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Marc Topkin - Rays Reporter

Rays Reporter

If there's something in Tampa Bay Rays history you're interested in, there's a good chance I was there for it. First pitch, Wade Boggs' 3,000th hit, the 2008 ALCS clincher and World Series experience, Evan Longoria's Game 162 walkoff, the 2018 advent of the opener, and plenty more. That's the benefit of having covered the franchise from day one (actually even before) and for all 21 seasons, as well as other baseball matters locally and nationally since joining the Times in 1983 from Drake University. Obviously, I've enjoyed the ride and am happy to share the details with you on all platforms. I’ve also had the privilege of covering Super Bowls, Olympics and college bowl games, but, pssst, baseball has always been my first love.

  1. Rays designated hitter Randy Arozarena (56) celebrates after hitting a walkoff home run in Wednesday night's 2-1 triumph against the Twins at Tropicana Field.
  2. Brothers Nathaniel, left, at age 5, and Josh Lowe, right, at age 3, are pictured during their childhood years. The two will meet as major-league opponents for the first time when Nathaniel's Texas Rangers play Josh's Rays later this week at Tropicana Field.
  3. Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) throws to first base to complete a putout during a game against the Brewers last month at Tropicana Field.
  4. Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan delivers a pitch during the first inning of Monday's game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
  5. Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, seen here earlier this season, has ongoing issues with his back.
  6. The Rays' Yandy Diaz, right, scores on a throwing error by the Red Sox's Connor Wong, left, after hitting a single in the sixth inning of Sunday's game in Boston.
  7. Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz, left, and shortstop Wander Franco celebrate after they score against the Yankees on May 6 at Tropicana Field.
  8. Rays relief pitcher Josh Fleming pitches in the second inning against the Dodgers at Tropicana Field last Sunday.
  9. The Rays' Harold Ramirez watches his two-run double next to the Red Sox's Connor Wong during the ninth inning of Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader in Boston.
  10. Rays relief pitcher Josh Fleming (19) works in the third inning against the Dodgers at Tropicana Field on Sunday. Fleming has been placed on the injured list with left elbow soreness.
  11. The Fenway Park grounds crew brings out the tarp before Friday's scheduled contest between the Red Sox and Rays. The postponed game will be made up Monday afternoon in Boston.
  12. Former Pirates reliever Robert Stephenson, who is out of minor-league options, is expected to join the Rays over the weekend.
  13. Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow had a lighter workload in his first game back last Saturday.
  14. Rays shortstop Wander Franco and centerfielder Jose Siri celebrate after beating the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field on May 24.
  15. Rays starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws during the first inning of Wednesday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Rays won, 4-3.
  16. Rays outfielder Jose Siri reacts at home plate in front of Chicago Cubs Tucker Barnhart (18) after his home run during the eighth inning of Wednesday's game in Chicago.
  17. Rays starter Shane McClanahan was mostly solid over 5 2/3 innings Tuesday against the Cubs, but gave up a home run on his first pitch, and later watched an outfield miscue lead to the go-ahead run.
  18. Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks' latest injury list stint should be another short one.
  19. Rays catcher Francisco Mejia, left, and relief pitcher Jason Adam celebrate after closing out the Dodgers on Sunday.
  20. Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman throws up his hands after pitching an entire baseball game against the Rays on Monday in Chicago.
  21. Rays closer Pete Fairbanks, left, and catcher Christian Bethancourt celebrate beating the Blue Jays at Tropicana Field on Wednesday.
  22. Rays pitcher Tyler Glasnow (20) pitches to the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning of Saturday's game at Tropicana Field.
  23. Rays rightfielder Luke Raley prepares for an at-bat during Friday's game against the Dodgers at Tropicana Field.