The Tampa Bay Rays wrap up August at home on Monday, August 31, 2026, hosting the New York Mets at Tropicana Field for a 6:40 PM ET first pitch. Ian Seymour gets the ball for Tampa Bay opposite New York's Robert Stock. It is a regular season matchup that gives the Rays a chance to build on their work at home under the dome, and any ground gained — or lost — against a Mets club that travels with its own postseason ambitions makes Monday night meaningful in the standings picture.

Probable Pitchers: Ian Seymour vs. Robert Stock

Seymour draws the start for the Rays. The left-hander has been part of Tampa Bay's pitching pipeline and gets a marquee home opportunity on the final night of August. How deep he can go and how effectively he commands the strike zone will set the tone early for a Rays offense that needs run support to be competitive.

Robert Stock gets the nod for the Mets. Stock has experience in a variety of roster roles, and the Rays will look to work counts early, get him into trouble, and force New York's bullpen into action. Tampa Bay has historically done damage by wearing down opposing pitching staffs, and that approach will be worth watching Monday night.

Keys to Watch at Tropicana Field

• Seymour's command: The Rays need their starter to limit free passes and keep the Mets' lineup from stringing together big innings. A clean first few frames sets the tone.
• Offensive patience: Working counts against Stock and getting into New York's bullpen early is central to how Tampa Bay manufactures offense.
• Bullpen management: If Seymour exits early, the depth of the Rays' relief corps becomes the story. Matching zeros late in a close game is where Tampa Bay can win or lose it.
• Home environment: Tropicana Field crowds can generate genuine energy in a close game, and the Rays have used the familiar dome setting to their advantage throughout the season.

Prediction

This one figures to be a pitcher's duel early, with both starters working through lineups that can punish mistakes. Seymour's ability to execute his pitch mix in a home setting is an advantage, and the Rays' approach at the plate should give them a chance to score first. Tampa Bay wins a close one, 3-2, in a game that comes down to which bullpen blinks first late in regulation.

Catch the game on Rays.TV locally or SNY for Mets fans, with radio coverage on WDAE 95.7 FM. First pitch from Tropicana Field is set for 6:40 PM ET on Monday, August 31.