowa and attended Hoover High School...

 was named the American League Rookie of the Month as well as Pitcher of the Month. Hellickson complied a 4–1 record with a 1.36 ERA. He surrendered only five earned runs in 33 innings pitched, and struck out 23 batters. He limited opponents to a .168 batting average.

The Rays went 14–13 in May, improving to 29–25 overall, 1½ games behind first place in the division.

June

Starting pitcher James Shields surpassed the franchise record for complete game
Complete game
In baseball, a complete game is the act of a pitcher pitching an entire game without the benefit of a relief pitcher.As demonstrated by the charts below, in the early 20th century, it was common for most good Major League Baseball pitchers to pitch a complete game almost every start. Pitchers were...

s in a season on June 20 after throwing his sixth complete game.

At the end of the month, the Rays were 45–36, having gone 16–11 in June. They were third in the division, four games behind the lead.

July

Starting pitchers David Price
David Price (baseball)
David Taylor Price is an American Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft by the Rays and made his major league debut in September 2008.Price pitched out of the bullpen during the Rays' run...

 and James Shields, as well as outfielder Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce (baseball)
Matthew R. Joyce is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Early life:Joyce began his career at North Brandon Little League in Brandon, Florida....

, were all named to the American League All-Star team on July 3. Infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist
Benjamin Thomas "Ben" Zobrist is an American baseball player currently with Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays. A switch-hitter who throws right-handed, he has exhibited a versatility to play most positions with the exception of pitcher and catcher. He has been the Rays' starting second...

 was one of the five players in the running for the Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote
All-Star Final Vote is an annual Internet and text message ballot by Major League Baseball fans to elect the final player for each team that participates in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game after all other selections have been made and announced on national television. The first 33 players...

, but did not win. Joyce would be the only player to participate in the All-Star Game, as Price was suffering from turf toe, and Shields was ineligible to pitch after starting two days before the All-Star Game.

Catcher John Jaso
John Jaso
John Edward Jaso is an American professional baseball catcher for the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.-Baseball career:...

 was placed on the disabled list on July 15 with a right oblique strain. José Lobatón
Jose Lobaton
José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays....

 was called up from the minors.

Starting pitcher Wade Davis
Wade Davis (baseball)
Wade Davis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Davis was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2004 amateur entry draft...

 was placed on the disabled list on July 7. Relief pitcher Brandon Gomes
Brandon Gomes
Brandon Gomes is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays. He was selected by the San Diego Padres in the 17th Round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Tulane University...

 was recalled from the minors to take his spot on the roster.

On July 17, in a nationally televised game, the Rays hosted the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in a 16-inning game that lasted 5 hours and 42 minutes, ending at 1:35 a.m. EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

. It was the longest game in the history of the franchise in terms of time played, and matched the longest game by number of innings. It was also the latest a game ended in franchise history. The Rays became the first team since 1919 to have only three base hits in a game lasting 16 or more innings. The Rays lost 1–0. Following the game, catcher José Lobatón
Jose Lobaton
José Manuel Lobatón is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently a catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays....

 was placed on the disabled list. Robinson Chirinos
Robinson Chirinos
Robinson David Chirinos Gonzalez is a Venezuelan professional baseball catcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.Following the 2010 season, Chirinos was add to the Cubs 40-man roster....

 took his spot on the roster. Manager Joe Maddon
Joe Maddon
Joseph John Maddon is the Major League Baseball manager for the Tampa Bay Rays.He previously served as interim manager of the Anaheim Angels in both 1996 and 1999. He was also a long-time bench coach for the team.-Early life and career:Maddon attended Lafayette College, where he played baseball...

 was ejected in the 11th inning for arguing an earlier check swing call during a pitching change and bench coach Dave Martinez
Dave Martinez
David Martinez is a former outfielder in Major League Baseball who played for several teams from 1986 to 2001. He is currently the bench coach for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Career:...

 was tossed later in the inning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

