Our MLB 2015 Predictions Simulation From MLB 15: The Show

Tampa Bay Rays

Injuries to the Rays tarnished what could have been a re-awakening, as both Chris Archer and Matt Moore missed significant chunks of the 2015 MLB season due to injuries. Alex Colome was forced to step up, but he couldn’t, with a 1.51 WHIP and 4.31 ERA. Even Ronald Belisario was shoved out the door for 2 starts, and Kirby Yates had one. It puts a damper on what appears to be a strong Drew Smyly season, with a 2.70 ERA, 220 IP, 189 strikeouts and 1.18 WHIP for the staff ace apparent.

On top of middling pitching was poor offense for the Rays, as just one player cracked above .750 OPS. That was offensive leader Juan Francisco, apparently learning to hit more than just the fastball for 24 home runs, 2 triples, 1 stolen base a .350 OBP. Those stats for Francisco alone show off just how wacky the season ended up being. It looks like the Dodgers flipped Jose Reyes to end the season with the Rays, as he led the team with 70 runs, 41 doubles and 28 stolen bases. 5 players stole bases in the double digits, though. It’s all part of the previous manager’s “bunt hit for runs” coaching style.

Next: New York Yankees