ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The possibility of a split Rays season between Montreal and Tampa Bay could get a closer look this week.

According to Spectrum Bay News 9’s partner newspaper the Tampa Bay Times, the Rays plan to seek approval from Major League Baseball's executive council to transition the plan from an exploratory phase to a structured pursuit.

Right now, the Rays are exploring the idea of an open-air stadium in Ybor City to house the team during the first-half of home games.

The plan would then call for the Rays to spend the second half of its season playing at an open air stadium in Montreal.

At a Tiger Bay luncheon last week, Rays President Brian Auld spoke about the plan, stadium costs and message that the split-city plan may be the only way to keep the team in Tampa Bay.

The Rays are contractually tied to Tropicana Field through the 2027 season.