Bunt And Run: Small Ball Coming Up Huge For Tampa Bay Rays

BusinessSportsMoneyBunt And Run: Small Ball Coming Up Huge For Tampa Bay RaysByTom Layberger,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about college football and sports in the Tampa Bay region.Follow AuthorMay 17, 2026, 06:00am EDTST. PETERSBURG, FL - Cedric Mullins of the Tampa Bay Rays bunts against the Miami Marlins during the sixth inning at Tropicana Field on May 16, 2026 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)Getty ImagesBefore four innings were in the books Friday evening at Tropicana Field, the Rays laid down four bunts against the Marlins. Cedric Mullins was responsible for two of them, both perfectly placed balls resulting in base hits. Two batters after his second such hit, in the fourth inning, Taylor Walls drove him home with, yes, a bunt.“Those two bunts that Cedric executed, you can’t defend them,” said Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash, whose team is not only reinvigorating what many would say has long been the lost art of bunting, but thus far in 2026 has shortened the field and made opposing pitchers and defenses uncomfortable while compiling the American League’s best record.In fact, according to Baseball Reference, the Rays headed into Saturday’s play leading the American League and second in MLB (Milwaukee, 15) in bunt singles with 12. They also led the majors in sacrifice bunts with 17. Though the club’s success with the small ball may not seem as sexy as the long ball, there is no lack of momentum built as a result.“Bunting is not necessarily the easiest thing to do, so guys get hyped when they see a successful one," said Mullins, who leads the Rays with five bunt hits. "It can be a rally starter for sure, so we have to continue to look for those opportunities and take advantage of them.”Of course, it helps to have team speed. “It definitely can, and it’s certainly played a role in us scoring runs this season,” said Cash, when asked about momentum his team has built...