Marc Topkin
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tbtimesrays.bsky.social
Marc Topkin
@tbtimesrays.bsky.social
2.7K followers 110 following 120 posts
Marc Topkin has covered the Rays for the Tampa Bay Times (formerly St. Petersburg Times) and tampabay.com since, well, forever.
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tbtimesrays.bsky.social
From weekend Tampa Bay Times #Rays coverage:

In a stretch of playing on the road for most of 2 months, Rays say they’re up for the challenge, are good at focusing on what matters most and will benefit from the bonding experience.

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Rays determined to make the most of extended time on the road
A break from the Florida heat and chance to strengthen camaraderie are seen as benefits for a group that has handled a lot this year.
www.tampabay.com
June 30, 2025 at 2:25 PM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
Inside #Rays clubhouse, Wander Franco is not a popular topic of conversation. Plus draft updates and rumblings.

www.tampabay.com/sports/2025/...
Inside the Rays clubhouse, Wander Franco is not a popular topic
Tales | There is an appreciation for his “incredible” talent but also an acknowledgment that, with his conviction for sexual abuse, it may now be wasted.
www.tampabay.com
June 30, 2025 at 1:24 PM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
#Rays’ loss to #Orioles secondary to Bigge injury, but still frustrating

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Rays’ loss to Orioles secondary to Bigge injury, but still frustrating
With their minds on their fallen teammate, the Rays say the loss is just a product of a missed pitch and some scoring chances.
www.tampabay.com
June 20, 2025 at 2:17 PM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
#Rays Hunter Bigge struck in face by ball in dugout, is hospitalized, undergoing testing

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Rays’ Hunter Bigge struck by ball in dugout, taken for medical care
The reliever, currently on the injured list, was watching the game when hit by an Adley Rutschman foul ball.
www.tampabay.com
June 20, 2025 at 2:07 PM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
“We’re not going to get intimidated by any team,” #Rays Aranda said after sweep of #Mets. “We demonstrated pretty much during this series the kind of team that we are, and that’s what it’s all about. ...
“We’re always in the fight, and we’re wanting more.”

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Rays sweep Mets, say they’re ‘wanting more’
Taking three straight from the team that had the best record in baseball spurs talk of greater goals.
www.tampabay.com
June 16, 2025 at 2:47 AM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
Add #Rays great Evan Longoria to the Junior Caminero fan club

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Add Rays great Evan Longoria to the Junior Caminero fan club
There’s mutual admiration between the Rays’ former All-Star third baseman and their potential current one.
www.tampabay.com
June 11, 2025 at 2:57 PM
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A look at the reasoning behind #Rays Chandler Simpson decision, and why Christopher Morel may be on the clock.
Plus DeSantis on Rays future, Longo week, scheduling stuff, rumblings, more

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Chandler Simpson decision part of Rays’ focus on winning more now
Tales | The struggling Ben Rortvedt also was dropped, and Christopher Morel is on notice.
www.tampabay.com
June 1, 2025 at 1:54 PM
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Classy gesture by former #Rays star Evan Longoria, with a thank you message to fans in today’s Tampa Bay Times in advance of Saturday’s retirement ceremony:
June 1, 2025 at 12:40 PM
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Yes, #Rays were going to lose again. Now the task is to stay focused on what worked.

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Yes, Rays were going to lose again. Now, the task is to stay focused
The end of a six-game winning streak doesn’t mean the team should sulk or do anything different than it had been.
www.tampabay.com
May 28, 2025 at 1:24 PM
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With his rescheduled trial coming up, #Rays Wander Franco returns to social media with cryptic post

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Rays’ Wander Franco resurfaces with cryptic social media post
The Instagram story comes with his rescheduled trial on charges stemming from a relationship with a minor about five weeks away.
www.tampabay.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:44 AM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
From weekend @TB_Times #Rays coverage:

A #Rays Tales look at the 2024 players that have moved on - with a surprise top performer.

Plus notes on stadium situations, Longoria’s Hall of Fame status, bonus pool $, and lots of rumblings.

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Among 2024 Rays that got traded or moved on, a surprising top performer
Tales | Jason Adam has been good for the Padres, but Justin Sterner has been perfect for the A’s.
www.tampabay.com
April 29, 2025 at 12:43 AM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
#Rays said Ha-Seong Kim’s checkup on his surgically repaired shoulder went very well, but here’s why his return to everyday SS duties is pushed back to mid-June/July range.

