Rays' ace Shane McClanahan eyeing 2026 comeback? Tampa Bay's pitching plans hang in the balance.

Kevin Weiss and Ulises Sambrano dissect the Tampa Bay Rays' optimistic outlook on McClanahan's return from injury. The duo analyzes Erik Neander's bullish statements and debates the realistic expectations for the left-hander's recovery. They also tackle the Rays' persistent catching woes, exploring potential solutions for the 2026 season. Plus, test your Rays knowledge with trivia from the 2013 Wild Card game and a deep dive into Kurt Suzuki's 16-year career.

Will the Rays gamble on McClanahan's arm or seek alternatives? Tune in for expert insights on Tampa Bay's crucial roster decisions.

0:00 Rays' confidence in Shane McClanahan's return

5:36 Preparing for McClanahan's potential absence in 2026

9:51 Rays still searching for catching solutions

15:58 Evaluating free agent and trade options for catchers

26:52 Baseball Trivia and Name That WAR

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Rays #TampaBayRays #MLB

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

Nutrafol

See thicker, stronger hair with less shedding in just 3–6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code LOCKEDONMLB.

Zippix

Go to https://ZippixToothpicks.com and use promo code LOCKEDON for 10% off your first order. Zippix Toothpicks—energy and focus, anytime you need it.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Tatem Levins returns for a wide-ranging discussion on current MLB topics, offering a fresh perspective from a rising star in the minors.

Hosts Ulises Sambrano and Kevin Weiss explore Levins' transition from the Seattle Mariners to the Rays organization, highlighting the differences in team cultures, training methods, and player development philosophies.

Levins shares his thoughts on the state of pitching in MLB, discussing the rise of velocity, the importance of pitch design, and how these trends are influencing player development in the minors.

The hosts engage Levins in a lively debate about rule changes in baseball, including the pitch clock and shift restrictions, getting his take on how these alterations might affect the game at all levels.

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Rays #TampaBayRays #MLB

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

Nutrafol

See thicker, stronger hair with less shedding in just 3–6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code LOCKEDONMLB.

Zippix

Go to https://ZippixToothpicks.com and use promo code LOCKEDON for 10% off your first order. Zippix Toothpicks—energy and focus, anytime you need it.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Minor league sensation Tatem Levins takes center stage to share the incredible story behind his viral inside-the-park grand slam. The Tampa Bay Rays prospect recounts the moment in vivid detail, from rounding the bases to the social media explosion that followed.

Levins then opens up about his unique journey to professional baseball, starting with his days as an all-state swimmer and the decision to pursue America's pastime.

He offers listeners an unfiltered look at life in the minor leagues, detailing the grueling daily routines, long bus rides, and the constant pressure to perform. Levins dives deep into the intricacies of catching, discussing the mental and physical challenges of handling elite pitchers and calling games.

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Rays #TampaBayRays #MLB

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

Nutrafol

See thicker, stronger hair with less shedding in just 3–6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code LOCKEDONMLB.

Zippix

Go to https://ZippixToothpicks.com and use promo code LOCKEDON for 10% off your first order. Zippix Toothpicks—energy and focus, anytime you need it.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Locked on MLB Squad dissects the thrilling Wild Card round, spotlighting Cam Schlittler's dominant performance and the New York Yankees' unexpected success. They analyze crucial pitching decisions, debating the merits of modern bullpen management versus traditional strategies. They offer predictions for the Divisional Series, focusing on the Philadelphia Phillies-Los Angeles Dodgers and Yankees-Toronto Blue Jays matchups.

The hosts also challenge the "championship or bust" mentality, exploring the value of the entire MLB season beyond October glory. Tune in for expert insights on how analytics and gut instincts shape postseason baseball strategy.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Enough with boring, flavorless caffeine, it’s time to give your caffeine a flavor upgrade with 5-hour ENERGY®️ shots. Get the favorites you love or be bold and try something new in-store and online at https://www.5hourENERGY.com or Amazon today.

Nutrafol

See thicker, stronger hair with less shedding in just 3–6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code LOCKEDONMLB.

Zippix

Go to https://ZippixToothpicks.com and use promo code LOCKEDON for 10% off your first order. Zippix Toothpicks—energy and focus, anytime you need it.

Rugiet

Ready to level up your confidence ? Head to https://rugiet.com and use promo code LOCKEDONMLB for 15% off your first order.

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at https://monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Tampa Bay Rays' 2025 season ends in disappointment. What went wrong for the once-dominant AL East powerhouse?

