The Tampa Bay Rays are set to host the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 31, 2025, at George M. Steinbrenner Field, marking the start of a three-game series between these two teams. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. EDT, and fans can catch the action live on MLB.TV, KDKA AM/FM, and SportsNet-PIT.
The Rays enter this matchup with a record of 2-1, having recently secured two victories against the Colorado Rockies. Conversely, the Pirates are looking to bounce back from a tough start to their season, having lost three of their first four games to the Miami Marlins, all by a single run. This has left the Pirates with a 1-3 record, placing them 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.
For the Pirates, this series is crucial as they attempt to find their footing after a rocky start. Manager Derek Shelton has made some adjustments to the lineup, moving right-handed pitcher Carmen Mlodzinski from the bullpen to the starting rotation due to an injury to Jared Jones. Mlodzinski will make his season debut against the Rays, a significant opportunity for the young pitcher who was selected by the Pirates in the 2020 draft.
Tommy Pham, a veteran outfielder who signed with Pittsburgh this offseason, will lead off for the Pirates for the third time this season, playing in left field. Bryan Reynolds, another key player, will serve as the designated hitter, hitting second in the lineup. The Pirates are also looking forward to having Oneil Cruz and Joey Bart back in the starting lineup, hitting third and fourth, respectively. Ke'Bryan Hayes, who missed the previous series, is back in the lineup at third base, hitting sixth.
On the mound for the Rays will be Drew Rasmussen, who has been a standout pitcher since his debut in 2021. Rasmussen boasts the second-lowest ERA in all of baseball since June 19, 2021, among pitchers with at least 270 innings pitched. Last season, he made a limited return after recovering from multiple elbow surgeries, posting a 2.83 ERA across 16 appearances.
Rasmussen’s performance will be pivotal for the Rays as they aim to maintain their early-season momentum. The Pirates, on the other hand, will rely on Mlodzinski to deliver a strong performance in his first start of the year, as he has shown promise in the bullpen over the past two seasons.
In their previous encounters, the Rays have had a favorable history against the Pirates, with players like Harold Ramirez showcasing impressive offensive numbers. However, with the Pirates hoping to turn their season around, this series could provide an opportunity for both teams to make a statement early in the season.
As the Pirates look to recover from their recent setbacks, they will need to capitalize on every opportunity against a formidable Rays team. The stakes are high as both teams aim to solidify their positions early in the season.
In addition to the individual matchups, the series will also be a test of strategy and adaptability for both managers. The Rays will be looking to exploit any weaknesses in the Pirates' lineup, while the Pirates must find a way to overcome their recent struggles and secure victories.
With the season still in its infancy, every game counts, and both teams are aware of the importance of getting off to a strong start. The Pirates will be eager to prove that they can compete in the NL Central, while the Rays aim to establish themselves as a force in the AL East.
As the game approaches, fans can expect an electric atmosphere at George M. Steinbrenner Field, with both teams eager to make their mark early in the 2025 season. The excitement is palpable, and the outcome of this series could set the tone for the weeks to come.
In conclusion, the Pirates and Rays face off in a crucial early-season series that promises to deliver drama and excitement. With both teams looking to improve their records, this matchup is not to be missed.
