2011 Tampa Bay Rays season

Offseason

The Rays declined the options of reliever Dan Wheeler and infielder Willy Aybar, and added Elliot Johnson to the 40-man roster on November 3, 2010. Becoming a free agent, Wheeler stated that he was open to re-sign with the Rays, saying the two sides talked about "keeping the lines of communication open." Aybar is eligible for arbitration, and therefore remains under the team's control.

Seven of the Rays' nine free agents were offered arbitration on November 23, 2010. Those players were left fielder Carl Crawford, utility player Brad Hawpe, and relievers Grant Balfour, Rafael Soriano, Randy Choate, Chad Qualls, and Joaquín Benoit. All seven players declined arbitration. First baseman Carlos Peña and reliever Dan Wheeler were the two players not offered arbitration.

On December 3, 2010, the Rays tendered first baseman Dan Johnson, while infielder Willy Aybar, catcher Dioner Navarro, and relievers Lance Cormier and J. P. Howell were nontendered. Howell, who missed the entire 2010 season with a shoulder injury and will reportedly miss the beginning of April in 2011, was expected to re-sign with the team, and did so on December 14.

The Rays lost first baseman Carlos Peña when he signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs on December 8, 2010.

Left fielder Carl Crawford, who had played in the Rays organization his entire career since being drafted in 1999, signed with the Boston Red Sox on December 9, 2010. Crawford had been considered one of the top free agents during the offseason, and agreed to a 7-year $142 million deal with Boston, making him the second-highest paid outfielder and the 10th-highest paid player overall in baseball history.

Relief pitcher Randy Choate signed a two-year contract with the Florida Marlins on December 15, 2010. A day later, the Rays signed former Washington Nationals reliever Joel Peralta to a one-year, $600,000 deal.

Shortstop Jason Bartlett was reported to have been traded to the San Diego Padres for two minor league relievers on December 8, 2010, but the trade was not actually completed until December 17. When the transaction was finally made, it was learned that the Rays would give up Bartlett and a player to be named later in exchange for three relievers and one infielder.

Relief pitcher Dan Wheeler departed when he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red sox.

On January 8, 2011, the Rays completed a trade with the Chicago Cubs, sending starting pitcher Matt Garza, outfielder Fernando Perez, and minor league pitcher Zach Rosscup in exchange for five minor league prospects including Chris Archer and Sam Fuld.

Closer Rafael Soriano, who led the American League with 45 saves in 2010 with the Rays, signed a 3-year $35 million deal with the New York Yankees on January 14.

The Rays added to their bullpen on January 15, with the signing of Kyle Farnsworth. The contract was worth $3.25 million for one year, with a club option for 2012.

On January 21, it was reported that the Rays had agreed to terms with veteran outfielders/designated hitters Johnny Damon and Manny Ramirez. Both contracts were for one year, with Damon signing for $5.25 million, while Ramirez's deal was worth only $2 million.

Summary

April

Third baseman Evan Longoria was placed on the 15-day disabled list on April 3 for a strained left oblique. Manager Joe Maddon said he expected him to be out for three weeks. Felipe López was called up to replace him on the roster. RHP Mike Ekstrom was designated for assignment to make room for López on the 40-man roster.

Prior to their game on April 8, it was announced that Manny Ramirez was retiring. Ramirez, who appeared in five games with the Rays, had one hit in 17 at-bats. His decision to go into retirement was related to a positive test for a banned substance. Had he not retired, he would have faced a 100-game suspension.

The Rays started the season 0–6, their worst start in franchise history, but finished the month of April with a record of 15–12, 1½ games behind the New York Yankees for first place in the AL East. The Rays became the first team in league history to start the season 0–6 and finish April with a winning record.

May

When Evan Longoria was activated from the disabled list on May 3, the Rays designated infielder Felipe López for assignment. López cleared waivers, accepting an assignment to Triple-A Durham.

For his actions during a May 4 game, center fielder B. J. Upton was suspended for two games and fined $1,500. Upton was ejected during that game for arguing with home plate umpire Chad Fairchild over a called strikeout. After being tossed from the game, Upton began yelling at the umpire, throwing his batting helmet and batting gloves to the ground, and had to be restrained by bench coach Dave Martinez and third base coach Tom Foley. Upton appealed the suspension when it was announced on May 7. He would end up serving the two-game suspension, which began on May 12.

Starting pitcher Jeff Niemann was placed on the 15-day disabled list on May 6. Outfielder Brandon Guyer was called up to take the open roster spot. In his first major-league at-bat, Guyer hit a home run, becoming the second player in Rays history to hit a home run in his first career at-bat. Guyer was optioned back to Durham on May 8 when the Rays recalled relief pitcher Rob Delaney.

First baseman Dan Johnson was designated for assignment by the Rays on May 20, and relief pitcher Rob Delaney was optioned to Triple-A Durham. Johnson had a .115 batting average with one home run and three RBIs in 25 games. He cleared waivers and accepted an assignment to Durham on May 24. Taking one of the open spots on the roster was relief pitcher J. P. Howell, who returned to the team more than a full year after undergoing shoulder surgery. Outfielder Justin Ruggiano was also called up.

