Big market MLB teams are struggling. Are the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers facing a crisis?

Jeff Carr and the Locked On MLB Squad analyze the unexpected challenges for baseball's powerhouses. From the New York Mets' shocking collapse to the Los Angeles Dodgers' luxury tax manipulation, the hosts dissect recent performances and financial strategies. The Chicago Cubs' small-market approach comes under fire, while playoff predictions spark heated debate. Sully argues the current MLB economic structure pits "28 teams against the Mets and the Dodgers," potentially leading to future labor disputes.

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The Rays turned Game 3 into a showcase of power and precision, jumping out to an early lead thanks to a first-inning barrage that included a Josh Lowe ground-rule double and Junior Caminero’s thunderous line-drive double. Brandon Lowe added a massive 458-foot homer in the second, and the Rays kept the A’s reeling with timely hitting, aggressive baserunning, and capitalizing on defensive miscues. Drew Rasmussen kept the A’s lineup off balance, while the Rays’ speed on the bases consistently put pressure on the A’s defense.

The A’s struggled to generate momentum, with Lawrence Butler providing the lone highlight with a solo homer and Gio Urshela knocking in a run later in the game. By the ninth, Mason Englert closed out the A’s in style, and the Rays walked away with a dominant 8-2 victory, leaving the A’s to regroup and refocus for the next game in the series.

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5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.

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FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

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The Rays struggled to find momentum early in the game, with their batters consistently falling victim to Lopez's commanding presence on the mound. Tampa Bay's first three innings were marked by strikeouts and weak contact, as Lopez efficiently shut down any potential threats. The Athletics, on the other hand, managed to chip away at Baz's pitching with timely hits, including Thomas's clutch double in the second inning that brought Soderstrom home for an early lead.

As the game progressed, the Athletics capitalized on errors and wild pitches by the Rays to extend their advantage. A pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Butler scored on a catching error by Fortes, followed by Soderstrom's double that drove in another run. Tampa Bay's bats briefly showed signs of life in the fourth inning with a pair of singles from Lowe and Díaz, but they ultimately failed to convert these hits into runs. The Athletics' defense proved impenetrable, consistently shutting down Tampa Bay's attempts to rally.

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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

5-Hour ENERGY Time to fuel up and turn it up with 5-hour ENERGY®️ Transfusion! Go to https://5hourenergy.com today and use my promo code LOCKEDONGOLF to receive 20% off your order. This offer is only valid until September 30th on one order and cannot be used with other promotions. The code is not good on subscription orders.

Supply House Join the TradeMaster program today at SupplyHouse.com/TM and start ordering plumbing, HVAC, and electrical supplies with just a few clicks. Plus, use promo code S-H-5 for 5% off your first order. That’s SupplyHouse.com!

OpenPhone Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at www.openphone.com/lockedonmlb

Gameday Hue Let your colors talk—because colors speak louder than words. Right now, you can get 15% off with code MLB15 at GamedayHue.com.

Monarch Money Take control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONMLB at monarchmoney.com/lockedonmlb for 50% off your first year.

Gametime Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONMLB for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel Right now, new customers can get ONE HUNDRED FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)