Entering the Rays’ series opener against the New York Yankees on Friday, 28 of the 30 Major League teams had been shut out at least once. The only two that hadn’t been shutout? The Atlanta Braves and the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Braves not having been shut out is no doubt impressive, but it’s easier to explain considering their a top-five WAR team sporting superstars like Ronald Acuna Jr. and Marcell Ozuna.
The Rays however? Not so much.
Since the year 2000, 128 teams have started their season with a streak of at least 30 games without a goose egg.