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson was named the American League Rookie of the Month as well as Pitcher of the Month. Hellickson compiled a 4–1 record with a 1.36 ERA. He surrendered only five earned runs in 33 innings pitched, and struck out 23 batters. He limited opponents to a .168 batting average.

The Rays went 14–13 in May, improving to 29–25 overall, 1½ games behind first place in the division.

June

Starting pitcher James Shields surpassed the franchise record for complete games in a season on June 20 after throwing his sixth complete game.

At the end of the month, the Rays were 45–36, having gone 16–11 in June. They were third in the division, four games behind the lead.

July

Starting pitchers David Price and James Shields, as well as outfielder Matt Joyce, were all named to the American League All-Star team on July 3. Infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist was one of the five players in the running for the Final Vote, but did not win. Joyce would be the only player to participate in the All-Star Game, as Price was suffering from turf toe, and Shields was ineligible to pitch after starting two days before the All-Star Game.

Catcher John Jaso was placed on the disabled list on July 15 with a right oblique strain. José Lobatón was called up from the minors.

Starting pitcher Wade Davis was placed on the disabled list on July 7. Relief pitcher Brandon Gomes was recalled from the minors to take his spot on the roster.

On July 17, in a nationally televised game, the Rays hosted the Boston Red Sox in a 16-inning game that lasted 5 hours and 42 minutes, ending at 1:35 a.m. EDT. It was the longest game in the history of the franchise in terms of time played, and matched the longest game by number of innings. It was also the latest a game ended in franchise history. The Rays became the first team since 1919 to have only three base hits in a game lasting 16 or more innings. The Rays lost 1–0. Following the game, catcher José Lobatón was placed on the disabled list. Robinson Chirinos took his spot on the roster. Manager Joe Maddon was ejected in the 11th inning for arguing an earlier check swing call during a pitching change and bench coach Dave Martinez was tossed later in the inning for unsportsmanlike conduct.

On July 18, relief pitcher Adam Russell was designated for assignment, while relief pitcher Juan Cruz was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury. Relievers Alex Cobb and Alex Torres were recalled from the minors.

The Rays ended July with an 11–15 record, falling to 56–51 overall. They were still third place in the division, but dropped to 10½ games behind the lead.

August

On August 10, it was announced that starting pitcher Alex Cobb would have to undergo surgery to remove a blockage in his ribs, which would cause him to miss the remainder of the season.

The Rays went 18–10 in August, going into the final month of the season in third place in the division and nine games behind for the lead.

September and Game 162

The Rays trailed the Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card by nine games as late as September 3. Historically, no team had qualified for the postseason after facing a deficit that large in the month of September. The Rays defeated the Red Sox in six out of seven games the teams played against each other in September, pulling into a tie for the Wild Card on September 26, with only two games remaining in the regular season. On September 28, the Rays won the final game against the Yankees in spectacular fashion. Trailing 5–0 after just two innings and 7–0 going into the 8th inning; the Rays loaded the bases with no outs. Pinch hitter Sam Fuld then drew a bases-loaded walk to drive in the Rays first run of the game. Sean Rodriguez was then hit by a pitch to score the second run. After a one-out sacrifice fly by B.J. Upton, making the score 7–3, Evan Longoria came to the plate and hit the first pitch he saw over the left field wall, a three-run home run that cut the deficit to 7–6. Then in the bottom of the ninth inning, after the first two Rays batters struck out, pinch hitter Dan Johnson, never known for his hitting abilities and having just a .108 average for the season, hit a home run on a 2–2 count to tie the game at 7–7. The game then played for three more innings before the Rays capped their comeback in the bottom of the 12th, clinching their third ever franchise postseason berth, winning the Wild Card when Evan Longoria again stepped to the plate, and hit a walk-off home run down the left field line which barely cleared the lowest wall in the park, giving the Rays an 8–7 victory.

Game 162 is commemorated in two ways in Tropicana Field. There is 162 Landing, a designation in the left field corner where Longoria's playoff-clinching home run landed. The area is located off Left Field Street where Evan Longoria's 12th-inning walk-off homer landed September 28 to beat the Yankees and propel Tampa Bay to the postseason. The entrance to 162 Landing is open to the public and includes a recap of the events there and at Camden Yards from that night, video highlights and interviews, photos and displays. There also is a white seat in the right field corner commemorating where Dan Johnson's two-out, two-strike game-tying homer landed in the bottom of the ninth, in Section 140, Seat 10, Row T.

Insights from pitcher James Shields and sports writer Bill Chastain in their book, September Nights, are a baseball classic in Tampa Bay.

Season standings

American League East

American League Wild Card

Record vs. opponents

Roster

Game log

The Rays opened the 2011 season at home against the Baltimore Orioles for the second consecutive season.

