1, 2, 3! There’s strength in offensive numbers atop Rays’ lineup

The Tampa Bay Rays have built their offensive core around the top three hitters in their batting order: Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero. Suggested by hitting coach Chad Mottola in late June, manager Kevin Cash cemented the trio atop the lineup, fueling an offense that ranked second in Major League Baseball with a .258 team batting average.

Individually, Díaz led the American League with 180 hits, Aranda added 159 hits and 92 RBIs, and Caminero contributed 42 home runs with 101 RBIs. Cash noted that keeping the trio together maximizes their plate appearances and complicates bullpen decisions for opposing managers during the postseason.