TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Rays are set to kick off their 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where they will host the Colorado Rockies today at 4:10 p.m. ET. This matchup marks a new chapter for the Rays, as they have been temporarily relocated to the Yankees' spring training home due to significant damage at Tropicana Field caused by Hurricane Milton.
As the season opens, all eyes are on Evan Longoria, the team's veteran third baseman, whose status remains uncertain due to ongoing injury issues. Longoria has been sidelined with a persistent hamstring ailment and has missed several games this season. While he has been participating in light batting practice, the Rays are cautious about his condition. "The last word is that Evan Longoria's hamstring is a little improved, but still, he is experiencing some soreness that happens from pushing off of the ground or running full speed," said a source from the team’s medical staff.
If Longoria is unable to play, Isaac Paredes is expected to step in at third base, as he has done in previous games. The Rays have managed to perform well even with Longoria out, but his leadership and experience are irreplaceable. With the Rockies visiting, the Rays are eager to start the season on a positive note after finishing 2024 with a disappointing 80-82 record, their first under .500 since 2017.
The Rockies, who ended last season with a 61-101 record, are also looking to turn things around. Their best player last year, Ezequiel Tovar, showcased his potential with a .269 batting average, 26 home runs, and a 3.7 fWAR. Meanwhile, veteran players like Kris Bryant and Ryan McMahon are expected to lead the charge as the Rockies aim to improve after six consecutive losing seasons.
In this opening game, the Rays will send Ryan Pepiot to the mound. Pepiot, who had an encouraging first season with a 3.60 ERA and 142 strikeouts in 130 innings, is ready to take on the challenge. He will face Kyle Freeland, the Rockies' Opening Day starter, who is making his club-record fourth start on this day. Freeland has had his ups and downs but is determined to set a higher performance standard for the team this year.
Manager Kevin Cash expressed optimism about the team's transition to their temporary home, stating, "They’re going to a really good spot. I give our guys a lot of credit. I think it’s been dealt head on with positives, rather than negatives." The players seem genuinely excited about the fresh start at Steinbrenner Field, which has a capacity of 11,026 and is located in Tampa, a shift from their previous location in St. Petersburg.
As the Rays prepare to welcome fans to their new ballpark, the atmosphere is electric. The team has adorned the stadium with Rays branding, although remnants of Yankees iconography still remain. This game is particularly significant as it symbolizes hope for the franchise after a tumultuous offseason that saw them pull out of a new stadium deal in St. Petersburg, leaving their future in the region uncertain.
In terms of lineup, the Rays have made some intriguing choices. Curtis Mead will lead off, marking his first career start in the leadoff position. Mead has had an impressive spring training, hitting .524 with a 1.227 OPS, and his performance has earned him a spot in the lineup. The rest of the batting order features Yandy Díaz, Brandon Lowe, Junior Caminero, and Christopher Morel, highlighting the team's blend of youth and experience.
The Rockies, under the leadership of manager Bud Black, are hopeful that their mix of veteran presence and young talent will help them find success. Black emphasized the importance of a winning mentality, saying, "The overall player mentality has to get better. We’ve challenged the players on the mentality that it takes to win. We need that expectation."
As the game approaches, fans are eager to see how both teams will perform under the new circumstances. The Rays are looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage, while the Rockies are determined to prove that they can compete in the National League West.
With the game broadcast on MLB.TV and local radio networks, fans across the country will be tuning in to witness the start of the 2025 season. The Rays are ready to take the field and put their skills to the test against a Rockies team that is equally motivated to improve upon last year's performance.
The first pitch is set to be thrown by Ryan Pepiot, who has shown promise in his previous outings, and the excitement surrounding this game is palpable. Will the Rays rise to the occasion and start their season with a bang? Or will the Rockies find a way to upset the home team? As the action unfolds at Steinbrenner Field, one thing is certain: baseball is back in Tampa, and both teams are eager to make their mark.