Regular season

|- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 1 || April 1 || Orioles || 1–4 || Guthrie (1–0) || Price (0–1) || || 34,708 || 0–1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 2 || April 2 || Orioles || 1–3 || Accardo (1–0) || Shields (0–1) || || 22,164 || 0–2 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 3 || April 3 || Orioles || 1–5 || Britton (1–0) || Davis (0–1) || || 17,408 || 0–3 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 4 || April 5 || Angels || 3–5 || Weaver (2–0) || Niemann (0–1) || Walden (1) || 13,173 || 0–4 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 5 || April 6 || Angels || 1–5 || Haren (1–0) || Hellickson (0–1) || || 11,836 || 0–5 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 6 || April 7 || @ White Sox || 1–5 || Jackson (2–0) || Price (0–2) || || 38,579 || 0–6 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 7 || April 8 || @ White Sox || 9–7 || Russell (1–0) || Thornton (0–1) || Farnsworth (1) || 20,199 || 1–6 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 8 || April 9 || @ White Sox || 2–4 || Humber (1–0) || Davis (0–2) || Sale (1) || 26,378 || 1–7 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 9 || April 10 || @ White Sox || 1–6 || Floyd (1–0) || Niemann (0–2) || || 23,436 || 1–8 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 10 || April 11 || @ Red Sox || 16–5 || Hellickson (1–1) || Matsuzaka (0–2) || || 37,568 || 2–8 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 11 || April 12 || @ Red Sox || 3–2 || Price (1–2) || Lester (0–1) || Farnsworth (2) || 37,105 || 3–8 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbb;" | — || April 13 || @ Red Sox || colspan=6| Postponed (rain); Makeup: August 16 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 12 || April 14 || Twins || 4–3 (10) || Farnsworth (1–0) || Capps (1–1) || || 10,042 || 4–8 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 13 || April 15 || Twins || 5–2 || Davis (1–2) || Blackburn (1–2) || Farnsworth (3) || 15,342 || 5–8 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 14 || April 16 || Twins || 4–3 || Cruz (1–0) || Nathan (0–1) || || 16,428 || 6–8 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 15 || April 17 || Twins || 2–4 || Duensing (1–0) || Hellickson (1–2) || Capps (1) || 22,246 || 6–9 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 16 || April 18 || White Sox || 5–0 || Price (2–2) || Jackson (2–1) || || 12,016 || 7–9 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 17 || April 19 || White Sox || 2–1 || Shields (1–1) || Danks (0–2) || || 13,731 || 8–9 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 18 || April 20 || White Sox || 4–1 || Davis (2–2) || Humber (1–2) || Farnsworth (4) || 13,214 || 9–9 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 19 || April 21 || White Sox || 2–9 || Floyd (2–1) || Niemann (0–3) || || 16,751 || 9–10 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 20 || April 22 || @ Blue Jays || 4–6 (11) || Rzepczynski (2–0) || Russell (1–1) || || 23,192 || 9–11 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 21 || April 23 || @ Blue Jays || 6–4 || Price (3–2) || Morrow (0–1) || Farnsworth (5) || 21,826 || 10–11 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 22 || April 24 || @ Blue Jays || 2–0 || Shields (2–1) || Romero (1–3) || || 14,456 || 11–11 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbb;" | — || April 26 || @ Twins || colspan=6| Postponed (rain); Makeup: April 28 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 23 || April 27 || @ Twins || 8–2 || Davis (3–2) || Liriano (1–4) || || 36,714 || 12–11 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 24 || April 28 || @ Twins || 15–3 || Hellickson (2–2) || Blackburn (1–4) || || 38,315 || 13–11 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 25 || April 28 || @ Twins || 6–1 || Niemann (1–3) || Swarzak (0–1) || || 36,456 || 14–11 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 26 || April 29 || Angels || 5–8 || Santana (1–3) || Price (3–3) || Walden (4) || 21,791 || 14–12 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 27 || April 30 || Angels || 2–1 (10) || Peralta (1–0) || Rodney (0–1) || || 20,245 || 15–12 |- |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 28 || May 1 || Angels || 5–6 || Thompson (1–1) || Peralta (1–1) || Walden (5) || 16,248 || 15–13 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 29 || May 3 || Blue Jays || 3–2 || Farnsworth (2–0) || Rauch (1–2) || || 10,248 || 16–13 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 30 || May 4 || Blue Jays || 2–3 || Morrow (1–1) || Niemann (1–4) || Francisco (1) || 10,099 || 16–14 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 31 || May 5 || Blue Jays || 3–1 || Price (4–3) || Drabek (2–2) || Farnsworth (6) || 12,682 || 17–14 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 32 || May 6 || @ Orioles || 6–2 || Shields (3–1) || Britton (5–2) || || 20,694 || 18–14 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 33 || May 7 || @ Orioles || 8–2 || Hellickson (3–2) || Guthrie (1–5) || || 18,961 || 19–14 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 34 || May 8 || @ Orioles || 5–3 || Davis (4–2) || Bergesen (0–4) || Farnsworth (7) || 16,359 || 20–14 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 35 || May 10 || @ Indians || 4–5 || Perez (2–1) || Peralta (1–2) || || 13,551 || 20–15 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 36 || May 11 || @ Indians || 8–2 || Price (5–3) || Carrasco (1–2) || || 17,741 || 21–15 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 37 || May 12 || @ Indians || 7–4 || Shields (4–1) || Masterson (5–1) || || 18,107 || 22–15 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 38 || May 13 || Orioles || 3–0 || Hellickson (4–2) || Guthrie (1–6) || || 20,476 || 23–15 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 39 || May 14 || Orioles || 0–6 || Bergesen (1–4) || Davis (4–3) || || 28,451 || 23–16 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 40 || May 15 || Orioles || 3–9 || Arrieta (5–1) || Sonnanstine (0–1) || || 21,505 || 23–17 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 41 || May 16 || Yankees || 6–5 || Cruz (2–0) || Burnett (4–3) || Farnsworth (8) || 25,024 || 24–17 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 42 || May 17 || Yankees || 2–6 || Nova (4–3) || Shields (4–2) || || 27,123 || 24–18 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 43 || May 18 || @ Blue Jays || 6–5 || Hellickson (5–2) || Litsch (4–3) || Farnsworth (9) || 14,415 || 25–18 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 44 || May 19 || @ Blue Jays || 2–3 || Romero (4–4) || Davis (4–4) || Francisco (5) || 12,590 || 25–19 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 45 || May 20 || @ Marlins || 3–5 || Dunn (4–2) || Peralta (1–3) || Núñez (16) || 18,111 || 25–20 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 46 || May 21 || @ Marlins || 3–5 || Vázquez (3–4) || Price (5–4) || Núñez (17) || 21,814 || 25–21 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 47 || May 22 || @ Marlins || 4–0 || Shields (5–2) || Buente (0–1) || || 15,432 || 26–21 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 48 || May 23 || @ Tigers || 3–6 || Furbush (1–0) || Hellickson (5–3) || || 21,550 || 26–22 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 49 || May 24 || @ Tigers || 6–7 || Alburquerque (1–1) || Ramos (0–1) || Benoit (1) || 24,133 || 26–23 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbb;" | — || May 25 || @ Tigers || colspan=6| Postponed (rain); Makeup: June 13 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 50 || May 27 || Indians || 5–0 || Price (6–4) || Tomlin (6–2) || || 16,800 || 27–23 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 51 || May 28 || Indians || 3–7 || Carrasco (4–2) || Shields (5–3) || Perez (14) || 24,717 || 27–24 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 52 || May 29 || Indians || 7–0 || Hellickson (6–3) || Masterson (5–3) || || 23,898 || 28–24 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 53 || May 30 || Rangers || 5–11 || Holland (4–1) || Davis (4–5) || || 14,203 || 28–25 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 54 || May 31 || Rangers || 5–4 || Peralta (2–3) || Rhodes (3–3) || Farnsworth (10) || 12,783 || 29–25 |- |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 55 || June 1 || Rangers || 0–3 || Lewis (5–5) || Price (6–5) || Feliz (11) || 13,725 || 29–26 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 56 || June 2 || @ Mariners || 2–8 || Hernández (6–4) || Shields (5–4) || || 16,376 || 29–27 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 57 || June 3 || @ Mariners || 0–7 || Vargas (4–3) || Sonnanstine (0–2) || || 24,492 || 29–28 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 58 || June 4 || @ Mariners || 3–2 || Hellickson (7–3) || Fister (3–6) || Farnsworth (11) || 28,843 || 30–28 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 59 || June 5 || @ Mariners || 6–9 || Wright (2–2) || Howell (0–1) || League (16) || 28,947 || 30–29 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 60 || June 6 || @ Angels || 5–1 || Price (7–5) || Chatwood (3–3) || || 32,287 || 31–29 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 61 || June 7 || @ Angels || 4–1 || Cobb (1–0) || Haren (5–4) || Farnsworth (12) || 38,833 || 32–29 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 62 || June 8 || @ Angels || 4–3 (10) || Cruz (3–0) || Rodney (2–3) || Farnsworth (13) || 33,157 || 33–29 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 63 || June 10 || @ Orioles || 0–7 || Arrieta (8–3) || Hellickson (7–4) || || 17,900 || 33–30 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 64 || June 11 || @ Orioles || 7–5 (11) || Cruz (4–0) || Accardo (3–2) || Farnsworth (14) || 25,541 || 34–30 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 65 || June 12 || @ Orioles || 9–6 || Davis (5–5) || Matusz (1–1) || Howell (1) || 22,032 || 35–30 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 66 || June 13 || @ Tigers || 1–2 (10) || Purcey (1–0) || Farnsworth (2–1) || || 30,938 || 35–31 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 67 || June 14 || Red Sox || 4–0 || Shields (6–4) || Wakefield (3–2) || || 20,972 || 36–31 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 68 || June 15 || Red Sox || 0–3 || Beckett (6–2) || Hellickson (7–5) || || 19,388 || 36–32 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 69 || June 16 || Red Sox || 2–4 || Buchholz (6–3) || Price (7–6) || Papelbon (13) || 23,495 || 36–33 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 70 || June 17 || Marlins || 5–1 || Davis (6–5) || Hand (0–3) || Farnsworth (15) || 15,708 || 37–33 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 71 || June 18 || Marlins || 7–4 || Cobb (2–0) || Nolasco (4–3) || || 20,495 || 38–33 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 72 || June 19 || Marlins || 2–1 || Shields (7–4) || Webb (1–4) || || 26,761 || 39–33 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 73 || June 20 || @ Brewers || 8–4 || Niemann (2–4) || Narveson (4–5) || || 35,495 || 40–33 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 74 || June 21 || @ Brewers || 1–5 || Greinke (7–2) || Hellickson (7–6) || || 40,079 || 40–34 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 75 || June 22 || @ Brewers || 6–3 || Price (8–6) || Estrada (1–5) || || 39,632 || 41–34 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 76 || June 24 || @ Astros || 5–1 || Shields (8–4) || W. Rodríguez (5–4) || || 26,682 || 42–34 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 77 || June 25 || @ Astros || 7–2 || Davis (7–5) || Norris (4–6) || Farnsworth (16) || 27,208 || 43–34 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 78 || June 26 || @ Astros || 14–10 || Howell (1–1) || López (1–4) || || 23,965 || 44–34 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 79 || June 27 || Reds || 0–5 || Leake (7–4) || Hellickson (7–7) || || 19,891 || 44–35 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 80 || June 28 || Reds || 4–3 || Farnsworth (3–1) || Ondrusek (3–3) || || 20,894 || 45–35 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 81 || June 29 || Reds || 3–4 || Volquez (5–3) || Shields (8–5) || Cordero (16) || 25,968 || 45–36 |- |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 82 || July 1 || Cardinals || 3–5 || Westbrook (7–4) || Davis (7–6) || Salas (14) || 