Rays fall in a winnable Chicago affair as a bases-loaded walk in the second and a six-run bottom frame derail their chances. A bullpen-game plan backfires when rookie Mason Montgomery allows five runs, while Yandy Díaz opens with a career-best 23rd homer to spark a late Rays rally that falls short at 6-5. Junior Caminero keeps his hot pace (42nd homer) and Carson Williams’ rising power gives Rays a glimmer, but the gap in the standings widens with 17 games left.

Benintendi muscles a homer off Kevin Kelly for Chicago, while Rays depth players Palacios and Feduccia provide late-game inkling of offense. The Rays sit 5½ back in the wild-card chase as Mariners shift hold, Rangers and Royals win elsewhere. The weekend poll of Pena linkage and Wrigley field chatter adds a subplot to a season-long sprint, with Díaz, Caminero, and Pepiot among the most intriguing fantasy threads.