Mets-Rays series opener set for Monday night at Tropicana Field
The Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Mets on Monday at 6:40 p.m. ET, with Ian Seymour starting for the AL East leaders. Robert Stock is expected to pitch for the Mets, who sit last in the NL East. The game will be broadcast on Rays.TV and SNY, with streaming available via Fubo.
The pitching matchup highlights the gap between these clubs. Tampa Bay's Ian Seymour brings a solid 9-5 record, while New York's Robert Stock has struggled to a 7.40 ERA. The Rays hold the AL East lead at 82-54, while the Mets languish at 61-76 in the NL East.
Both lineups feature notable performers. Junior Caminero leads Tampa Bay with 37 home runs and 87 RBIs, while Yandy Diaz maintains a .303 average. For New York, Juan Soto posts a .950 OPS, and Carson Benge has contributed 19 stolen bases. Each team carries substantial injury lists, including multiple 60-day IL players.
This late-season interleague matchup could offer a glimpse of contrasting trajectories. The Rays' playoff push may draw increased viewership from AL East fans, while Mets supporters might watch to evaluate young talent like Carson Benge for next season. Broadcast availability across regional networks and streaming platforms could expand the game's reach beyond local markets, potentially influencing fan engagement during a typically quiet late-August stretch.