19,934 || 45–37 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 83 || July 2 || Cardinals || 5–1 || Niemann (3–4) || McClellan (6–5) || || 23,897 || 46–37 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 84 || July 3 || Cardinals || 8–3 || Hellickson (8–7) || Lohse (8–5) || Farnsworth (17) || 26,819 || 47–37 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 85 || July 4 || @ Twins || 0–7 || Duensing (6–7) || Price (8–7) || || 39,528 || 47–38 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 86 || July 5 || @ Twins || 2–3 || Baker (7–5) || Shields (8–6) || Perkins (2) || 38,613 || 47–39 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 87 || July 6 || @ Twins || 12–5 || Howell (2–1) || Burnett (2–5) || || 39,841 || 48–39 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 88 || July 7 || @ Yankees || 5–1 || Niemann (4–4) || Colón (6–4) || || 47,787 || 49–39 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbb;" | — || July 8 || @ Yankees |||| colspan=6| Postponed (rain); Makeup: September 22 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 89 || July 9 || @ Yankees || 4–5 || Robertson (2–0) || Peralta (2–4) || Rivera (22) || 48,103 || 49–40 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 90 || July 10 || @ Yankees || 0–1 || Sabathia (13–4) || Shields (8–7) || || 47,350 || 49–41 |- style="text-align:center;" |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 91 || July 15 || Red Sox || 9–6 || Price (9–7) || Miller (3–1) || Farnsworth (18) || 25,729 || 50–41 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 92 || July 16 || Red Sox || 5–9 || Lackey (7–8) || Shields (8–8) || || 32,487 || 50–42 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 93 || July 17 || Red Sox || 0–1 (16) || Aceves (5–1) || Russell (1–2) || Papelbon (21) || 21,504 || 50–43 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 94 || July 18 || Yankees || 4–5 || Robertson (3–0) || Torres (0–1) || Rivera (24) || 22,471 || 50–44 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 95 || July 19 || Yankees || 3–2 || Hellickson (9–7) || Colón (6–6) || Peralta (1) || 22,780 || 51–44 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 96 || July 20 || Yankees || 0–4 || García (8–7) || Price (9–8) || || 21,505 || 51–45 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 97 || July 21 || Yankees || 2–1 || Shields (9–8) || Sabathia (14–5) || Farnsworth (19) || 29,279 || 52–45 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 98 || July 22 || @ Royals || 4–10 || Hochevar (6–8) || Davis (7–7) || || 27,824 || 52–46 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 99 || July 23 || @ Royals || 4–5 (10) || Soria (5–3) || Gomes (0–1) || || 27,643 || 52–47 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 100 || July 24 || @ Royals || 5–0 || Cobb (3–0) || Paulino (1–4) || || 23,735 || 53–47 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 101 || July 25 || @ Athletics || 5–7 || Fuentes (2–8) || Howell (2–2) || Bailey (12) || 11,053 || 53–48 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 102 || July 26 || @ Athletics || 1–6 || McCarthy (3–5) || Price (9–9) || || 12,166 || 53–49 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 103 || July 27 || @ Athletics || 4–13 || Cahill (9–9) || Shields (9–9) || || 18,640 || 53–50 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 104 || July 28 || @ Athletics || 10–8 || Davis (8–7) || Ziegler (3–2) || Farnsworth (20) || 16,466 || 54–50 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 105 || July 29 || @ Mariners || 8–0 || Niemann (5–4) || Bédard (4–7) || || 26,570 || 55–50 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 106 || July 30 || @ Mariners || 2–3 || Pineda (9–7) || Cobb (3–1) || League (24) || 24,985 || 55–51 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 107 || July 31 || @ Mariners || 8–1 || Hellickson (10–7) || Vargas (6–10) || || 20,382 || 56–51 |- |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 108 || August 2 || Blue Jays || 1–3 || Romero (9–9) || Price (9–10) || Rauch (10) || 13,333 || 56–52 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 109 || August 3 || Blue Jays || 9–1 || Shields (10–9) || Villanueva (6–3) || || 11,803 || 57–52 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 110 || August 4 || Blue Jays || 7–6 (12) || Gomes (1–1) || Camp (1–2) || || 28,491 || 58–52 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 111 || August 5 || Athletics || 8–4 || Niemann (6–4) || Moscoso (4–6) || || 15,168 || 59–52 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 112 || August 6 || Athletics || 0–8 || McCarthy (5–5) || Cobb (3–2) || || 24,939 || 59–53 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 113 || August 7 || Athletics || 4–5 (10) || De Los Santos (1–0) || McGee (0–1) || Bailey (13) || 21,425 || 59–54 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 114 || August 8 || Royals || 2–1 || Farnsworth (4–1) || Wood (5–1) || || 10,742 || 60–54 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 115 || August 9 || Royals || 4–0 || Shields (11–9) || Francis (4–12) || || 10,124 || 61–54 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 116 || August 10 || Royals || 8–7 || McGee (1–1) || Soria (5–5) || || 11,706 || 62–54 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 117 || August 11 || Royals || 4–1 || Niemann (7–4) || Duffy (3–6) || Farnsworth (21) || 13,942 || 63–54 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 118 || August 12 || @ Yankees || 5–1 || Price (10–10) || Sabathia (16–7) || || 47,894 || 64–54 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 119 || August 13 || @ Yankees || 2–9 || Hughes (3–4) || Hellickson (10–8) || || 47,804 || 64–55 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbb;" | — || August 14 || @ Yankees || colspan=6| Postponed (rain); Makeup: September 21 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 120 || August 16 || @ Red Sox || 1–3 || Lester (12–6) || Shields (11–10) || Papelbon (28) || 38,525 || 64–56 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 121 || August 16 || @ Red Sox || 6–2 || Niemann (8–4) || Bédard (4–8) || || 38,278 || 65–56 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 122 || August 17 || @ Red Sox || 