ST. PETERSBURG -- As the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, the Rays find themselves in an interesting position.
While they are playing their best baseball of the season, they entered Sunday's action 11 games behind in the American League Wild Card. Thus, Tampa Bay would seem to be inclined to trade veteran players who might help contending teams.
Players who fit that bill include Chris Archer, Adeiny Hechavarria, Nathan Eovaldi, Wilson Ramos, Sergio Romo, and Chaz Roe.
Rays manager Kevin Cash was asked about the coming month that will be filled with rumors about Rays players getting traded elsewhere.
"I don't think it will affect the team, just given what's taken place from Spring Training to this point," Cash said. "They've already made some big trades and moves, so I think a lot of the players are understanding of what the situation is.
"Saying that, I would imagine our front office will do what they always do, and that's look to do what's best for the organization going forward. With that, difficult decisions always have to come. But they always have an eye on what's going on right now and also the future."
Worth noting
• Kevin Kiermaier twice hit the artificial surface hard on different plays Saturday. The Rays' center fielder had the day off on Sunday, but it wasn't due to injury.

"I wanted to give him the day [off]," Cash said. "He wasn't too keen on it, and I think he came to his senses and maybe thought it was the best. He took two pretty good falls yesterday.
"He goes full-go 100 percent of the time. So a full day [off] won't hurt him. ... He was going to get a day soon, but I think that added to it. He hasn't had a day off since he came back [off the disabled list on June 19], other than an off-day."
• Archer (left abdominal strain) will make his first rehab start on Tuesday for Class A Advanced Charlotte against Fort Myers (Twins). The plan will call for the right-hander to throw four innings, or 65 pitches.
• Jake Faria (left oblique strain) threw a bullpen session on Sunday.
• During their recent treacherous stretch of their schedule, the Rays have gone 5-0 in games started by Cy Young Award-winning pitchers.