Jonathan Aranda makes best of opportunity, homers to lead Rays past Jays

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The final weeks of a season that is ending short of the playoffs can be a drag for some players.

But for those who haven’t previously had much of an opportunity in the big leagues, the late September games can provide a chance to establish themselves as potential key pieces for the next season or create trade interest.

Count Rays infielder Jonathan Aranda as one who is getting the chance and taking advantage of it.

Aranda homered with one out in the sixth inning Friday, lifting the Rays to a 1-0 win over the Blue Jays.

Slated to open the season with the Rays, Aranda broke a finger in spring training, was activated in mid-May but didn’t get much of an opportunity or do much with it, was sent back to Triple-A Durham and then sustained a left oblique strain that sidelined him into late August.

Given the chance to play regularly, Aranda, after a 2-for-14 start, got into a groove, going 12-for-41 with three homers and four RBIs over his previous 12 games.

The Rays improved to 76-78 and stayed within at least five games of the No. 3 wild-card spot in the American League, as the co-holding Twins and Tigers played later Friday.

To avoid their first losing record since 2017, the Rays need to win at least five of their final eight games.

The Rays got off to a frustrating start against Toronto’s Jose Berrios, who came in on an impressive roll, having won his previous seven starts and posting a 1.51 ERA.

In each of the first three innings, the Rays got a runner to third base and, befitting their majors-worst batting average with runners in scoring position (.211 going into the game), they failed to get any home, going 0-for-7 in those situations

Tyler Alexander started for the Rays, allowing just two hits and a walk while working into the fifth. Kevin Kelly finished the inning and also worked the sixth. He did what he has for much of the last two months, which is not allow any runs. Kelly extended his scoreless streak to 22 innings, the second longest active such streak in the majors.

Manny Rodriguez, Edwin Uceta, Colin Poche and Hunter Bigge took it from there.

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