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Rays displaying stark differences in results between American and National League opponents

ByMason Stacy|
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Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Richie Palacios (1), left celebrates Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz (2) after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Apr 1, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Richie Palacios (1), left celebrates Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz (2) after hitting a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images

The Rays are having an interesting start to the season as the vast differences between the games against their American League and National League opponents are basically night and day. In seasons past, Tampa Bay has found more success against the National League as most American League games consist of AL East opponents that are very competitive year in and year out. However, the AL East looks much less daunting so far this season as three teams (Red Sox, Orioles, and Blue Jays) currently have a losing record.

First of all, the Rays' results against the National League this season have been very disappointing. The first two series were against the National League as they traveled to St. Louis and Milwaukee. The Rays dropped both of those series and came out with a 2-4 record while giving up 38 runs. The bullpen got off to a horrid start as we've addressed earlier, but those games could've definitely gone differently.

Their next National League opponent was the Chicago Cubs as the Rays hosted them with their first game back at Tropicana Field since 2024. That series was also a dud as Tampa Bay collected only one win and gave up 13 total runs. These NL Central clubs have impressive lineups, but the Rays need to find a way to win these series if they want to return to the postseason.

The most recent series came against the Pirates in Pittsburgh, and the Rays once again lost two out of three as their only win was an improbable post rain delay comeback. Those games also saw the opposing team handle Rays' pitching very well.

Despite these difficult series, there is certainly hope as the success against the American League is a complete 180. In three series against AL teams, the Rays finished an astounding 8-1. These contests weren't against slouches either as Tampa Bay handled two current first place teams in the Twins and Yankees. The lone loss came against the Twins in Minnesota, but overall Rays' pitching has allowed 34 runs in nine games, which is four less runs than the total given up in their first two series.

Rays' fans should be grateful for this trend of success, but it won't necessarily last at this capacity. However, we can hold on to hope that the Rays will turn it around and win their first series against National League teams. They have an opportunity beginning tonight as they complete their NL Central tour against the Reds at home.

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