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.

Jo Adell has finally broken through in Week 24, delivering 5 homers and 13 RBI while slashing .306/.346/.653 over a two-week window, aided by career-best 91.5 mph exit velocity and 49.4% hard-hit rate. His strikeout rate has dropped to 25.9%, boosting his fantasy appeal as a late-season asset. Ryan Pepiot has kept rolling, posting a 3.59 ERA and a minuscule BABIP in the last trio of starts, with 14 of 15 Ks coming on his fastball-changeup punch. Jose Altuve has cooled in August (.212/.288/.386) as BABIP cratered and whiffs rose, yet the Astros continue to lean on him atop a strong lineup. Luis Castillo has stumbled in the second half (5.17 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) with more hard contact and HRs, making him a riskier roto option but potentially fine in points leagues.

Pepiot’s recent efficiency hinges on a simplified mix around his four-seamer and changeup, a trend that could persist against favorable matchups. Altuve remains a high-floor player whose track record suggests a rebound, though owners should temper expectations in shallow playoffs. Castillo’s durability and HR exposure require careful matchup play, especially in roto where ratios bite harder.

Overall, Adell stands out as a proven power-hitter with upside the rest of the season; Pepiot is a hot hand worth riding in specific starts; Altuve and Castillo carry more risk, but can still contribute in the right settings.