After seven games into the 2024 MLB season, the Tampa Bay Rays have a 3-4 record, having played series against the Toronto Blue Jays and defending World Series champion Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field. They currently share the bottom spot in the AL East standings with the Blue Jays, while the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles have all started strongly with records above .500.
Looking ahead, the Rays have a favorable schedule for the remainder of April, starting with a series against the Colorado Rockies this weekend. This marks their first road series, with the Rockies also playing their first home games of the season at Coors Field.
Colorado has had a difficult start to the season, sitting at 1-6 overall after losses to the Arizona Diamondbacks and a sweep by the Chicago Cubs. They currently have the league’s worst run differential at -34.
The upcoming series in Denver presents an opportunity for the Rays to sharpen their offense, as Colorado’s pitching has struggled significantly. The Rockies rank at the bottom of MLB in hits allowed per nine innings and concede the second-most home runs per nine innings. Given their impending home games at Coors Field, where balls tend to fly, their pitching concerns are magnified. Additionally, their pitching staff holds the worst ERA in the league.
While the Rays haven’t been the weakest hitting team, they’ve hovered around average in categories like hits, RBIs, and home runs. This series against Colorado could provide them with a chance to break out of that middle ground.
The series opener between the Rays and Rockies is set for Friday, April 5, at 4:10 p.m. E.T.
