Rays in review: 10 numbers that help sum up a turbulent season

The Rays’ season started with a bang.

Coming off a 99-win performance in 2023, returning the bulk of the lineup that produced record-smashing numbers and with a solid pitching staff in place and better arms coming back from injury during the season, the Rays were optimistic for good reason.

And when Yandy Diaz homered to lead off the first inning on opening day, that seemed a promising start toward another season packed with highlights.

But they ended up losing the opener 8-2 to Toronto, and there wasn’t a whole lot to cheer for after that.