What's Happening?
Jake Mangum, an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, will not be starting in the upcoming game against the Seattle Mariners. The decision comes as Mangum has been struggling offensively since the All-Star break, recording a .389 OPS with three stolen bases and two RBIs over 18 games. The Rays have opted to start Chandler Simpson, Tristan Peters, and Josh Lowe in the outfield positions for the game. This lineup change reflects the team's strategy to address Mangum's recent performance issues and potentially improve their chances against the Mariners.
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Why It's Important?
Mangum's benching highlights the challenges faced by players who struggle to maintain consistent performance levels in Major League Baseball. For the Rays, a team competing in a highly competitive division, every game is crucial, and lineup decisions can significantly impact their playoff aspirations. Mangum's performance issues could affect his future with the team if he does not improve. For the Rays, finding the right combination of players to maximize their offensive output is essential as they aim to secure a postseason berth.
