Randy Arozarena heating up at right time for Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays were an afterthought on June 15.

The Rays had suffered a 9-2 loss to the Braves, dropping to 33-38 on the season and 16 games out of first. Their struggles made the them likely sellers, with outfielder Randy Arozarena viewed as one of the top trade chips.

The problem was that Arozarena had been in a season long slump , posting a .175/.284/.325 batting line in his 278 plate appearances, hitting just nine homers and nine doubles. Although the Rays had struggled offensively, Arozarena's slump was magnified due to their disappointing record.

However, the Rays have begun to play to their capabilities over the past few weeks. Tampa Bay is 16-11 since June 15, back to .500 and within striking distance of a playoff berth (4.5 games back of final wild-card spot). Arozarena has heated up as well, posting a .305/.391/.558 batting line with five homers and nine doubles in his 110 plate appearances since that date, culminating with a two homer game on Saturday.

The Rays have the most difficult schedule in the majors in the second half. However, if Arozarena can continue to perform at his accustomed level, the Rays could make noise in the playoff push.

Arozarena is heating up when the Rays needed him most. His hot hitting may propel the Rays into playoff contention.