Jonathan Aranda is quietly becoming one of the Tampa Bay Rays' most important hitters entering the MLB playoffs. After his clutch three-run homer against the Texas Rangers, Aranda continues to prove why Tampa Bay's offense is far more dangerous with him in the lineup.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves open a 3-game series Tuesday at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. First pitch is 7:15 p.m. ET.

A huge series for two division leaders opens up on Tuesday night, as the Tampa Bay Rays hit the road to play the Atlanta Braves. Tampa Bay has a four-game lead

There is always a rush immediately after the Trade Deadline to name winners and losers. It’s a short-sighted exercise, if only because so many deals involve prospects who are years away from the Majors.

A new stadium for the Rays could open the doors to MLB’s plans for further expansion. League commissioner Rob Manfred has said over the years that he wants to grow the number of clubs in the league by two to 32, but that the Rays and Athletics first need to find new, permanent homes.

The Rays placed Rodriguez on the 15-day injured list Friday with a lower-back strain, retroactive to Thursday.

Nonetheless, the Rays managed to maintain a four-game lead in the American League East over the Yankees, who lost to San Diego. Tampa Bay was undone by Rangers slugger Jake Burger, who had two home runs off Rays starter Ian Seymour, and an untimely error by shortstop Jorge Mateo that led to two more runs in the Texas fourth.

Rays designated INF Oliver Dunn for assignment. The Rays needed to clear a spot on their 40-man roster for the arrival of Ty Johnson on Saturday and unfortunately Dunn drew the short straw this time.