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.

Ryan Pepiot’s fatigue forced Tampa Bay into a bullpen night, and Mason Montgomery paid the price, allowing five runs in 0.2 innings after a 1-0 lead. The Rays hung around with six relievers, while Chicago built a 6-1 cushion. Carson Williams and Junior Caminero homered in the fifth to fuel a comeback bid, Yandy Díaz had an earlier homer, and Richie Palacios plus Hunter Feduccia added small-ball pressure. A two-run late surge fell just short as Jake Mangum’s highlight catch and solid work from Joe Rock and Cole Sulser kept the Rays within striking distance, but White Sox held on 6-5.

Two homers by Rays hitters spurred the late charge, but eight White Sox relievers combined to blunt Tampa Bay’s rally. The game showcased a bullpen-focused night with innings decided by leveraged matchups and timing, rather than extended rotations, cementing a storyline where Rays’ depth and late-game execution were enough for a near-miss in Chicago.

The Tampa Bay Rays have made a key move in their bullpen, optioning rookie Mason Montgomery and recalling reliever Mason Englert from Triple-A Durham. Englert returns to the majors after a mid-June demotion, where he excelled with a 2.86 ERA over 14 appearances. The Rays hope his recent form can stabilize a struggling bullpen that has posted an 8.07 ERA in their last ten games. Montgomery's season has been challenging, with a 5.74 ERA over 31 innings, prompting the Rays to give him a chance to reset.

The upcoming trade deadline looms, and with a tight race in the American League East, the Rays are clearly seeking any edge to maintain postseason contention. This bullpen shuffle illustrates the team's proactive approach in a season full of high stakes.