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**Dodgers Face Rays in Steamy Tampa Series After Quiet Trade Deadline**

**TAMPA, FL** – The Los Angeles Dodgers kicked off August with a series against the Tampa Bay Rays, but the buzz surrounding the team is less about the on-field action and more about the perceived lack of activity at the trade deadline. Whispers of disappointment can be heard among Dodgers fans, who expected more significant moves to bolster the roster.

The Dodgers’ notable deadline transactions included sending Dustin May to Boston, shipping James Outman to Minnesota, and welcoming back relief pitcher Brock Stewart.

The Rays, playing at the unusual confines of George Steinbrenner Field – the Yankees’ spring training home, due to ongoing repairs at Tropicana Field after Hurricane Milton – are looking to gain ground. The Rays are just under .500 and made a few moves of their own at the deadline, acquiring reliever Griffin Jax while trading away players like Zack Littell. The Dodgers acquired Paul Gervase from the Rays while also trading Hunter Fedducia.

The series opener will see Clayton Kershaw (coming off a rough outing) on the mound for the Dodgers against the Rays’ Shane Baz. Saturday will feature Blake Snell’s return to Tampa Bay to face his old team.

Beyond the baseball, the series promises sweltering conditions with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and a “real feel” exceeding 100 degrees for the afternoon games. Despite the challenges, both teams are looking to start August strong.

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