“Yandy Diaz’s bat and Drew Rasmussen’s arm lead the Rays to an Opening Day win over the Cardinals,” said analyst Naessens, highlighting the pivotal roles both players are expected to play in today’s matchup.
The Tampa Bay Rays are set to kick off their 2026 season against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, MO, today at 4:15 p.m. ET. Drew Rasmussen will take the mound for the Rays, coming off a strong season where he posted a sub-3.00 ERA.
On the other side, the Cardinals will counter with Matthew Liberatore, who is looking to make a significant impact in this early-season clash. The stakes are high as both teams aim to start the season on a winning note.
However, the Rays will be without several key players due to injuries. Taylor Walls and Gavin Lux are both on the 10-Day IL, while Edwin Uceta and Ryan Pepiot are sidelined for 15 days. Additionally, Manuel Rodriguez and Steven Wilson are on the 60-Day IL.
The Cardinals are also facing challenges, with Hunter Dobbins on the 15-Day IL and Lars Nootbaar out for 60 days due to heel injuries. These injuries could play a crucial role in the game’s outcome.
Despite these setbacks, the Rays are favored with a moneyline of -122, reflecting confidence in their ability to secure a victory. The Cardinals have struggled recently, hitting the moneyline in only 46 of their last 106 games, resulting in a -15% ROI.
Last season, the Rays showcased their speed on the bases, setting a franchise record with 194 stolen bases, the best in MLB. This aggressive style of play could be a decisive factor in today’s game.
As the teams prepare for this highly anticipated matchup, fans are eager to see how the injuries will affect both lineups and whether the Rays can capitalize on their strong pitching and offensive capabilities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute changes to the rosters, but both teams are ready to compete fiercely for an early-season win.