Rays face challenges against left-handed pitching heading into October
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 2:06 PM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
The Tampa Bay Rays struggled against left-handed pitchers this season, currently holding a 91 wRC+, ranking 22nd in the league. Their performance has been particularly weak among left-handed hitters who have a combined 72 wRC+, while right-handed hitters stand at 101. Despite these statistics, there is optimism that players like Chandler Simpson and Jonathan Aranda can improve their performance against lefties as the postseason approaches. Simpson's contact ability and Aranda's passive approach may bolster the Rays' lineup against southpaws. The team's recent success includes a series sweep over the Houston Astros, winning 14-4 on September 13.
- •Rays rank 22nd in the league with 91 wRC+ against lefties
- •Left-handed hitters combine for a 72 wRC+ this season
- •Chandler Simpson and Jonathan Aranda may improve against lefties
- •Rays swept Astros, winning 14-4 on September 13
- •Playoff performance may hinge on hitting against southpaws
- 2:06 PMYahoo Sports — The Rays will do just fine against southpaws
"So far this year the Rays as a team have produced just a 91 wRC+ against left-handed pitching heading into Wednesday’s game – ranking just 22nd in the league. After watching Martin Perez throw seven shutout innings against the Rays last week in Atlanta, I began wondering whether their struggles against left-handed pitching could become […]
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