What observers say
The Tampa Bay Rays start the season versus the St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday at 4:15 p.m. ET, at Busch Stadium. This highly anticipated matchup marks the beginning of the 2026 MLB season, with both teams eager to set the tone for the year ahead.
On the mound, Drew Rasmussen will take the start for the Rays, while the Cardinals will counter with Matthew Liberatore. Both pitchers are expected to play pivotal roles in their teams’ early success, but they will face challenges as several key players are sidelined due to injuries.
The Rays will be without Taylor Walls and Gavin Lux, both on the 10 Day IL with oblique and shoulder injuries, respectively. Additionally, Edwin Uceta and Ryan Pepiot are on the 15 Day IL, while Manuel Rodriguez and Steven Wilson are out for 60 days due to elbow and back issues. This leaves the Rays with a thinner roster as they begin their campaign.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals are also dealing with injury setbacks, including Hunter Dobbins on the 15 Day IL with a knee issue and Lars Nootbaar on the 60 Day IL due to heel problems. These injuries could significantly impact both teams’ performance as they strive for a strong start.
Last season, Junior Caminero finished with an impressive 159 hits while batting .264, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Rays. Yandy Diaz also had a standout season, finishing with a slash line of .300/.366/.482 and an .848 OPS, making him a player to watch in this opening game.
The St. Louis Cardinals open the 2026 season at home as they launch a rebuild, hosting the Tampa Bay Rays at Busch Stadium. This game not only marks the beginning of the season but also a new chapter for the Cardinals as they look to rebuild and reestablish themselves in the league.
As the game approaches, observers are eager to see how both teams will adapt to their injury challenges and what strategies they will employ to secure an early victory. The excitement in the air is palpable, and fans are ready to rally behind their teams as they kick off the new season.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any last-minute roster changes or player updates, but the anticipation for this matchup continues to grow.