On July 18, relief pitcher Adam Russell
Adam Russell
Adam W. Russell is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball.In , Russell was selected by the Chicago White Sox in the sixth round as the 179th overall pick....

 was designated for assignment, while relief pitcher Juan Cruz
Juan Cruz (baseball)
Juan Carlos Cruz is a Major League Baseball pitcher.-Career:Cruz was signed for the Chicago Cubs by scout Jose Serra. He began his pro career with the Cubs' Rookie Level team, the Mesa Cubs, where he went 2-4 with a 6.10 earned run average and 36 strikeouts in only 41.1 innings pitched...

 was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury. Relievers Alex Cobb
Alex Cobb
Alexander Miller "Alex" Cobb is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Cobb was called up to the majors for the first time on May 1, 2011 and made his major league debut that day. He was optioned back to the minors after the game. On May 31, Cobb was recalled...

 and Alex Torres
Alex Torres
Alex Torres is an American guitarist, best known for being the guitarist of metalcore bands Eyes Set to Kill and Greeley Estates, and being the current guitarist of post-hardcore band Alesana.- Praisin' Bran :...

 were recalled from the minors.

The Rays ended July with an 11–15 record, falling to 56–51 overall. They were still third place in the division, but dropped to 10½ games behind the lead.

August

On August 10, it was announced that starting pitcher Alex Cobb
Alex Cobb
Alexander Miller "Alex" Cobb is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays.-Professional career:Cobb was called up to the majors for the first time on May 1, 2011 and made his major league debut that day. He was optioned back to the minors after the game. On May 31, Cobb was recalled...

 would have to undergo surgery to remove a blockage in his ribs, which would cause him to miss the remainder of the season.

The Rays went 18–10 in August, going into the final month of the season in third place in the division and nine games behind for the lead.

September

Trailing the Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

 in the American League Wild Card
Wild card (sports)
The term wild card refers broadly to a tournament or playoff berth awarded to an individual or team that has not qualified through normal play.-International sports:...

 by nine games as late as September 3. Historically, no team had qualified for the postseason after facing a deficit that large in the month of September. The Rays defeated the Red Sox in six out of seven games the teams played against each other in September, pulling into a tie for the Wild Card on September 26, with only two games remaining in the regular season. On September 29, the Rays won the final game against the Yankees in spectacular fashion. Trailing 5–0 after just two innings and 7–0 going into the 8th inning (during which many fans left the stadium), the Rays loaded the bases with no outs. Pinch hitter Sam Fuld
Sam Fuld
Samuel Babson "Sam" Fuld is an American professional baseball outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays of Major League Baseball....

 then drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in the Rays first run of the game. Sean Rodriguez
Sean Rodriguez
Sean John Rodriguez is a Cuban American Major League Baseball short stop for the Tampa Bay Rays.-High school career:...

 was then hit by a pitch to score the second run. After a one-out sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton, making the score 7–3, Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 came to the plate and hit the first pitch he saw over the left field wall, a three-run shot that cut the deficit to 7–6. Then in the bottom of the ninth inning, after the first two Rays batters struck out, pinch hitter Dan Johnson
Dan Johnson
Daniel Ryan Johnson is a first baseman and designated hitter with the Tampa Bay Rays. He has played in all or part of seven seasons in Major League Baseball and Nippon Professional Baseball, but has never held a Major League starting job for an entire season...

, never known for his hitting abilities and sporting just a .108 average for the season, hit a home run on a 2–2 count to tie the game at 7–7. The game then played for three more innings before the Rays capped their remarkable comeback in the bottom of the 12th, clinching their third ever franchise postseason berth, winning the Wild Card when Evan Longoria
Evan Longoria
Evan Michael Longoria is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays. Formerly, Longoria was a star infielder for the Long Beach State University baseball team, the Cape Cod League MVP, and the Big West Co-Player of the Year.He made his major league debut for the Rays in , and...

 again stepped to the plate, and hit a walk-off home run down the left field line which barely cleared the lowest wall in the park, giving the Rays an 8–7 victory.

