Rays release first lineup of spring training ahead of opener vs Yankees

The day has finally arrived! The Rays will play their first baseball game of 2025 against the New York Yankees. Despite the drama surrounding his early absence, Marcus Stroman will take the mound for New York in this opener. For the Rays, non-roster invitee Joey Krehbiel will start as he seeks a role as a depth option.

Today's Rays lineup will be intermingled with some big-league starters and prospects. The first five hitters were consistent members of last year's roster as Josh Lowe, Junior Caminero, Jonathan Aranda, Christopher Morel, and Ben Rortvedt round out the top of the order.

J. Lowe is replacing the Rays regular leadoff hitter Yandy Diaz. The left-handed outfielder is a great second option due to his great contact ability and athleticism.

Junior Caminero is coming off of a highlight reel winter with his Dominican League MVP and former top overall prospect status. He will fit in really well in any of the 2-4 spots in this lineup.

Jonathan Aranda will hopefully get consistent playing time this season after missing most of last year with an injury. This spring will be a huge testament to how Kevin Cash decides to employ him this season.

After an underperforming 2024, Christopher Morel is poised to bounce back this season. The utility man is only 25 years old and his power potential is through the roof. The clean-up spot will be a likely landing spot for the former Chicago Cub.

Ben Rortvedt is going to be a solid back-up to veteran Danny Jansen this season. That one-two punch could be one of the best catching tandems that the Rays have had in a long time.

The 6-8 hitters today are non-roster invitees with a real shot to compete for a depth role at the back-end of the season. Top prospects Xavier Isaac and Tre' Morgan are uber-talented, so it will be great seeing how they perform against major league pitching.

Outfielder Kameron Misner is in the 9 spot in the lineup today. The 27-year old will likely be a backup option to Jonny DeLuca in center field this season.

The Yankees lineup looks similar as it also has major leaguers at the top and prospects toward bottom half. It will be interesting to see newcomers Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt in a Yankees uniform this afternoon.