The Rays entered this game nursing a very outside shot at the playoffs, with 15 games left to play, and with no off-days. The “bulk-guy” due up was left-hander Jalen Beeks. The Athletics are a lineup stacked with righties.
So Kevin Cash chose “plan B is for bullpen.”
And at the same time, Cash made the very gutsy call to stretch. When there are 15 must-win games, you can’t treat them all as must-win games, putting only your very best players on the field. You have to roll with your guys, and trust.