TAMPA, Fla. — It’s Opening Day for the Tampa Bay Rays. 

Tampa Bay is set to open its 26th season Thursday, hosting Detroit at Tropicana Field. And for the 17th straight season (not counting the 2020 COVID year), the Rays will play in front of a sold-out crowd for its home opener. 

And as is the norm in recent years, another post-season run is anticipated from the Rays. 

Despite a third-place finish in the AL East a season ago, the Rays still managed to secure a playoff spot, their fourth straight playoff appearance – including a World Series trip to conclude the COVID-shortened 2020 season. 

Navigating the toughest division in baseball will again be key for the Rays, if returning to the World Series and winning a crown are in the cards. 

Since 2014, every team in the AL East has won the division crown at least once, with the Rays taking the division title in 2020 and 2021. 

Despite its success the past several years, Tampa Bay has continually had to deal with the injury bug. 

It’s already bitten again, even before the ’23 campaign has started. Starting pitcher Tyler Glasnow is expected to be out until May due to an oblique strain, and shortstop Wander Franco is dealing with a quad issue that may keep him limited to start the year. 

Last season, the team made the postseason despite injuries to Franco (limited to 83 games) and second baseman Brandon Lowe (65 games). 

Glasnow missed almost the whole season with Tommy John surgery and Shane McClanahan finished sixth in the Cy Young vote despite his own shoulder problems. 

Outfielder Kevin Kiermaier, infielder Ji-Man Choi and catcher Mike Zunino are gone from last season’s team, but at this point the Rays have earned the benefit of the doubt that they can withstand losses like that and still win. 

OPENING DAY VS. THE TIGERS

Shane McClanahan, the AL All-Star Game starter from last year, will take the mound for Tampa Bay on Opening Day. He’ll face off against Eduardo Rodriguez, Detroit’s lefty ace who has had a strong spring training. 

McClanahan likely will be backed by Franco (if given the MRI all-clear) and Isaac Paredes at SS and 3B and Yandy Diaz and Brandon Lowe at 1B and 2B. 

Randy Arozarena (LF), Manuel Margot (RF) and Jose Siri will be in the outfield with Harold Ramirez starting the season as DH and Christian Bethancourt doing the catching. 

First pitch is at 3:10 p.m.   

Prior to the home opener, former Rays pitcher James Shields will symbolically retire as a Ray and throw out the Ceremonial First Pitch.

WHAT’S NEW AT THE TROP? 

The Rays have announced new fan experiences for the 2023 season, including checkout-free concessions at many locations, upgraded videoboards and new food and beverage items. 

The Short Stop at the Budweiser Porch utilizes high resolution camera technology and shelf sensors to eliminate the checkout process and dramatically reduce wait times. Fans validate a payment type upon entry into the store, grab what they want and exit the store — without waiting in line. 

The Rays have also upgraded their main and side display videoboards to full 10mm HD displays. 

GRAB A BALLPARK PASS 

Fans can experience an unlimited amount of Rays baseball all season long with a ballpark pass.  

For $49 a month, Rays fans can access every 2023 regular season home game with no blackout dates. 

Tickets are standing room only with an option to purchase a guest pass. 

The team also is offering a full season pass for $249.

Click here for individual and season-long ticket information.