Add The New York Post on Google The Rays clinched a playoff berth in the most dramatic fashion you could imagine.
Yandy Diaz celebrated in maybe the most unusual way you could imagine.
Tampa Bay locked up a spot in the 2026 MLB postseason with a walk-off home run Friday night, as slugger Junior Caminero mashed a two-run homer to give the Rays a 3-1 win over the Astros at Tropicana Field.
The Rays’ celebration on the field was normal enough, with the usual fanfare at home plate as Caminero circled the bases at a loud and jubilant Tropicana Field.
But in the raucous clubhouse after the win, things took a wild turn when Diaz was spotted carrying and eating a tomahawk steak.
Yandy Diaz celebrating the Rays’ playoff berth. Talkin' Baseball/X Diaz explained to one reporter why he had the steak: “Protein … for my biceps.”
An All-Star this year for the second time in his career, maybe Diaz is on to something.
Entering Saturday, he led the American League with 171 hits and had a .303/368/.467 slash line. He has also belted 22 home runs, which is three off the career-best he hit last season.
Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Yandy Diaz (2) flies out to Houston Astros center fielder Daulton Varsho (18) at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, Sept. 11, 2026. NurPhoto via Getty Images The Rays, after a two-year absence, are heading back to the playoffs.
However, whether they still get a wild-card round bye is still a question.
The Rays have an AL-best 88 wins but enter Saturday just three games ahead of the Yankees in the East division race, which is still very much up for grabs.
The two teams will play a four-game series in The Bronx during the final week of the season, which could determine who wins the division and who is playing as a wild-card entrant.
“Look, the job’s not finished,” Diaz told reporters after the win. “We still have a big title in mind with winning the division.”
