Rays’ Randy Arozarena reaches 20-20 mark for a third straight season

MIAMI — Randy Arozarena stole third base in the 10th inning Wednesday night, the first player in Rays history to record a third consecutive season of 20 home runs and 20 steals.Then, he took third base home with him.Arozarena arranged to get the base from the Marlins to mark the occasion, as he became the first player in major-league history to record a 20-20 season as a rookie and then in each of the next two seasons. (Only he and Angels star Mike Trout had done it as rookies and again the following season.)“I’m very proud that I’m able to accomplish that for myself,” Arozarena said via team interpreter Manny Navarro. “Having that being a goal, especially up to three years in a row, and then to be able to accomplish it is even better.”Arozarena hit his 20th homer on Aug. 23 and then got to 20 steals in a hurry, swiping three bases on Sunday before the two Wednesday.“It’s definitely a goal to be able to get that 20-20, especially consecutively,” Arozarena said. “It is going to always be a goal of mine to continue to be able to do that.”Manager Kevin Cash was glad to see him get there — for several reasons.“Congrats to Randy,” Cash said. “And hopefully he stops (running) now, because he doesn’t listen to when I tell him to stop.”Only two other Rays had the combination of power and speed to reach the 20-20 mark — B.J. Upton in 2007, 2011, and 2013; and Tommy Pham in 2019.The Rays are adding another potential depth option for the stretch run and postseason in signing speedy outfielder Billy Hamilton to a minor-league deal.Hamilton, 32, has played parts of 11 seasons in the majors with eight different teams. He was with the White Sox this season, appearing in just three big-league games while spending most of his time at Triple-A until being sidelined in early July with a right shoulder issue.Hamilton has been known for his speed on the bases and defensive prowess, while struggling at the plate.He has a career .239 average and .617 OPS but has stolen 326 bases in 398 attempts (an 82% success rate). Analytic stats show him to be a top-notch centerfielder, posting an impressive 73 defensive runs saved and 58 outs above average.Hamilton got only limited opportunity in the majors the past two seasons, appearing in 37 games and making only 25 plate appearances for the Marlins, Twins and White Sox, going 1-for-22.His last extensive duty in the majors came in 2021, when he played 71 games for the White Sox. He started his career with the Reds and has also played for the Royals, Braves, Mets and Cubs.In signing before the Thursday night deadline, Hamilton would be eligible to be added to the Rays’ postseason roster since he is in their organization.Since he has not played since July 7, Hamilton will spend some time at Triple-A Durham getting ramped back up to full speed.With 17 straight games after Thursday’s off day and 23 in 24 days, the Rays will need to add a fifth starter to their rotation after navigating August with four. With Tyler Glasnow and Zack Littell starting the first two games in Cleveland, the Rays are listing Sunday as TBA, which could well be the return of rookie Taj Bradley, who had been at Triple-A.Reliever Chris Devenski, signed Tuesday, is expected to join the Rays Friday or Saturday. … With Triple-A Durham rained out Wednesday and a dicey forecast for Thursday’s scheduled doubleheader, infielder Taylor Walls’ rehab assignment was interrupted after only one game, and his expected Friday return could be delayed. ... Reliever Kevin Kelly (left ankle sprain) said he is “good to go” to return Friday, when rosters can be expanded from 26 to 28.• • • Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on Twitter and Facebook .

Rays’ Randy Arozarena reaches 20-20 mark for a third straight season

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