Also updates on McClanahan, Mangum, Lowe, DeLuca, Palacios.

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Rays’ Ha-Seong Kim looking at June/July return as starting shortstop
A checkup shows good progress but the team wants to be cautious given the demands of the position.
www.tampabay.com
April 26, 2025 at 5:05 PM
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As you’re waiting for tonight’s #Rays game, after 22 games, here’s 22 things we think we know about the Rays.

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22 games in, here’s 22 things we think we know about the Rays
In the early going, there’s been some good, some bad and some reasons for significant concern.
www.tampabay.com
April 22, 2025 at 11:58 PM
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Jonathan Aranda has been in the #Rays organization for nearly 10 years, and now he’s finally a big hit.

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Worth the wait as Jonathan Aranda has been a big hit for Rays
A serendipitous signing and a slow start as a pro made for a good backdrop to his rise this season to a spot among MLB’s best hitters.
www.tampabay.com
April 22, 2025 at 11:48 PM
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More on #Rays calling up Boyle to make spot start vs. #Braves today

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Rays call up Joe Boyle from Triple A for surprise start vs. Braves
The move appears to be a way to give the starters an extra day of rest and to get a better look at Boyle.
www.tampabay.com
April 13, 2025 at 4:40 PM
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Kameron Misner's walkup song is about being a cowboy. But after extensive off-season work and an unexpected opportunity, he’s been a pretty good baseball player for #Rays so far.

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Kameron Misner could’ve been a cowboy, but he’s been a good Ray so far
Boots and brimmed hats are a big part of the Missourian’s life. So is baseball, which he proved with an offseason of hard work.
www.tampabay.com
April 13, 2025 at 4:39 PM
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Inside today’s Tampa Bay Times: A 20-page special section previewing a #Rays season that will be like no other.
March 23, 2025 at 11:52 AM
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Group of “prominent” Tampa Bay investors interested in buying #Rays, doing new stadium deal in St. Pete

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Tampa businessman interested in buying Rays, keeping them in St. Pete
Joe Molloy says his group is interested in pursuing the current planned downtown St. Petersburg stadium deal.
www.tampabay.com
March 10, 2025 at 2:47 AM
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After a frustrating 2024 on the field and at times in the clubhouse, #Rays are stressing player unity, and have added rules to increase uniformity

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After a frustrating 2024, Rays are stressing player unity, uniformity
There’s been an emphasis on camaraderie and chemistry, and new rules on uniforms and gear to push a team-first ideal.
www.tampabay.com
March 2, 2025 at 2:09 PM
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More on #Rays $20 ticket deal - how many are available, and where you watch from.
Plus single-game sales start this week, and notes on a new infielder, Montoyo return, other familiar faces, more

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Rays to offer $20 tickets to all games in Tampa, but they’re limited
Notes | At least 100 Rays Rush tickets will be available per game; single-game ticket sales also start this week.
www.tampabay.com
February 25, 2025 at 12:49 AM
tbtimesrays.bsky.social
How #Rays’ Chandler Simpson could make old-school baseball new again

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How Rays’ Chandler Simpson could make old-school baseball new again
The prospect has blazing speed and a throwback style, based on getting on base and creating runs and havoc.
www.tampabay.com
February 22, 2025 at 11:27 PM
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#Rays infielders taking ground balls for the first of roughly 200 times this season.
February 17, 2025 at 6:12 PM
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#Rays Junior Caminero taking BP today.
February 17, 2025 at 6:11 PM
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Shane McClanahan had a lot of feelings after being named #Rays Opening Day starter.
Plus notes on Ha-Seong Kim's fielding, Yandy Diaz's arrival, Eloy Jimenez's hitting, Hunter Bigge and Josh Lowe missing workout, more.

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Shane McClanahan humbled, honored to be Rays' opening day starter
Notes | The lefty, who missed last season, will be only the fourth pitcher to start at least three Tampa Bay openers.
www.tampabay.com
February 16, 2025 at 9:24 PM
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Most intriguing players in #Rays camp?

Tre' Morgan, Chandler Simpson.

Plus rumblings, a clubhouse role reversal, Tampa Bay ties, more

www.tampabay.com/sports/rays/...
Most intriguing players in Rays camp? Tre' Morgan, Chandler Simpson
Tales | The prospects lack much pro experience but do have some skills that could get them to the majors soon.
www.tampabay.com
February 16, 2025 at 9:15 PM