MLB: Rays, Phillies overtake division lead with recent win streaks

Most teams take a step back following a World Series run that comes up just short, especially when your ace also leaves during the offseason. The Tampa Bay Rays (68-44) certainly haven’t taken a step back in 2021 and they recently overtook the Boston Red Sox (65-49) atop the AL East. Tampa Bay has gone 8-2 in their last 10 games and are currently riding a 4-game win streak. Tyler Glasnow (5-2, 2.66 ERA) and Shane McClanahan have led the way without Blake Snell, while Randy Arozarena and Brandon Lowe continue to clean up at the plate. The Rays will look to keep it going on Tuesday night at Boston but unfortunately it will be without Glasnow, who had Tommy John Surgery on August 4 and will miss the rest of the reason.

The Philadelphia Phillies (59-53) are another team that have excelled lately, despite being an afterthought for most of the season. Philadelphia has put together an 8-game win streak against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Washington Nationals, and New York Mets (56-55). Jean Segura has a team-high .309 batting average, while Bryce Harper and Rhys Hopkins have combined for 44 home runs so far. On the mound, Zack Wheeler (10-6, 0.99 WHIP) has given this team something they didn’t have in previous years with a league-leading 181 strikeouts. It’s been an impressive streak for the Phillies but they’re only two games ahead of the Atlanta Braves (57-55) with 50 games remaining so the NL East is far from decided.

Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times.