What happened: Yahoo Sports reports the Tampa Bay Rays must be aggressive at the MLB trade deadline after stumbling in the stretch following the All-Star break. The skid arrives as Tampa Bay closes out a series in Boston, trailing 3-0 with Sunday's finale still scheduled.
Why it matters: Tampa Bay sits at 49-39 this season but has dropped three straight and gone 1-4 in its last five, raising the stakes on deadline decisions. Rays enter deadline stretch weighing biggest roster need, and the current skid adds urgency to whatever move the front office makes.
By the numbers: Tampa Bay is 49-39 overall, averaging 4.5 runs scored and 4.5 allowed per game. The Rays have lost three straight, including a 0-10 defeat and a 6-7 loss to Boston in the current series, which the Red Sox lead 3-0.
What to watch: Tampa Bay and Boston play Sunday's series finale, with the Rays still trailing 3-0 and the trade deadline approaching.