Record vs. opponents

American League East
American League East
The American League Eastern Division is one of Major League Baseball's six divisions . This division was created before the start of the 1969 season along with the Western Division...

American League Central
American League Central
The American League Central Division is one of six divisions in Major League Baseball. This division was formed in the realignment in 1994, and its teams are all located in the Midwestern United States...

American League West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...

Team Record
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

9–9
Boston Red Sox
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...

12–6
Chicago White Sox
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball team located in Chicago, Illinois.The White Sox play in the American League's Central Division. Since , the White Sox have played in U.S. Cellular Field, which was originally called New Comiskey Park and nicknamed The Cell by local fans...

4–4
Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are a professional baseball team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Since , they have played in Progressive Field. The team's spring training facility is in Goodyear, Arizona...

4–2
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...

1–6
Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...

5–2
Los Angeles Angels 4–4
Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...

7–3
New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...

9–9
Oakland Athletics
Oakland Athletics
The Oakland Athletics are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. The Athletics are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From to the present, the Athletics have played in the O.co Coliseum....

2–5
Seattle Mariners
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...

6–4
Texas Rangers
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...

4–5
Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....

12–6
Interleague play
Interleague play
Interleague play is the term used to describe regular season Major League Baseball games played between teams in different leagues, introduced in . Before the 1997 season, teams in the American League and National League did not meet during the regular season...

12–6

Roster

2011 Tampa Bay Rays
Roster
Pitchers Catchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Other batters
Manager
Coaches (bullpen catcher) (third base) (first base) (pitching) (bench) (bullpen) (hitting) (coach)

Game log

The Rays opened the 2011 season at home against the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...

 for the second consecutive season.
Legend
  Rays win
  Rays loss
  Postponement
Bold Rays team member

Regular season

2011 Game Log

Postseason

2011 Postseason Game Log

Batting

Note: G = Games played; AB = At Bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home Runs; RBI = Runs Batted In; BA = Batting Average; OBP= On-Base percentage SB = Stolen Bases
Rk Pos Age G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB BA OBP
1 C Kelly Shoppach 31 87 221 23 39 3 0 11 22 0 .176 .268
2 1B Casey Kotchman* 28 146 500 44 153 24 2 10 48 2 .306 .378
3 2B Ben Zobrist# 30 156 588 99 158 46 6 20 91 19 .269 .353
4 SS Reid Brignac* 25 92 249 18 48 4 0 1 15 3 .193 .227
5 3B Evan Longoria 25 133 483 78 118 26 1 31 99 3 .244 .355
6 LF Sam Fuld* 29 105 308 41 74 18 5 3 27 20 .240 .313
7 CF B.J. Upton 26 153 560 82 136 27 4 23 81 36 .243 .331
8 RF Matthew Joyce* 26 141 462 69 128 32 2 19 75 13 .277 .347
9 DH Johnny Damon* 37 150 582 79 152 29 7 16 73 19 .261 .326
10 IF Sean Rodriguez 26 131 373 45 83 20 3 8 36 11 .223 .323
11 LF Desmond Jennings 24 63 247 44 64 9 4 10 25 20 .259 .356
12 C John Jaso* 27 89 246 26 55 15 1 5 27 1 .224 .298
13 SS Elliot Johnson# 27 70 160 20 31 7 2 4 17 6 .194 .257
14 LF Justin Ruggiano 29 46 105 11 26 4 0 4 13 1 .248 .273
15 3B Felipe Lopez# 31 32 97 8 21 4 0 2 8 1 .216 .248
16 1B Dan Johnson* 31 31 84 7 10 1 0 2 4 0 .119 .187
17 C Robinson Chirinos 27 20 55 4 12 2 0 1 7 0 .218 .283
18 UT Brandon Guyer 25 15 41 7 8 1 0 2 3 0 .195 .214
19 C Jose Lobaton# 26 15 34 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 .118 .231
20 DH Manny Ramirez 39 5 17 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 .059 .059
21 Russ Canzler 25 3 3 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 .333 .400

