With Grapefruit League action ending yesterday, the Rays return to Tampa and Tropicana Field today, taking on division opponent and home run kings, the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Rays finished the spring with a most unusual 14-14-2 record, winning plenty of games later in the spring after starting out rather cold. Meanwhile, perhaps as a sign of the meaninglessness of Spring Training records, the Blue Jays finished the spring with a dandy 16-13 record, despite expectations they will finish in one of the bottom two slots of the AL East Division.
Jeff Niemann will toe the mound today for the Rays. Neimann was the Rays number four starter last year, but despite Matt Garza's depature via a trade to the Chicago Cubs, Niemann remains the fourth starter behind the recently promoted Wade Davis.
Opposing Niemann will be Blue Jays pitcher Jo Jo Reyes, entering his sixth appearance of a strong spring.
Meanwhile, the Rays manager Joe Maddon has promised a much different lineup from yesterday's half minor league squad, assuring fans the Rays top position players will not only take the field today, but play a lion's share of the game.
First Pitch: 4:05 p.m. ET
Radio: 620 WDAE
TV: MLB.tv