4–0 || Price (11–10) || Lackey (11–9) || || 37,737 || 66–56 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 123 || August 19 || Mariners || 3–2 || Cruz (5–0) || Hernández (11–11) || Farnsworth (22) || 14,884 || 67–56 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 124 || August 20 || Mariners || 8–0 || Hellickson (11–8) || Furbush (3–5) || || 20,148 || 68–56 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 125 || August 21 || Mariners || 8–7 || Farnsworth (5–1) || Cortes (0–2) || || 17,226 || 69–56 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 126 || August 22 || Tigers || 2–5 || Verlander (19–5) || Niemann (8–5) || || 13,048 || 69–57 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 127 || August 23 || Tigers || 1–2 || Penny (9–9) || Price (11–11) || Coke (1) || 11,475 || 69–58 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 128 || August 24 || Tigers || 3–2 (10) || Peralta (3–4) || Below (0–2) || || 13,910 || 70–58 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 129 || August 25 || Tigers || 0–2 || Fister (6–13) || Hellickson (11–9) || Valverde (38) || 14,069 || 70–59 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 130 || August 26 || @ Blue Jays || 6–1 || Shields (12–10) || Álvarez (0–2) || || 20,491 || 71–59 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 131 || August 27 || @ Blue Jays || 6–5 || Niemann (9–5) || Camp (1–3) || Peralta (2) || 24,052 || 72–59 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 132 || August 28 || @ Blue Jays || 12–0 || Price (12–11) || Morrow (9–9) || || 21,618 || 73–59 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 133 || August 29 || @ Blue Jays || 3–7 || Romero (13–9) || Davis (8–8) || || 19,725 || 73–60 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 134 || August 30 || @ Rangers || 0–2 || Feldman (1–0) || Hellickson (11–10) || Feliz (26) || 23,069 || 73–61 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 135 || August 31 || @ Rangers || 4–1 || Shields (13–10) || Ogando (12–7) || || 28,034 || 74–61 |- |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 136 || September 1 || @ Rangers || 2–7 || Wilson (14–6) || Niemann (9–6) || || 26,220 || 74–62 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 137 || September 2 || Orioles || 2–3 || Britton (9–9) || Price (12–12) || Gregg (20) || 11,955 || 74–63 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 138 || September 3 || Orioles || 6–3 || Davis (9–8) || Simón (4–8) || Farnsworth (23) || 14,223 || 75–63 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 139 || September 4 || Orioles || 8–1 || Hellickson (12–10) || Guthrie (6–17) || || 15,790 || 76–63 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 140 || September 5 || Rangers || 5–1 || Shields (14–10) || Feldman (1–1) || || 13,130 || 77–63 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 141 || September 6 || Rangers || 0–8 || Wilson (14–6) || Niemann (9–7) || || 11,611 || 77–64 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 142 || September 7 || Rangers || 5–4 (10) || McGee (2–1) || Lowe (2–3) || || 11,190 || 78–64 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 143 || September 9 || Red Sox || 7–2 || Davis (10–8) || Lackey (12–12) || || 18,482 || 79–64 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 144 || September 10 || Red Sox || 6–5 (11) || Gomes (2–1) || Bard (2–7) || || 24,566 || 80–64 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 145 || September 11 || Red Sox || 9–1 || Shields (15–10) || Lester (15–7) || || 25,220 || 81–64 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 146 || September 12 || @ Orioles || 5–2 || Niemann (10–7) || Britton (9–10) || Peralta (3) || 11,924 || 82–64 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 147 || September 13 || @ Orioles || 2–4 || Patton (1–1) || Howell (2–3) || Johnson (5) || 13,262 || 82–65 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 148 || September 14 || @ Orioles || 2–6 || Guthrie (8–17) || Davis (10–9) || Johnson (6) || 14,669 || 82–66 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 149 || September 15 || @ Red Sox || 9–2 || Hellickson (13–10) || Weiland (0–2) || || 38,071 || 83–66 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 150 || September 16 || @ Red Sox || 3–4 || Beckett (13–5) || Shields (15–11) || Papelbon (30) || 38,019 || 83–67 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 151 || September 17 || @ Red Sox || 4–3 || Niemann (11–7) || Lester (15–8) || Peralta (4) || 37,682 || 84–67 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 152 || September 18 || @ Red Sox || 8–5 || McGee (3–1) || Wakefield (7–7) || Peralta (5) || 37,613 || 85–67 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 153 || September 20 || @ Yankees || 0–5 || Nova (16–4) || Davis (10–10) || || 46,944 || 85–68 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 154 || September 21 || @ Yankees || 2–4 || Ayala (2–2) || Shields (15–12) || Rivera (44) || 42,755 || 85–69 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 155 || September 21 || @ Yankees || 2–4 || Robertson (4–0) || McGee (3–2) || Soriano (2) || 45,586 || 85–70 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 156 || September 22 || @ Yankees || 15–8 || Moore (1–0) || Colón (8–10) || || 47,470 || 86–70 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 157 || September 23 || Blue Jays || 1–5 || Morrow (11–11) || Price (12–13) || || 18,093 || 86–71 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 158 || September 24 || Blue Jays || 6–2 || Torres (1–1) || Romero (15–11) || || 27,773 || 87–71 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 159 || September 25 || Blue Jays || 5–2 || Davis (11–10) || Cecil (4–11) || Peralta (6) || 21,008 || 88–71 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 160 || September 26 || Yankees || 5–2 || Shields (16–12) || Noesí (2–2) || Farnsworth (24) || 18,772 || 89–71 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 161 || September 27 || Yankees || 5–3 || McGee (4–2) || Soriano (2–3) || Farnsworth (25) || 22,820 || 90–71 |- style="text-align:center; background:#039; color:#fff;" | 162 || September 28 || Yankees || 8–7 (12) || McGee (5–2) || Proctor (0–3) || || 29,518 || 91–71 |-