Source: Baseball-Reference.com

Pitching

Note: W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned Run Average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games Started; CG= Complete Games; SV = Saves; IP = Innings Pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts; K/BB= Strikeout to Walk Ratio
Rk Age W L ERA G GS CG SV IP H R ER HR BB SO SO/BB
1 James Shields 29 16 12 2.82 33 33 11 0 249.1 195 83 78 26 65 225 3.46
2 David Price* 25 12 13 3.49 34 34 0 0 224.1 192 93 87 22 63 218 3.46
3 Jeremy Hellickson 24 13 10 2.95 29 29 2 0 189.0 146 64 62 21 72 117 1.63
4 Wade Davis 25 11 10 4.45 29 29 1 0 184.0 190 96 91 23 63 105 1.67
5 Jeff Niemann 28 11 7 4.06 23 23 1 0 135.1 131 65 61 18 37 105 2.84
6 Kyle Farnsworth 35 5 1 2.18 63 0 0 25 57.2 45 15 14 5 12 51 4.25
7 Joel Peralta 35 3 4 2.93 71 0 0 6 67.2 44 23 22 7 18 61 3.39
8 Juan Cruz 32 5 0 3.88 56 0 0 0 48.2 36 21 21 5 28 46 1.64
9 Cesar Ramos* 27 0 1 3.92 59 0 0 0 43.2 36 22 19 4 25 31 1.24
10 J.P. Howell* 28 2 3 6.16 46 0 0 1 30.2 30 24 21 5 18 26 1.44
11 Alex Cobb 23 3 2 3.42 9 9 0 0 52.2 49 21 20 3 21 37 1.76
12 Brandon Gomes 26 2 1 2.92 40 0 0 0 37.0 34 15 12 3 16 32 2.00
13 Andy Sonnanstine 28 0 2 5.55 15 4 0 0 35.2 40 22 22 10 12 12 1.00
14 Adam Russell 28 1 2 3.03 36 0 0 0 32.2 31 13 11 2 20 13 0.65
15 Jake McGee* 24 5 2 4.50 37 0 0 0 28.0 30 14 14 5 12 27 2.25
16 Matt Moore* 22 1 0 2.89 3 1 0 0 9.1 9 3 3 1 3 15 5.00
17 Alexander Torres* 23 1 1 3.38 4 0 0 0 8.0 8 4 3 0 7 9 1.29
18 Dane De La Rosa 28 0 0 9.82 7 0 0 0 7.1 10 8 8 1 3 8 2.67
19 Rob Delaney 26 0 0 10.80 4 0 0 0 5.0 4 6 6 0 7 3 0.43
20 Jay Buente 27 0 0 9.00 1 0 0 0 2.0 2 2 2 0 2 1 0.50
21 Mike Ekstrom 27 0 0 0.00 1 0 0 0 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Source: Baseball-Reference.com

Game 1, September 30

5:07 p.m. (EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...



Game 2, October 1

7:07 p.m. (EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...



Game 3, October 3

5:07 p.m. (EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

) at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...

 in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...


Game 4, October 4

2:07 p.m. (EDT
Eastern Time Zone
The Eastern Time Zone of the United States and Canada is a time zone that falls mostly along the east coast of North America. Its UTC time offset is −5 hrs during standard time and −4 hrs during daylight saving time...

) at Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field
Tropicana Field is a domed stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida, which has been the home of Major League Baseball's Tampa Bay Rays since the team's inaugural season in 1998, when they were the Devil Rays. It has also served as the host stadium for the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl, an NCAA-sanctioned college...

 in St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg, Florida
St. Petersburg is a city in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is known as a vacation destination for both American and foreign tourists. As of 2008, the population estimate by the U.S. Census Bureau is 245,314, making St...



External links

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