Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation made official

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PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 19: Drew Rasmussen #57 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a photo during the Tampa Bay Rays photo day at Charlotte Sports Park on Thursday, February 19, 2026 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Opening Day is right around the corner the Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation plans have been made official.

We already knew that Drew Rasmussen had been selected as the team’s Opening Day starter but we now know how the rest of the starting rotation will fill out.

Here is the Rays plan every five days

1. Drew Rasmussen
2. Nick Martinez
3. Steven Matz
4. Ryan Pepiot
5. Shane McClanahan

Drew Rasmussen will serve as the team’s ace while newcomers Nick Martinez and Steven Matz file in behind him. Ryan Pepiot will be counted upon to be a workhorse in the rotation early on in the season as both Steven Matz and Shane McClanahan will have their innings limited with Matz transitioning back into a starters role and McClanahan returing from injury.

With the way the schedule works out, this line up Shane McClanahan to be the starting pitcher when the Rays make their highly anticipated return to Tropicana Field on April 6th when they’ll take on the Chicago Cubs. It will be McClanahan’s first time pitching at Tropicana Field since July 22nd, 2023; only three players to suit up for the Rays that day remain with the team, Yandy Diaz, Kevin Kelly, and McClanahan.

Opening Day is just over a week away.

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