Postseason

|- style="text-align:center; background:#bfb;" | 1 || September 30 || @ Rangers || 9–0 || Moore (1–0) || Wilson (0–1) || || || 1–0 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 2 || October 1 || @ Rangers || 6–8 || Holland (1–0) || Shields (0–1) || Feliz (1) || 51,351 || 1–1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 3 || October 3 || Rangers || 3–4 || Lewis (1–0) || Price (0–1) || Feliz (2) || Tropicana Field 32,828 || 1–2 |- style="text-align:center; background:#fbb;" | 4 || October 4 || Rangers || 3–4 || Harrison (1–0) || Hellickson (0–1) || Feliz (3) || Tropicana Field 28,299 || 1–3 |-

Statistics

Regular season

Batting

Note: Rk = Rank; Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; R = Runs scored; H = Hits; 2B = Doubles; 3B = Triples; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in; SB = Stolen bases; BA = Batting average; OBP= On-Base percentage

Source: Baseball-Reference.com

Pitching

Note: Rk = Rank; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; G = Games pitched; GS = Games started; CG= Complete Games; SV = Saves; IP = Innings pitched; H = Hits allowed; R = Runs allowed; ER = Earned runs allowed; BB = Walks allowed; SO = Strikeouts; K/BB= Strikeout to Walk Ratio

Source: Baseball-Reference.com

American League Division Series vs. Texas

Main article: 2011 American League Division Series

Game 1, September 30

5:07 p.m. (EDT) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, Texas |}}

Game 2, October 1

7:07 p.m. (EDT) at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in Arlington, Texas

