Tampa Bay is missing Gavin Lux for the year and has Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax both on the shelf, but the pitching depth behind Martinez has been deep enough to survive it. Oakland can't say the same — Nick Kurtz is back on the IL with a thumb issue that's now sidelined him twice, Shea Langeliers had knee surgery, and Brent Rooker is done for the season. That's three key bats gone from a lineup that was already thin.
The Rays have won five straight and haven't lost since sweeping Seattle over the weekend, a stretch that's stretched their AL East lead. They took the series opener here 10-6, and there's no reason to think the vibe shifts with Martinez on the mound. The Athletics did take two of three from Boston before this series, so it's not like the young roster has nothing going for it — Tyler Soderstrom's recent extension is a sign the front office believes in pieces of this group long-term. But belief in the future doesn't help them tonight against the hottest team in the sport.
Sutter Health Park hasn't been a fortress for Oakland this year, and a shorthanded lineup facing a pitcher throwing this well is a tough combination. The Rays have the depth, the momentum, and the better arm on the mound — Oakland's task is just trying to make it competitive.