Tampa Bay Rays 2023 Playoff Schedule: Dates, Times & Series-by-Series Updates

While they were unable to chase down the Orioles in the AL East race, the Tampa Bay Rays did manage to secure a spot in the 2023 playoffs. With an offense that features some of the most talent in all of baseball and a pitching staff that seems to be finding its way, the Rays are among the favorites to come out of the AL side of the playoff bracket despite their status as as a wild card team.

Next up for the Rays after a well-deserved day off is the wild card round and to help keep up with their playoff run, here is a quick breakdown of their upcoming playoff schedule as well as who they will be up against.

American League Wild Card Series Schedule

Sadly for the Rays, they had to settle for the first wild card spot in the American League, so they do have to play in the wild card round this week. The upside, though, is that it will be a home series for them and if the results from last year are any indication, teams that play in the wild card round have seemed to be fresher and less rusty than those who have the week long layoffs due to having a bye.

The Rays got a pretty tough draw in the Rangers in the wild card round thanks to Texas stumbling at the end of the season and the Astros sweeping their final series to steal the AL West crown. Texas' offense is legitimately spooky and the Rangers did take the season series 4-2, but Rays are playing well right now and Texas' pitching staff has been decimated by injuries. Not the ideal draw, but the Rays have to like being at home against a team that isn't at its best right now.

Rays Projected Playoff Rotation

Fortunately, there isn't a need for much speculation here as the Rays' playoff pitching plans have already been reported on. Barring something weird happening, Tyler Glasnow will get the start in the first game and Zach Eflin will go in Game Two. If the series goes to a third and deciding game, Aaron Civale will take the mound for Tampa Bay.