ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The chance to build positive momentum entering the All-Star break is always a goal, but the Tampa Bay Rays will have their hands full trying to handle the surging Boston Red Sox over the next four games.
The Rays (44-42), persistent in staying above .500 as a surprise playoff contender, are within a half-game of the second wild card in the American League as they host the Red Sox (49-36) beginning Thursday.
Tampa Bay is 3-4 vs. Boston this season — all at Fenway Park — and is 5 1/2 games behind Boston in the American League East.