The most desirable Opening Day lineup against former Rays' prospect Liberatore

The Rays will open the 2026 season tomorrow against the St. Louis Cardinals. This is always one of the most exciting days for baseball fans, but it must be rather stressful for managers like Kevin Cash. His nearly brand-new roster will be tested in many ways this season, but it seems like the Opening Day lineup is so paramount. It can be very telling about where certain players and the coaching staff stand. Without further ado, here’s our most desirable lineup for the Opening Day matchup against Matthew Liberatore.

Despite a lefty-heavy roster, this lineup features four lefties and five right-handed hitters. Chandler Simpson was reluctantly left out of this projected lineup due to the Cardinals' choice of starting pitcher. Matthew Liberatore is a 26-year-old lefty that will make his first career Opening Day start. Therefore, the lineup should be primarily right-handed to help with matchup potential. There are a few lefties that are essentially lineup locks like All Star infielder Jonathan Aranda and former Orioles All Star Cedric Mullins.

Richie Palacios was chosen to man second base in this mock lineup mostly out of favoritism and unfamiliarity with Ryan Vilade. Gavin Lux would certainly be the starting second baseman regardless of matchups, but his injury came at an unfortunate time. Also, another factor that favors Palacios over Vilade is the fact that Vilade has never made an MLB appearance at second base. Palacios had made 45 appearances at the middle infield position in his career, so he'd be a safer bet for the Opening Day nod.

Ryan Vilade could also be an option for the Rays' starting right fielder on Opening Day, but we gave Jake Fraley the advantage here as the 30-year-old outfielder had a fantastic spring. He hit .321 with one home run off of Phillies lefty Jesus Luzardo. This no-doubt blast may have proved to Kevin Cash that he's worthy of starting against a left-handed pitcher on Opening Day.

Opening Day against the Cardinals will be played at 4:15pm ET and will be a thrilling contest as 2025 All Star Drew Rasmussen will take on former Rays' top prospect Matthew Liberatore. Tampa Bay will showcase their star corner infielders Yandy Diaz and Junior Caminero, while St. Louis will sport their No. 1 prospect JJ Wetherholt.