ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays won the American League East, secured the AL’s top seed and with a 5-0 win over the Phillies on Sunday at Tropicana Field, added being the lone AL team to win 40 games to their list of team accomplishments.\n\nThe next challenge for the Rays (40-20) will come in the Wild Card Series against the Blue Jays, who are the No. 8 seed. Game 1 between the division foes will take place on Tuesday at Tropicana Field.\n\n• Box score\n\n“If you’re in \\[the postseason\\] right now, every team is going to present its challenges,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “We have a fairly good idea of that team, as they do with us. I can bet they’re going to be very well prepared knowing \\[Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo\\], and certainly Ross Atkins, their general manager. Impressive group, young group, energetic group, and we’ll have our hands full.”
But before the Rays started thinking about their postseason opponent, they handed the ball off to
With no off-days until the World Series, the Rays are going to need to take advantage of their starting-pitching depth over the next month. It all remains to be seen, but Fleming made his case on Sunday.\n\n“Flem has helped us get to this point, and he’s very much appreciated,” Cash said. “Since he’s been here, it seems like every time he’s on the mound, he’s given us a chance to win. For these games or these starts or bulk days to be his first reps at the big league level, he’s been just awesome for us.”\n\n
Over his last two starts, Drake has four swings and misses on the splitter and has tossed back-to-back scoreless innings after allowing three runs against the Mets on Wednesday. When right, Drake could help the Rays against tough left-handed hitters in the postseason.\n\nThe Rays wrapped up the regular season by winning nine of their last 11 games, and they hope that momentum carries over into the postseason.\n\n“I think we’re playing well,” said
**Phillips leaves game** \n