7 Baseball Players who Played for Athletics and Rays
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played on both the Athletics and Rays.
Scott Kazmir
Scott Kazmir, who pitched from 2004 to 2020, is best known for his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. Kazmir had a fluctuating career, compiling 108 wins and a 4.02 ERA, and striking out over 1600 batters.
He was a three-time All-Star (Rays, A’s) and led the American League in strikeouts with 239 in 2007.
Known for his high-velocity fastball and tenacious pitching style, Kazmir was a standout left-handed pitcher during his prime. His career saw remarkable comebacks after multiple injuries, including a notable return to the Major Leagues in 2021 after a five-year absence.
Carlos Pena
Carlos Peña, who played from 2001 to 2014, made his mark as a first baseman primarily with the Tampa Bay Rays. However, Pena also had stops at 7 other clubs including the Tigers, Rangers, Royals, Red Sox, A’s, Cubs and Astros.
Known for his power-hitting ability, Peña accumulated over 1100 hits, 286 home runs and went over 100 RBIs 3 times in a season (Rays). He had a standout season in 2007, when he hit .282 with 46 homers and 121 RBIs, earning him the Silver Slugger Award and Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Pena won a Gold Glove in 2008 and was also an All-Star in 2009 (both with Rays).
Jason Isringhausen
Jason Isringhausen, a commanding presence from 1995 to 2012, is best known for his time as a closer with the Athletics and Cardinals. However, he also spent time with the Mets, Rays and Angels.
Isringhausen was a major player in the bullpen, notching more than 300 saves in his career, with his best season in 2004 when he saved 47 games for the Cardinals.
He was a two-time All-Star and was instrumental in the Cardinals’ success during his tenure, including their 2006 World Series win.
Jonny Gomes
Jonny Gomes, who played from 2003 to 2015, is best known for his time as an outfielder with the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox.
In his 13-year career, Gomes accumulated over 800 hits, hit 162 home runs, and maintained a .242 career batting average. A key figure in the clubhouse, he was part of the 2013 World Series-winning Red Sox team and is remembered for his pivotal home run in Game 4 of the series.
His best season came in 2005 with the Rays when he hit .282 with 21 home runs and 54 RBIs.
Ben Zobrist
Ben Zobrist, a versatile player renowned for his switch-hitting capabilities and his ability to play multiple positions, spent 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 2005 to 2019.
He began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and was later a key figure in championship teams for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 and the Chicago Cubs in 2016. In his career, Zobrist batted .266 with 167 home runs and 768 RBIs.
He was also selected to the All-Star team three times (Rays, Cubs) and won the World Series Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2016 when he hit a crucial RBI double in Game 7 to help the Cubs win their first championship since 1908.
Rich Hill
Rich Hill is an Immaculate Grid beast. The left-handed pitcher has played for 13 different clubs over his incredible 19-year career – one that is still ongoing as I’m writing this (he’s currently pitching with the Padres).
Hill’s MLB journey began when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2002. After making his major league debut in 2005, he had initial success with the Cubs, particularly in 2007 when he had a standout season. However, injuries, inconsistency, and command issues led to him bouncing around the minors and various MLB teams for several years.
After refining his pitching approach and mechanics, he experienced a career resurgence starting in 2015. At an age when many players see diminished returns, Hill became one of the most effective starters in baseball. This late-career renaissance led to stints with the Red Sox, Athletics, Dodgers, Twins, and Rays.
Matt Joyce
Matt Joyce carved out a notable career as a power-hitting outfielder and designated hitter in the majors from 2008 to 2021. He saw action with several teams, most notably the Tampa Bay Rays.
Joyce posted a career batting average of .242, hit 149 home runs, and drove in 503 runs over his career. He earned an All-Star selection with the Rays in 2011 when he had his most productive offensive season, hitting .277 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs.
