TAMPA, Fla. – Rays pitchers are continuing to give up the long ball, but skipper Kevin Cash says they refuse to call it a bandbox and, quite frankly, are not going to use Steinbrenner Field in Tampa as an excuse.
“Many thought it was going to be a bandbox,” Cash said. “I think that was publicly talked about but I don’t know about our guys. We felt like it was going to be more of an offensive stadium than maybe the Trop. It’s still very early in the season. At the end of the day we just have to find a way to play better here.
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The Rays lost another home game Tuesday, 8-4, to the Phillies on a late Nick Castellanos 3-run homer. Philadelphia hit 3 homeruns. Rays Yandy Diaz hit a 2-run homer in the fourth inning as the Rays lost after an off day.
It’s still early, but it’s becoming something of a habit. Rays had lost coming off an off day each of the previous four in this 2025 season. Rays shortstop Taylor Walls doesn’t believe in patterns, playing after an off day or at Steinbrenner.
“I just think we show up and play to be honest,” Walls said. “I rarely know what day of the week it is. I get the report of who we’re facing the next day, and that’s about it. I don’t really think there’s too much to i,t whether we’re playing at home or away. I think you’re just robots to the schedule. Just show up, do your job, and try to do it to the best of your ability.”
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The Rays won on opening day with a lot of fanfare at Steinbrenner Field, having played the first outdoor home game in a regular season in the history of the club. Could it be the Rays are putting too much pressure on themselves trying to win, in the cozy confines of Steinbrenner Field?
“No added pressure, not what there already is to win at home,” Lowe said. “We’re at our houses, comfortable sleeping in our own bed, everyone’s family that has them here is here. This is supposed to be where you’re comfortable, but this park has not been the hitter-friendly park that was talked up.”
Cash put it bluntly. “We just have to play better here.”
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