What to know about Rays Spring Training

ST. PETERSBURG -- This will be a different kind of Spring Training for the Rays.

Not different like 2020, when spring was cut short due to COVID-19. Not different like ’21, when many procedures were changed amid the pandemic. And not different like ’22, when clubs sped through an abbreviated schedule following the lockout.

This spring will be unusual for the Rays because of where they will be: Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Tropicana Field, not Charlotte Sports Park. Certain aspects will feel new as they prepare for the major rule changes taking effect this season. And personnel will come and go throughout camp once the World Baseball Classic gets underway.

Besides all that, though, this will be the first “normal” Spring Training since 2019. Here are a few things to look out for after the Rays report:

When is the first workout for pitchers and catchers?
Wednesday, Feb. 15.

What is the date of the first full-squad workout?
Monday, Feb. 20.

Where is the Rays’ facility?
Their longtime Spring Training home remains in Port Charlotte, but they cannot train there this spring due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian. Instead, the Rays’ Major League camp will convene at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, then relocate to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg at the beginning of March.

Tampa Bay’s Minor League camp will be based out of the Disney complex all spring.

When is Fan Fest?
The Rays’ Fan Fest returns to Tropicana Field on Saturday, Feb. 18. It’s a free event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., full of activities for all ages, but all attendees must claim a ticket using the Ballpark App.

Who are some new faces fans should know?
There are only two. Starter Zach Eflin was the Rays’ lone free-agent signing this winter -- albeit a relatively big one at a franchise-record $40 million over three years. He will round out a rotation also featuring Shane McClanahan, Tyler Glasnow, Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen.

The Rays acquired reliever Kevin Kelly, a right-hander with a non-traditional arm angle, during the Rule 5 Draft on the final day of the Winter Meetings. The former Cleveland prospect will compete for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen; if he doesn’t stick, he’ll have to be offered back to the Guardians.

There was some turnover on Tampa Bay’s coaching staff after bench coach Matt Quatraro and field coordinator Paul Hoover joined the Royals and longtime bullpen coach Stan Boroski retired. New to the staff are third-base coach Brady Williams, bullpen coach Jorge Moncada and field coordinator Tomas Francisco.

Who are some of the top prospects invited to Major League camp?
Top prospects Taj Bradley and Curtis Mead were put on the 40-man roster this winter, so they’ll be looking to prove they’re ready to debut this season. Infielder Osleivis Basabe, acquired in the Nathaniel Lowe trade, and rehabbing reliever Colby White will also be in big league camp after being added to the 40-man.

The top-ranked prospects in camp as non-roster invitees will be first baseman Kyle Manzardo, starter Mason Montgomery, outfielders Kameron Misner and Tristan Peters, infielder Ronny Simon and reliever Evan Reifert. Manzardo and Montgomery were the Rays’ Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Year last season, while Reifert is coming off a dominant performance in the Arizona Fall League.

Which players will be participating in the World Baseball Classic?
The Rays have 12 players listed on rosters for the tournament, including Randy Arozarena (Mexico) and Wander Franco (Dominican Republic). Check out the full rosters here. Rays bench coach Rodney Linares will manage the star-studded team from the Dominican.

When is the Rays’ first Grapefruit League game?
Feb. 25 against a split-squad Twins in Fort Myers.

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Rays will play one game at Disney, against the Yankees on Feb. 28, then open their Tropicana Field slate against the Twins on March 2. They have a two-game swing to Florida’s Atlantic coast on March 11-12, playing the Marlins and Mets. There’s only one night game on the schedule: March 21 at the Twins, at 6:05 p.m. ET.

Rays bench coach Rodney Linares will manage the star-studded team from the Dominican Republic.

When is the Rays’ first Grapefruit League game?
Feb. 25 against a split-squad Twins in Fort Myers.

What are a few other notable spring games?
The Rays will play one game at Disney, against the Yankees on Feb. 28, then open their Tropicana Field slate against the Twins on March 2. They have a two-game swing to Florida’s Atlantic coast on March 11-12, playing the Marlins and Mets. There’s only one night game on the schedule: March 21 at the Twins, at 6:05 p.m. ET.

Will the Rays’ games be televised?
Yes, the Rays’ Bally Sports broadcast partner typically airs at least a handful of games and intends to do the same this spring. The broadcast schedule has not yet been released, however.

When is the Rays’ last Grapefruit League game?
March 27 against the Yankees in Tampa.

Will there be any additional exhibitions before the regular season?
No. The Rays have two days off on March 28-29 after their Grapefruit League schedule ends.

What are the details for Opening Day?
The Rays’ 25th anniversary season will begin as their inaugural campaign did: against the Tigers at Tropicana Field. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m. ET on March 30.