Game 3, October 3

5:07 p.m. (EDT) at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida |}}

Game 4, October 4

2:07 p.m. (EDT) at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida |}}

Farm system

References

References

1. Marc Topkin. (November 3, 2010). "Rays decline options on Wheeler, Aybar; but could keep both". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
2. Marc Topkin. (December 1, 2010). "Reliever Grant Balfour declines arbitration from Tampa Bay Rays, seeks multiyear contract". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
3. Marc Topkin. (December 2, 2010). "Tampa Bay Rays' J.P. Howell won't be ready for spring". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
4. Marc Topkin. (December 3, 2010). "Relievers J.P. Howell and Lance Cormier, DH Willy Aybar let go by Tampa Bay Rays, may return". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
5. Marc Topkin. (December 14, 2010). "Tampa Bay Rays re-sign reliever J.P. Howell for one year, $1.1 million". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
6. Bill Chastain. (December 8, 2010). "Pena heads to Cubs with one-year deal". Raysbaseball.com.
7. Ian Browne. (December 9, 2010). "Red Sox fire another salvo, add Crawford". Raysbaseball.com.
8. Bill Chastain. (December 15, 2010). "Former Rays lefty Choate inks with Marlins". Raysbaseball.com.
9. Marc Topkin. (December 16, 2010). "Rays add reliever Peralta". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
10. Marc Topkin. (December 17, 2010). "Bartlett trade to Padres – finally – official". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
11. Bill Chastain. (December 18, 2010). "Wheeler fondly recalls tenure with Rays". Raysbaseball.com.
12. Bill Chastain. (January 8, 2011). "Rays complete big deal with Cubs for Garza". Raysbaseball.com.
13. Marc Topkin. (January 14, 2010). "Tampa Bay Rays lose closer Rafael Soriano to AL East rival New York Yankees". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
14. Bill Chastain. (January 15, 2011). "Rays finalize one-year deal with Farnsworth". Raysbaseball.com.
15. Marc Topkin. (January 21, 2011). "Rays reportedly agree to terms with Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
16. Marc Topkin. (April 3, 2011). "Longoria to the 15-day DL, Lopez added". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
17. Tony Fabrizio. (April 3, 2011). "Rays notes: Longoria goes on disabled list". [[Tampa Tribune]].
18. Marc Topkin. (April 8, 2011). "Manny retires due to "issue" with drug test". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
19. Bill Chastain. (April 30, 2011). "Shields, Joyce team to top Angels in 10 innings". MLB.com.
20. Marc Topkin. (May 3, 2011). "Lopez designated for assignment". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
21. Marc Topkin. (May 5, 2011). "Former Tampa Bay Ray Felipe Lopez clears waivers, is headed to Durham". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
22. Rick Stroud. (May 7, 2011). "Upton suspended two games, fined $1,500 for outburst vs. Jays". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
23. Dave Klemin. (May 13, 2011). "Upton finishes serving suspension". Raysbaseball.com.
24. Marc Topkin. (May 6, 2011). "Now official: OF Guyer called up, Niemann on DL". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
25. Rick Stroud. (May 7, 2011). "Brandon Guyer's homer leads Tampa Bay Rays past Baltimore Orioles 6-2". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
26. Rick Stroud. (May 8, 2011). "Rays option OF Guyer to Durham, recall P Delaney". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
27. Topkin, Marc. (May 24, 2011). "Former Tampa Bay Ray Dan Johnson clears waivers, heads to Triple-A Durham". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
28. Chastain, Bill. (May 21, 2011). "Howell returns to Rays after two-year absence". MLB.com.
29. Marc Topkin. (June 2, 2011). "Hellickson named AL Pitcher, Rookie of month". MLB.com.
30. Smith, Joe. (June 20, 2011). "James Shields' complete game lifts Tampa Bay Rays to 2-1 win over Florida Marlins and series sweep". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
31. Topkin, Marc. (July 3, 2011). "Shields, Price, Joyce are All-Stars". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
32. (July 15, 2011). "Tampa Bay Rays catcher John Jaso out two weeks with side strain". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
33. Topkin, Marc. (July 8, 2011). "Tampa Bay Rays put pitcher Wade Davis on disabled list". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
34. Topkin, Marc. (July 18, 2011). "Dustin Pedroia singles in lone run as Boston Red Sox win 16-inning marathon against Tampa Bay Rays 1-0". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
35. (July 17, 2011). "Close Call Sports: Ejections: Chad Fairchild (3, 4)". Umpireejections.blogspot.com.
36. Topkin, Marc. (July 18, 2011). "Tampa Bay Rays designate Adam Russell for assignment, among other moves". [[St. Petersburg Times]].
37. Chiang, Anthony. (August 11, 2011). "Cobb set to undergo surgery on injured rib". MLB.com.
38. Chastain, Bill. (September 27, 2011). "Shields vaults Rays into tie atop Wild Card". MLB.com.
39. "Down seven, Rays walk off with AL Wild Card".
40. Shields, James, and Bill Chastain. ''September Nights: Hunting the Beasts of the American League East''. Thomaston, Maine: Cadent Pub, 2011.
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