The Tampa Bay Rays need both self-help and outside assistance to improve their flickering American League wild-card hopes.

Might third baseman Junior Caminero also suggest some metaphorical decapitation?

"We have 19 games left," Caminero said. "We just have to come play hard and take everybody's head off."

The Rays will aim to regroup for the stretch run Tuesday when they begin a three-game road series against the Chicago White Sox (55-89).

Tampa Bay (71-72) lost the final three games of a four-game weekend set against the Cleveland Guardians and were four games behind the Seattle Mariners for the third AL wild card entering Monday. Texas, Kansas City and Cleveland are ahead of Tampa Bay in a crowded race.

"We're fortunate to have put ourselves in a position where we are within striki

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