The Tampa Bay Rays enter Saturday’s interleague showdown against the Miami Marlins with a 20-24 record and a quiet sense of optimism fueled by their 7-5 success rate on the road this season, a notable bright spot in what has otherwise been an inconsistent start to their 2025 campaign. Under manager Kevin Cash, the Rays continue to embrace their identity as a flexible, matchup-driven team that relies on timely hitting, smart defensive alignments, and pitching depth to stay competitive, even when the offense goes cold. The offensive engine for Tampa Bay in 2025 has been Junior Caminero, who has emerged as a legitimate power threat in the heart of the order, leading the team with 8 home runs and 20 RBIs while showing impressive poise at the plate. Alongside him, Yandy Díaz remains one of the most consistent contact hitters in the American League, with 35 hits and a knack for working counts and delivering in clutch moments. The rest of the lineup has had its ups and downs, with players like Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes showing flashes but still seeking rhythm, and the team as a whole ranks in the middle of the league in most offensive metrics. On the mound, Drew Rasmussen will get the ball, carrying a deceptive 1-4 record that doesn’t reflect the quality of his outings, as evidenced by a solid 3.38 ERA and excellent command.

Rasmussen’s mix of fastball velocity and a tight slider gives him the tools to suppress hard contact, and against a Marlins lineup that has been overly reliant on Kyle Stowers for run production, his ability to generate ground balls and avoid long innings could be a key factor. Defensively, the Rays continue to execute at a high level, with slick fielding from Wander Franco and strong outfield coverage contributing to their run prevention strategy. The bullpen, as always with Tampa Bay, has been a point of strength and reliability, with multiple arms capable of handling high-leverage innings and shortening games when given a lead. Despite a sub-.500 record, the Rays are far from out of contention in a competitive AL East and view games like this—against struggling teams outside the division—as must-win opportunities to keep pace and gain confidence. Facing a Miami squad that has underperformed and is sending an out-of-form Sandy Alcantara to the mound presents a clear opening for the Rays to assert control early, especially if their patient bats can work deep counts and force mistakes. With a history of bouncing back from slow starts and a roster built for adaptability, the Rays will look to Saturday’s matchup as a potential turning point in their season. If Rasmussen can command the zone and the offense continues to be led by the reliable duo of Caminero and Díaz, Tampa Bay could very well leave Miami with a win that helps reignite their push back into the playoff conversation.