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3 key takeaways from Rays' Opening Day

ByMason Stacy|
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Mar 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; A general view as the Budweiser Clydesdales trot around the field before an opening day game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
Mar 26, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; A general view as the Budweiser Clydesdales trot around the field before an opening day game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Wow. There's no words for this one. Rays' fans, it's only the first game and we're going to break down the good and the bad from this frustrating Opening Day. Congrats to the Cardinals on a hard fought victory.

1. The bullpen needs another look

Ian Seymou
Mar 6, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Ian Seymour (61) throws a pitch during the third inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

The Rays opened the season with three key relievers on the IL as Edwin Uceta, Manuel Rodgriguez, and Steven Wilson are all recovering with hopes of a 2026 return. Therefore, the bullpen certainly has some kinks and after last night, we may need to address some issues.

After putting up six runs in the sixth inning to take a commanding 7-1 lead, the Tampa Bay bullpen immediately blew the game against a below-average offense. Ian Seymour had an awful start to his sophomore campaign as he gave up five runs without recording an out. The (usually) trusted Garrett Cleavinger gave up two more runs in 0.1 innings of work which led to the game being tied 7-7. It was a deflating inning to say the least and the Cardinals put the icing on top with a go-ahead homer by Alec Burleson.

There are a few possible ways to fix this problem if he becomes a recurring issue. The 40-man roster includes some viable left-handed arms with major league experience in Cam Booser and Joe Rock. Both of these hurlers could replace Seymour in a heartbeat if his nightmare beginning continues.

2. Jonathan Aranda is still an All Star

Jonathan Arand
Sep 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Jonathan Aranda (62) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run against the Toronto Blue Jays in the third inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images | Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

This guy just won't stop hitting. After an All-Star season that saw him hit .316 with 14 home runs, Aranda has come out with a vengeance for his second straight year as an everyday starter. He has more than earned this role over the last few years and last night proved that even more. The 27-year-old infielder went 2-for-4 with a home run and 2 RBIs to begin his 2026 chapter.

3. Ben Williamson should be an everyday player

Ben Williamso
Mar 17, 2026; Port Charlotte, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Ben Williamson (15) reaches first on a ground out to second rbi against the New York Yankees in the fifth inning during spring training at Charlotte Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

When the word "utility" gets thrown around, it normally doesn't mean the player will be in the lineup on a daily basis. However, after a few injuries to key infielders, Ben Williamson was an easy entry into the Opening Day lineup. The former Mariners' rookie proved to the fanbase that he is the real deal. It's easy to overlook a spring that included a .348 batting average and three homers, but Williamson followed it up with a 3-for-4 Opening Day performance. It will be an exciting season for the 25-year-old infielder, and we hope to see him in the lineup very often.

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