Rays open critical homestand with series vs. Orioles

(Photo credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports)

The Tampa Bay Rays are about to open a nine-game homestand that figures to play a key role in their quest for an American League wild-card spot.

It starts Friday as they open a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla., against the Baltimore Orioles, who share the AL East lead with the New York Yankees.

The Rays are five games out of the final wild-card spot following a 3-3 r