Kevin Weiss and Ulises Sambrano break down the Rays' underwhelming performance, highlighting Jonathan Aranda's impressive return from injury and Drew Rasmussen's standout season on the mound. The hosts analyze Kevin Cash's managerial decisions, Eric Neander's roster construction, and the team's struggles despite a 25-game win streak. With playoff hopes dashed, questions arise about the future of the Rays' leadership and their ability to compete in a tough division.

Tune in for an in-depth look at the Rays' 2025 campaign and what it means for the franchise moving forward.

0:00 Intro: Jonathan Aranda's return to the Rays

5:37 Drew Rasmussen's comeback vindicates contract extension

10:05 Analyzing Rasmussen's impressive 2025 season stats

15:31 Rasmussen's value compared to other pitchers

19:22 2025 season more disappointing than 2024

24:21 Discussing Kevin Cash and front office job security

28:55 Wrapping up: Reflecting on disappointing 2025 season

Follow Kevin Weiss @KevinWeiss_

Follow Ulises Sambrano @SambranoUlises

Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms…

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rays/

Locked On MLB League-Wide: Every Team, Prospects & More

🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/mlb/

#Rays #TampaBayRays #MLB

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY

Tee up that trip! Enter for a chance to win a dream golf trip for two to any golf tournament* in the USA. Visit 5HEWIN.com for full rules and entry. No purchase necessary. Excludes the Master’s tournament. Ends October 31, 2025.

Nutrafol

See thicker, stronger hair with less shedding in just 3–6 months with Nutrafol. For a limited time, get $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com and enter the promo code LOCKEDONMLB.

Zippix

Go to https://ZippixToothpicks.com and use promo code LOCKEDON for 10% off your first order. Zippix Toothpicks—energy and focus, anytime you need it.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONMLB to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

PrizePicks — Run Your Game.

Click Link Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONMLB

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Football season is around the corner, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Tampa Bay Rays wrap up their 2025 season with a 13-4 loss vs the Toronto Blue Jays. This one was ugly from the beginning. After Jonathan Aranda hit a RBI single to give the Rays a 1-0 the Blue Jays offense would explode. Toronto would score 5 runs in the 1st inning highlighted by a Grand Slam to make it 5-1. The Rays would show some fight in the 3rd inning. Jonathan Aranda hit a RBI single to make it 5-2. Then Jake Mangum would hit a 2 RBI single to make it 5-4. Toronto would add on more runs in a hurry. Kirk would hit his 2nd homer of the game to make it 8-4. Then a bevy of runs in the 7th inning saw the lead ballon to 13-4. The Rays finish the season at 77-85 and have a long offseason to look forward to.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wonderful Pistachios

Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more.

Just Ingredients

Visit JustIngredients.us and use code LOCKEDONMLB for 20% off your order! And for more wellness tips, follow @just.ingredients on Instagram.

Supply House

Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com!

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch

Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Tampa Bay Rays lose to the Toronto Blue Jays again, this time 5-1. The Rays offense could not get the big hit in this one. Joe Boyle started for the Rays and struggled at times. He went 5 IP but he walked 3 batters and gave up 4 runs. Those runs started to come across in the 2nd inning. Where a Blue Jays RBI double capped off a 3 run inning to make it 3-0. After the Blue Jays added another run in the 5th, the Rays would finally get on the board. Jonathan Aranda hit a solo home run in the 6th inning to make it 4-1. He has now homered in both of his games since coming off the IL. That would be the only run the Rays could get as the offense could not threaten anymore. The Rays wrap up their season tomorrow afternoon vs the Blue Jays.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wonderful Pistachios

Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more.

Just Ingredients

Visit JustIngredients.us and use code LOCKEDONMLB for 20% off your order! And for more wellness tips, follow @just.ingredients on Instagram.

Supply House

Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com!

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch

Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

The Tampa Bay Rays fall short to the Toronto Blue Jays, losing 4-2. The Blue Jays got on the board right away with a RBI single in the first inning to make it 1-0. The Rays would respond right away in the 2nd inning. Junior Caminero hit his 45th homer of the year. Then Jonathan Aranda in his return off the IL hit a home run in his first AB to give the Rays a 2-1 lead. That would be the only runs this Rays offense could come up with tonight. The Blue Jays would take the lead in the 5th inning on a 2 run home run. Adrian Houser started for the Rays and was decent. He ended up going 6 IP striking out 5 giving up 4 runs. The Rays will look to even up the series tomorrow afternoon.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Wonderful Pistachios

Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? Get snackin’ and get crackin’ with the snack that packs a protein punch. Visit WonderfulPistachios.com to learn more.

Just Ingredients

Visit JustIngredients.us and use code LOCKEDONMLB for 20% off your order! And for more wellness tips, follow @just.ingredients on Instagram.

Supply House

Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com!

Monarch Money

Take control of your finances with Monarch

Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.

Gametime

Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel

Right now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)