RAYS POSTCAST: The Tampa Bay Rays get DOMINATED by the Chicago Cubs

Locked On Rays- Daily Podcast On The Tampa Bay Rays16mApril 8, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The Tampa Bay Rays suffered a 9-2 defeat to the Chicago Cubs in a game marked by pitching struggles and a silent offense. With Drew Rasmussen unable to start due to the birth of his second child, the Rays were forced to turn to a thin bullpen, with Mason Engler, Solskjaer, and Gomez all failing to contain the Cubs' potent lineup. The turning point came in the third inning when Engler allowed multiple runs, effectively draining momentum. The Rays managed only one hit through five innings, and their offense, though showing flashes of promise with Chandler Simpson's standout performance, couldn't generate enough offense to overcome the deficit. Despite the loss, the postcast highlighted key positives: Simpson's consistent production, the potential for lineup flexibility, and the Rays' opportunity to win the series tomorrow. The episode also featured sponsor segments for FanDuel and Ethos, and engaged fans with live commentary and discussion on player performance and strategic decisions.

Key Takeaways
1

The Rays' bullpen was severely tested due to Rasmussen's absence and injury concerns, forcing overuse of underperforming arms.

2

Chandler Simpson emerged as a bright spot with two hits and a high on-base percentage, proving his value regardless of lineup spot.

3

The Rays must improve their offensive consistency, especially with runners in scoring position, to compete against strong right-handed pitching.

4

Winning tomorrow's game is critical to salvage the series, with Joe Boyle set to make his first start at Tropicana Field.

5

The Rays’ reliance on right-handed pitchers in the 90-93 mph range left them vulnerable to the Cubs’ powerful lineup.

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Welcome & Podcast Intro

Introduction to the Locked On Rays Postcast, with a call to join the Everydayer Club and a reminder to subscribe, like, and comment. Host Jonathan Shields welcomes listeners back for instant postgame reaction.

1:40
3 min

Game Recap: Rays' 9-2 Loss to Cubs

The Rays were put in a tough situation. When Rasmussen couldn't start, it just kind of shuffled the raised bullpen and their pitching usage around a little bit.

Highlight
5:00
3 min

Turning Point: Third Inning Collapse

Once you get down 4-0 and you look at the Rays' offense not being able to get anything going, and you look at who the Rays have available pitching-wise, it just leads into that formula of failure for the Rays today.

Highlight
8:20
3 min

Offensive Struggles & Lineup Depth

The Rays’ offense was silenced, managing only one hit through five innings. While Chandler Simpson shone, concerns remain about lineup depth, particularly with players like Nick Fortes, Richie Palacios, and Taylor Walton showing inconsistency.

11:40
3 min

Chandler Simpson: Player of the Game

He's just so dynamic in so many other ways. You can't take him out of the lineup.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
Once you get down 4-0 and you look at the Rays' offense not being able to get anything going, and you look at who the Rays have available pitching-wise, it just leads into that formula of failure for the Rays today.
Jonathan Shields4:50
Viral: 82.0
He's just so dynamic in so many other ways. You can't take him out of the lineup.
Jonathan Shields10:16
Viral: 78.0
He's already been put eighth. He's been put third. He's been put fifth. Anywhere he's at in the lineup, all he does is contribute.
Jonathan Shields9:59
Viral: 76.0
Speakers

Host

Jonathan Shields
Topics Discussed
Chandler Simpson's Performance90%Rays Pitching Struggles88%Bullpen Depth and Injuries85%Offensive Silence82%Series Win Opportunity80%Right-Handed Pitching Limitations78%Lineup Depth and Consistency75%Joe Boyle's First Start at Tropicana70%
People & Brands

Rays

other

45xMixed

Cubs

other

18xPositive

Jonathan Shields

person

15xNeutral

Chandler Simpson

person

12xPositive

Locked On Rays

media

8xPositive

Mason Engler

person

6xNegative

Nick Fortes

person

6xNeutral

Drew Rasmussen

person

5xPositive

Joe Boyle

person

5xPositive

Gomez

person

4xNegative

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