Rays playoff odds surge as pitching, role players lead the charge

Tampa Bay Rays are on a dramatic rise since August 12. They are now the American League's hottest team, winning 17 of their last 22 games. Their playoff chances have increased from a slim 41% to 95% with 29 games to go. Monday's comeback win over the Red Sox was a microcosm of how the team has been playing. Seven of the nine starters recorded at least one hit, with four different players driving in runs. The game-winning RBI was scored by David Peralta, who went to the Rays in a deadline deal from the Diamondbacks. The team's pitching has improved since Aug. 13.