Marc Topkin

Rays shortstop Wander Franco was found guilty for a second time on charges of sexual and psychologic...

The reliever, who turns 38 on Thursday, is in his 17th season. Tampa Bay will be his 11th big-league team.

Their style of play, favorable schedule and improving injury status all should help in their bid to stay atop the standings.

A 107.3 mph line drive to the back knocks out Tampa Bay's starting pitcher, and the play on the field isn't good, either.

Starter Steven Matz allows the first six Orioles to reach base and five to score, and that is just the start of a long night for Tampa Bay.

Notes | Injuries had the pitcher thinking about retirement. A trip to Mexico and a stint with Triple-A Durham get him back to the big leagues.

Always in motion, the veteran right-hander has put up All-Star-worthy numbers, but says winning a championship in Tampa Bay is a bigger goal.

They gave some rostered players larger roles, summoned help from Triple A and went outside to fill certain holes.

Notes | Hoping “stubbornness” isn't the issue, Drew Rasmussen says bridging the gap in the initial proposals from owners and players for a new labor agreement will be “interesting.”

Tampa Bay never recovers from a first-inning grand slam in losing for the fifth time in six games.