Rays Opening Day Roster, Lineups, Rotation & Bullpen

Opening Day for the Tampa Bay Rays is just a day delayed from the majority of the MLB, but it's offically arrived ladies and gentlemen. They will take on the NL West Colorado Rockies as we start the season with a unique interleague play series. Let's glance at the Opening Day roster for the start of the 2025 campaign.

Rays Opening Day Roster

Catchers - Danny Jansen, Ben Rortvedt

The Rays acquired veteran backstop Danny Jansen this offseason to aid in their catching struggles from 2024. Ben Rortvedt was their top performer behind the plate last year, so he'll be a solid backup option throughout the season.

First basemen/Designated hitters - Yandy Diaz, Jonathan Aranda

The front office decided to hold on to their former batting champion as their reliable first baseman this season. Yandy Diaz will be a significant leader in the clubhouse and in the lineup.

Jonathan Aranda will be entering his first Opening Day in the majors and he's certainly earned it, as he finished last season on a tear with six home runs in only 44 games.

Second baseman - Brandon Lowe

Long-time Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe exercised his option for the 2025 season, so he will be a mainstay in the lineup as long as he's healthy. If the 2019 All-Star can play to his potential in a smaller Steinbrenner Field, this will be an exciting year for him.

Shortstop - Taylor Walls

The defense-first middle infielder is looking for a boost in his offensive contribution this season, as he keeps the position warm for former Padres shortstop Ha-Seong Kim. Nonetheless, Taylor Walls will serve as a solid backup if he can tone down the strikeouts.

Third baseman - Junior Caminero

This young star will likely be the most thrilling player to watch in 2025. After an incredible Winter League performance and power show during spring training, Junior Caminero could solidify himself as one of the best young players if he gets off to a hot start.

Outfielders - Josh Lowe, Christopher Morel, Jonny DeLuca, Kameron Misner

Due to a minor injury to Richie Palacios, 27-year old outfielder Kameron Misner will join the roster for a short time. He had an impressive spring, hitting .394 in his 33 at-bats. Speaking of impressive spring trainings, Josh Lowe hit .429 as he seeks a breakout 2025 campaign.

Jonny DeLuca will be the primary center fielder this season as he looks to build off of a great finish in 2024.

Utility men - Curtis Mead, Jose Caballero

The 2024 AL stolen bases leader and the 2025 spring training MVP (if the award existed) will be the Rays key utility players this season. Jose Caballero was the primary shortstop for this club last season, but with the return of Taylor Walls, he's been moved to a more fluid role as he adds outfield to his resume.

Curtis Mead will crack the Opening Day roster after being an on-the-fence guy heading into spring training. His spring was masterful as the Australian native hit a ridiculous .524 in 16 contests.

Starting Rotation - Ryan Pepiot, Zack Littell, Taj Bradley, Drew Rasmussen, Shane Baz

Rays ace Shane McClanahan will unfortunately start this season on the IL after suffering a tricep nerve injury. Hopefully, he's able to return to the rotation soon, but for now, the other five starters can certainly hold down the fort.

Ryan Pepiot will get the nod for Opening Day today as he looks to lead the Rays to a 1-0 start. Another notable starter in the rotation this year is Drew Rasmussen. The veteran hurler is returning from injury and is primed for a great comeback season.

Bullpen - Hunter Bigge, Mason Englert, Mason Montgomery, Kevin Kelly, Garrett Cleavinger, Manuel Rodriguez, Edwin Uceta, Pete Fairbanks

The strongest component of this club is the depth of their bullpen. Led by late-inning relievers Pete Fairbanks and Edwin Uceta, they look to build off of their impressive finish in 2024. New addition Mason Englert is joining the relief core to start the season. His spring allowed him to display a strong fastball and deceiving changeup.

Injured List - Shane McClanahan, Richie Palacios, Nate Lavender, Alex Faedo, Ha-Seong Kim

The five injured players for the beginning of this season will definitely be missed, but most of them will be back before the summer. Rays fans can't wait to see how versatile infielder Ha-Seong Kim will impact this lineup on a day-to-day basis.

Also, Rule 5 pick Nate Lavender could potentially join the bullpen after he recovers from his ailment.

Rays Opening Day Lineup

It was certainly a surprise to see Curtis Mead at the top of today's lineup, but after hearing that they are trying to move Yandy Diaz out of the role, it makes perfect sense. This right-handed heavy lineup should fair well against left-handed starter Kyle Freeland. Pay close attention to the Rays new left fielder Christopher Morel today, as he's homered twice in six at-bats against the Rockies ace.