2024 Sunburst Awards: New York Yankees games 39-41

Rays fall to 20-21 after three game series at Tropicana Field

“Sunburst Awards” is a series-by-series evaluation of player performance, where four different awards are given out after each series: Offensive player of the series, defensive player of the series, pitcher of the series, and highlight play of the series. This edition will be covering the 13th series of the season, where the Tampa Bay Rays took on the New York Yankees from May 10th through May 12th, a three game series at Tropicana Field.

The Rays finish up their nine game homestand with a three game series against the AL East rival Yankees.

Game 1: Yankees - 2 Rays - 0 (recap)

Game 2: Yankees -2 Rays - 7 (recap)

Game 3: Yankees - 10 Rays - 5 (recap)

Offensive Sunburst Award: Randy Arozarena

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Arozarena had a very well rounded series offensively, filling up the stat sheet in all categories.

The outfielder notched three hits, two runs, two walks, four RBI and a stolen base in the series, but his biggest moment was undoubtedly a three run home run that blew game two open.

Pitching Sunburst Award: Taj Bradley

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Bradley drew a lot of excitement from Rays fans coming in for his first start of the season after spending time in Durham on rehab, and boy did he deliver.

The 23-year-old right hander gave up just one run and four hits in six innings of work, striking out seven Yankees in the process.

Though it came in a losing effort, Bradley’s much improved command compared to his Rays outings last year left fans excited to see more of him this season. Kevin Cash also had good things to say regarding Bradley’s outing.

Defensive Sunburst Award: Richie Palacios

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Palacios earns his second consecutive Defensive Sunburst with his array of diving plays at second base this weekend.

The former Cardinal prevented multiple hits in what was an all around great series for him. Honorable mention also goes to Yandy Diaz for his impressive scoops at first base to finish these plays off.

Palacios now has won three of the last four defensive awards and has matched Jose Caballero with the most total Sunbursts on the team with five.

Highlight Sunburst Award: Jose Siri

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Siri earns this edition’s Highlight Sunburst for his electric grand slam in game three of the series.

The outfielder has certainly had his struggles lately, however his massive home run in the bottom of the seventh inning got everyone on the edge of their seat for an elctric (yet unfortunately unsuccessful) rally to put the Rays back in the game.

Siri now earns his fifth Sunburst award on the year, matching Palacios and Caballero with the most on the club.

Conclusion

The Rays finish a generally successful homestand with a disappointing series loss against the Yankees to remain in fourth place in the AL East.

They will have a golden chance to improve that ranking though when they face the Boston Red Sox for a four game series in Fenway. First pitch on Monday is at 7:10.